Restoration 1974 FORD F250 | Restoring The Swamp Dragon! Abandoned FORD Truck Resurrection Rescue!

[@Jeffrose_]

Wow. So much stuff behind the dashboard. It was old and dirty back there. Love the bull horns.

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Jeff! 😁

[@Mikefngarage]

3:25 BEST STATEMENT OF THE DAY....."I didn't break anything"......Good job.....

[@nicholaskorner2258]

Swamp dragon brought me to this channel.... That's a lot of work... Will be an excellent truck when its done... Keep it up... 👍

[@PapiDoesIt]

Save the wiring connectors. I replaced the entire wiring harness on my D-100 with an aftermarket kit, but it didn't come with the original fancy connectors. It was easy to solder and shrink wrap them onto the new wire. Plan your work and work your plan.

[@matthewpayne5681]

I'll never tell someone how to spend their money but think a new wiring harness would be a good investment and a piece of mind

[@elizabethmtz8637]

Gbuf

[@lifescomplacencies5220]

Been here since day one of the swamp dragon. Can’t wait to see it done!! As I’m sure you feel the same Ha! Keep em comin!

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Rob! =)

[@kevinanderson705]

Love the Kent Rollins cooking/bbq music!!! Good job man!!!! Love watching a project come together!

[@dekoldrick]

A good way to keep track of where the wires go is to put some masking tape around them and label where they came from.

[@dekoldrick]

@@jd46800 Yeah. I made that comment before the part of the video where he pull all the wires out already so it's too late for that.

[@PapiDoesIt]

The original wires are brittle anyway.

[@rone4220]

Good job CT! We’re putting our 1976 Highboy cab back together now. It’s really not that bad. Just remember the order it all came apart (wipers go in first then the heater/ac ducting ect ect). You’ll get it- just don’t get discouraged!! We really enjoy watching your videos👍👍

[@alfonso80689]

Hi my friend, a lot of work ahead .keep It Up. Good day.

[@edwardmenees5462]

She's going to be beautiful when your done I love these trucks

[@Israelv1974]

CT you got this . It's a lot of work. Well at least you are having a lot of fun doing it. Love love the Bull Horns . Don't give up on the swamp dragon no matter how hard it get I believe in you.

[@brucenixon6055]

Take the whole metal dash frame off, can't be too many bolts holding it in now. Then you will be able to access that top Philips screw.

[@Scrapy-ih7ob]

I said that in the last video even explained how easy it was too remove. it's latterly Few screws on forward dash and two nuts whole thing comes out, plus way easier to remove the dash that way. those 10 nut under side are bit difficult in few places.

[@brucenixon6055]

@@Scrapy-ih7ob maybe he does not read the comments...

[@nicholasbrown6481]

It's not too many, I just pulled mine. I cringe when he starts talking about cutting or drilling...

[@drscrib99]

I can't stop thinking how hard it is going to be to put everything back properly. You've got to be some kind of genius.

[@Doogie_Causey]

When I Disassemble Something, I Take Lots Of Pictures. Hopefully He Can Use The Videos To Figure Out How To Re Assemble The Truck

[@100texan2]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 really?

[@simonturner10]

Alot of it is just common sense and working methodically, its not as hard as he makes it look and plenty of photos help relocate stuff back in when the cab is prepped

[@100texan2]

@@simonturner10 does it look like he’s working methodically or someone that is stripping a car in a junkyard ?

[@simonturner10]

@@100texan2 No admittedly his method is a little slapdash and unorthadox but the wiring loom is actually pretty straight forward so laying it out in the cab it should be relatively straight forward as to where everything goes, its actually one job I enjoy doing and find it quite theraputic to clean all the connectors and re wrap the looms as they go back in ending up with a really nice clean and neat job. But thats just me.

[@AccordingToGoat]

A week ago I was 75% sure the dragon was going to run again. This week I’m 75% sure it will not

[@CTmoog]

🤣

[@rogercarrico4975]

My Uncle was one of 9 siblings. Lived on and depended on the farm. For food and cash back in the 1940's They had some kind of old tractor. My Uncle ( like 16 at the time) decided he would fix it. Tore the engine apart. His Dad walked up. Shook his head. Said there want be any farming this year. Walked off😂🤣 He was wrong. Thankfully 👍

[@calsand6]

@@rogercarrico4975 He sure was lucky

[@charlieretro]

In time it will you got to remember he has other things going on in his life then just this truck.

[@neil6212]

The D3TB-------- part number is for the dash pad. Maybe you can order one, but you'll probably want to look for one aftermarket. For wires that have taken a "set" and aren't too flexible any more, apply a little heat with a heat gun, or simply set the whole thing out in the sun. If you really feel the need to protect it (please note that GM uses an entirely different wire specification) you can sleeve the individual wires with clear heat shrink tubing. I have a massive amount of it on hand, as I've restored many in the past.

[@CTmoog]

Good Tips Neil! I'm going to try and save it if I can. I don't really have $800 to spend on a new one....

[@GMC6969]

For noise and soundproofing go with Lizard skin product or the sheets of sound deadner that will keep you nice and cool in the heat. and quiet! Not a lot of money for the payoff and returns down the road!! And as for the rot in the front yes there is panels and pieces! Change it you come this far!! That is structural as well designed for a purpose!

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Mike! I will do that! 👍😎👍

[@tomcrotty1498]

As a youngster just out of the Navy I got a job at a Jeep dealer. One job was to replace the wiring in a wagoneer that caught fire under the dash. Couple of days with factory schematic. Real pain. Harness is pricy but worth it in the long run. Doors. I’d remove them to clean around the hinges. Can corners should be replaced. A lot of money. Easy for people to give advice to buy when they don’t have your budget. Lol. You’re doing fine. Keep it up.

[@pauljohnson4846]

Start working on the frame get the suspension in order to make the frame a roller it makes the job go faster and the job easier all set up

[@eugenesbackyardrepair4593]

I'm excited to see you post a video. Not because of content but because of determination to get it done even if the wrong or hard way. You never give up and if you do break it you replace what you broke. We've all been there and we've all done stuff wrong way. Rock on and finish her up.

[@maxiestevanflores]

Excelente trabajo! Voy siguiendo esta restauración, a medida que avanza con el proyecto.

[@CTmoog]

Thank you! =)

[@Mechanic_kid]

Keep workin CT! You got this! Very inspiring what you're doing!

[@kellychildress8554]

Watching you is making me want to take apart my 79 f250 and it's in good shape, very interesting cant I'm enjoying these videos

[@CTmoog]

Go for it! =) Thank you!

[@jamesmcgraw9570]

One of the things I learned along the way. As you pull things (cables, wires) out through hidden or enclosed areas; pull a nylon string in as you pull things out. Like the dome light.

[@larrymedley3948]

That old wire is brittle and bad will cause lots of problems later get a painless wiring harness

[@neil6212]

Painless is a relative term. The pain comes with the price, which is as I remember it around $800. I can do a lot of restoration of the harness for that money. It isn't my first rodeo!

[@AndysDogHouse]

Hey CT. I like that you are making verbal notes as to where things go. It sure makes it go together next year or whenever. I sprayed a rust converter everywhere I saw any sign of rust. It's going to be nice when you are finished. Thanks for sharing.

[@glennporteous8755]

You can also upgrade your wiper system to have intermittent wipers, you just need the switch and reley box, it all ties into the harness with plugs

[@georgeclontd4984]

Wow. Looks much better. Congrats.

[@billcleveland9995]

Painless 12 circuit or 16 circuit universal harness

[@joshuacooper4329]

So far you doing an excellent job bro,one day at a time,at the end everyone wants it, God bless you bro,

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Dash cover is totally saveable. Get a Vinyl repair kit. It will look like new with new paint

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Tim! I will try that.

[@iamhutt]

Hey Ct, good to see the Swamp Dragon progressing so well. Still can't wait until you have time to get back to Rusty. Take care, as always, Guy from Oz.

[@rolfschulz9651]

Unless i missed something what is actually progressing here for instance i see 2 big holes in the floor of the truck !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mfcjr1]

You are doing great. Keep it going. I agree with dealing with the bed later.

[@GettingNervous]

32:52 Seems that it is made out of mouse fur. Ask Mustie1, he is the specialist for mouse nests and all that stuff 😂

[@REMBRANTTUBE]

I liked seeing the Ice Scraper doing something in Florida!! ☀️☀️☀️

[@CTmoog]

Many uses yet to be discovered! =)

[@REMBRANTTUBE]

@@CTmoog you’re doing a fantastic job on the truck!! I’m proud of you! 🎸🎤🔈🥁🎵🎶 (I’m the FOH Sound Guy From Connecticut) 😎

[@CTmoog]

@@REMBRANTTUBE Thanks man!

[@garyberg3075]

Hi CT i always use peanut butter jars to keep hardware in say all the windshield wiper screws then I labeled the jar I had 25 or 30 jars they don't break if dropped

[@kevin46942]

Hi Ct: You should replace the wiper motor with a brand new one .

[@100texan2]

He should replace the whole truck with a new one.

[@kevin46942]

@@100texan2 it can be 100 Percent completed !!

[@100texan2]

@@kevin46942 you can fix anything if you pour enough money into it. The bottom line is if he ever tries to sell that truck he’ll never make any money on it. That’s just the way it is with old vehicles. It’s just a labor of love.

[@RedWingsninetyone]

@@100texan2 I don't think selling it was his goal

[@bigears4426]

I've noticed that when people help the job goes well , and when your by yourself not much happens

[@joemode101]

Maybe you should have the cab dipped to clean out all rust that you can’t get to

[@juliangriffiths7298]

Great stuff. That harness is toast. Go Painless. You're going to have to spend but it'll be an investment.

[@glennporteous8755]

Lmc truck has lots of patch panels, if you’ve gone this far, why not make it perfect?

[@kevin46942]

Hi Ct: you need to complete the job 100 percent !!

[@marketmalc]

Watching you take all of that out was really interesting but you putting it all back .....that's going to be another problem!! I have no doubt that you can do it but it's a good job that you filmed it.

[@1244taylor]

Man I would hate to be the guy who has to put this all back together again.. good luck,,,

[@GoodOldMike]

CT, for the drain hole area and the little patch area in the back of the cab, i would suggest you take those as opportunities to fabricate your own patches, etc. they will not be seen and you can gain some skills in the process. that's what I would want to do FWIW.

[@graemelliott3942]

Hi CT, you’re doing great! I still want to reach through the video machine to help! Got to take the face of the dash off a long time ago, it would give you a lot easier access to remove a lot of the under dash components! And the Phillip screw on the top. You can also put a lot of the components back on the dash face B4 you reinstall it later, like all the switches and vents. You’re almost done with the take apart phase! Next is the metal work step! It will go faster than you think!

[@100texan2]

He’s opened a can of worms. He just hasn’t realized it yet.

[@Scrapy-ih7ob]

only Difficult part I had in reinstall, is that Cable that open closes the Heater box, it was broken on the original one, and replaced with my spare, still wont work properly(Keeps falling off the control arm) when it's warm enough this week gona have give the "LUBE" treatment. try free it up. but it goes back together pretty easy if just take the dam dam metal frame off, then all that stuff can be put in place with out bending upside down . STICKY stuff is like Butal Tape same as used on camper windows, cheap works great stays pliable for years.

[@keithskustoms2311]

I got a Painless harness for my F250 with new switches for $800, its well worth the money. Old crusty wiring is not good, as long as your going that deep into it, its worth it.

[@johncorreia9041]

you can rap the dash pad in a nice looking fabric with dragons on it

[@michaelclutton8446]

This is a massive project I have rebuilt motorcycles but this is another level, if you can hang in there and get it done it will be really nice. Now you have gone this far I wouldn't hide those very rusty panels, I would cut them out and fabricate new ones even if they weren't perfect. Great videos Regards Mike

[@lewislewis4917]

Replace that fire wall fiber board with sound deadening isolation acoustic shield.

[@nealmurphy647]

The existing one is probably asbestos

[@RedWingsninetyone]

@@nealmurphy647 I was thinking the same thing

[@lewislewis4917]

@@RedWingsninetyone yeah I was wondering that also

[@jbncnow]

Id put a vintage air system back in, that factory ac is shot and the vintage system works great and has infinite fan speed and fully electric servo control and it eliminates all the stuff on the engine side of the firewall making getting to the back spark plugs so much easier

[@motortowncuriosites7005]

Look on ebay for the Ford dealer manuals for that truck there was a book for each section/ system of the truck. you are gonna need them if you want any hope at all to put that dash back and have any of the systems work again

[@bigbuck1318]

Someone give this man a new wiring harness

[@rogercarrico4975]

The video is going to be so useful. When reassembly time comes! Never have too much information. Notes, drawing, pictures, masking tape. With numbers, redundancy is perfectly okay. My 2 cents😃

[@jamiewalton23]

Great video and job you’re doing buddy. It’s the smalls that costs you the most. If you have a shopping list of items you need just post it out I’m sure that we can all help you out mate. Like a hand brake cable lols

[@darkfactory8082]

Nice job Mr. CT.. Getting closer... And yap, the best way and the easiest at the same time is to strip it naked. There you can see all the troubles and rust spots to fix. Well, don't bee affraid to mod, cut, shape and weld something, when you have the opportunity. =) Soon I'm starting also to fix my "boxy", it's scheduled for engine rebuild which is going to begin thursday or friday because it's leaking coolant in the oilpan, which is absolutely not good. I'll try to upload someting about it.. =) Keep on and stay on watch..

[@suonsiahomestay6805]

Time to unscrew the stuff now!

[@clifford3370]

Hey dude it's about time u do another video on this truck can't wait to see it done

[@donnie2533]

Great video my friend .

[@dalecain1158]

Eastwood makes a great rust inhibitor in a spray can. Check them out on line. Another great video!

[@39ambition]

Me here just wanna stop by to say hi to Liverpool F.C. Coach, Jurgen Klopp lol

[@brucedrake904]

If I remember correctly you can unbolt the hole dashboard comes out in one piece

[@tompyle5438]

I vote for leaving it where it is and working around it.

[@ابومصطفى-ك5ن1ق]

Nice work

[@rickwalling1148]

Just remember that the screws that you reinstall will be painted over and when removed will crack paite

[@richardoswalt1009]

Leave that firewall insulation alone it's very pricey good luck.

[@bryanmorgan8831]

There are 4 bolts holding the dash in 2 at the break pedal and 1 each on sides

[@100texan2]

Will he finish this project? Or is it one that will sit in pieces? It’s easy to take things apart it’s another to put it back together again.

[@dolfandon7124]

Hey CT, I restore pinball machines, there's a couple of things that might come in handy for your projects. My favorite cleaner for old wires, rubber / vinyl parts is called bleche wite tire cleaner (11 bucks for a gal). Does great on plastic parts too but you have to work fast, rinse, and then use mild detergent like windex (rinse after that too). Another invaluable thing is called Super Lube Synthetic Grease go ahead and get the 14oz can (about 10 bucks). Petroleum grease winds up attacking the plastic causing it to stick. This stuff is food grade and makes/keeps it as good as new (those dash vents for one thing). Once you clean that harness with bleche wite use a hair dryer to get them pliable. You'll be able to make a call about keeping it or recycling the copper. Old wires that have been exposed to elements can be hateful, might save yourself a lot of time and trouble getting the new one. All the best man, I'm in love with the 914, always wanted one.

[@dolfandon7124]

USE GLOVES (not an option) with Bleche wite!

[@wesleyoliveiradossantos381]

Good morning brother! Fico viajando nas suas postagens dessa F100 magnífica. Torcendo pra você deixar ela impecável até o final da restauração. Mais uma vez parabéns pela postagem brother! 👏👏👏⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@grmonkey0]

I have restored many of those trucks. I currently own several. To be honest. I think you went to far. For truck that's going to be daily driver. I wish you the best!!

[@Doogie_Causey]

CT , Did U Find The Build Sheet?

[@CTmoog]

I think so🧐

[@380.motorsports]

That little tag you found is the part number tag and identification for the dash pad you removed. The top number is the actual part number with the prefix D3TB1 (D =1970 decade, 3 = 1973, T = F100, B=Interior Part) denoting the year and vehicle line and the suffix (AWB) denotes the style and color for an interior trim part. The supplier number is the Ford assigned code for the supplier company that made it. The date stamp would be the date the dash pad was made at the supplier factory.

[@AndrewHCann]

That tag you showed was from TEXTRON Industries made dashboard parts for Ford and production numbers plus for Engine wire harness number also year made ! Black dashboard pad fix that crack with Grilloia Glue with quitip then let dry also cure and sand with soft grip sandpaper light 400 grade it redish pink color type ! Then repaint black and baby blue to then clear coat too up! Also I know challenging do this CT :) but you be proud 👏 🙌 yourself when all did this and if do another truck you say yes I know how do again for someone to plus hours took approximately and cost to do! Replace dome light switches on door the pins are 1/2 nut get metal ones too if old out use visegrips too and take pedals and fix up them to!

[@vayabroder729]

Do the Rust Converter; that’s exactly the one Mike F’n uses and it’s worked perfectly for him.

[@joshd3166]

There is another good product called P.O.R 15 it can be used on clean or rusted metal Aussie youtuber Peter Anderson swears by the stuff for automotive use and it's perfect for inside sill/rocker panels and inside doors etc.It's designed for and used in marine application here in Australia but not sure if it is available in the USA though.

[@vayabroder729]

@@joshd3166 it’s great too and has been available in the US for many years. It’s more costly but it’s also a good alternative. The rust converter neutralizes the rust and makes is paintable if it’s solid and not scaly.

[@paulhyde1834]

Hi CT.... I've just hit 'pause' about 10 minutes before the end on the clip to make a comment!! Regarding the sand blasting etc., I feel you're doing the right thing by taking out the whole wiring harness and everything from the dash..... cleaning up those plastic parts will be very satisfying! But, it's the old question; how far do you go?? How much rust can you realistically remove?? Just my thoughts, but, It'd be nice to get all the rust holes actually patched with new metal and the interior of the cab prepared by sand blasting or just with grinders/wire brushes etc... I've ni doubt you know this, but it's not a good idea to try to apply rust converter to flaky, thick, lose rust..... I found that I needed to clean off just about all the rust, leaving just a patina..... wipe off the dust with white spirit then apply the converter. However, unless you've taken off all the paint, you'll need to give everything a good rub with Cellulose thinners to get the residue off any painted surfaces..... the converter won't bond with a painted surface!!! This truck is going to be superb and thanks for keeping the videos coming!!!! You know what they say:- 'If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing properly'..... If we ever come to the USA, perhaps we could come and visit?! 'Bon courage, mon ami...' Paul

[@Roberto6517]

Hello friend .... I live in Brazil ... and I always watch your channel .... and to be able to comment ... I'm using Google translator and I'm sorry for the concordance errors, ok What do you intend to do with your F 250? ... restore it or renovate it? because seeing your videos .... this pick is very well built ... with materials of great quality ... even though it is old. If you are going to restore it ... it will be a great show .... and I will stay here ... watching your videos .... Congratulations

[@Jimschrbr]

As others on here have said, that whole metal dash assembly comes off, the only part that stays behind is where the defroster vents are. There are two bolts on the side of the dash and two more where the steering column bolts in. Looks like you have all the phillips heads out across the top. Just take those few more bolts out and take the whole dash out. Makes it a lot easier to get in there to make repairs and do your painting.

[@AndrewHCann]

Yes it price for new wire harness expensive but worth to and one come for motor included back 2005 year when did 1972 Ford Truck I did myself to also take windshield motor parts too ! Take all can out and worth it CT 👌!

[@whitebeardadventures9208]

CT, you can get a universal wire kit from Speedway at a reasonable price. Someone mentioned keeping the connectors, good idea maybe reuse...good luck. Dave

[@michaelhuey4187]

CT, definitely remove the wiper motor so you can take it apart, clean and lube it up, then reassemble it and make sure it works. YES to rust converter! Use it wherever you can. Weld in sheet metal where it has rusted away out of sight. Trust me, when it is all done and you know it is done right, you will appreciate it. Are you going to get the seat reupholstered?

[@fredsons]

CT, Sometimes you use banjo music and it reminds me of Beverly Hillbillies (giving away my age)…..but if there is a lot of oil leaking from a transmission or whatever …..how funny to play the banjo music……black gold!

[@horaciopliego8354]

hi CT, you're taking down all F-trucks. The best of all, is that you are recorded as it goes, haha! Do you consider painting it the same color? According to the restoration you are doing, if you should consider putting it together original. The new tractor looks good, congratulations.

[@Dav3Campb3ll]

Is the dent in the drivers door getting fixed? Cant wait to see you put it back togethor

[@CTmoog]

Yes, once we start the metal work. 👍😎👍

[@nicholasbrown6481]

@@CTmoog rock auto sells the dome light switches.

[@miltonhopper2932]

Tip for you. Don’t clean your screws or bolts until you’re ready to re-assemble. Screws/ blots will have dirt or oil and grease the same as where they are used. All screws with dirt in threads face heads down. With dirt on heads face up. Good luck

[@Mikefngarage]

that harness is fine. I run ones older than that and they still work.

[@stewkeene]

Great job getting that all out. Dynamatt is the sound insulating material. Pull that insulation stuff. It’ll carry that smell with it if you leave it. Isn’t there a liquid you can brush on the rust to get that stuff to stop rusting? The whole point of removing that dash stuff was to eliminate or stop that rust.

[@andreasgraube4376]

I guess it would work fine to repair the top shelf of the dashboard with some fiberglass and then wrap the whole thing in leather imitation vinyl.

[@highrx]

At least you’ll have the video to help refresh your memory on how put it back together? I wonder if you could put a newer 4x4 frame/running gear under the 74 sheet metal?

[@chad..8189]

Next step, saw cab roof off place on floor for easy sanding and painting.....lol

[@garymallard4699]

Cut some roof membrane ( peep and stick rubber stuff ) for relacement gaskets on the wipers.. If you can't order them

[@100texan2]

I see lots of shorts in that wiring harness the way he’s pulling and tugging on it. He’s pulling on it like you would pull a rope on a steer.

[@jaxflfreebird]

I was always very good at breaking things when I worked on them. I'd say it was my specialty back in the day. You gotta have some touch or you'll tear, break and strip every thing. And I don't think CT is going to be putting it all back together. I think that other guy will be doing that stuff. People don't think that CT is much of a mechanic but he is fearless in going for it. Time will tell if CT and the gang can get the Swamp Dragon back together. As for Rusty, I don't know what is accomplished by pouring tons of money on parts for a frame that should be installed as yard art. Just how is Rusty to be sound ever again? Just think of the cold air that can whip through that van, or the water that can seep into everything. It needs a layer of clear acrylic applied to the entire body.

[@remcotissink]

Take out everything. You need to take care of the rust, either by new metal or by rustconverter or something. Take out the pedals, you need to refurbish that as you don't want any binding there. It looks to me that you should be able to take out the light colored metal part of the dash and the you can take out this cable duct. Great work, almost there. Soon time to start building again !

[@michael-ki4sr]

Check out speedway motors Universal wiring harness make sure to save you're old harness for all the connectors and stuff

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Michael! I will check them out.

[@michael-ki4sr]

@@CTmoog you're welcome bud

[@georgefleming6075]

You are this far into the truck fix the rust cut and weld in new panels !!!

[@yunus_aros]

B-Quite and Painless Wiring in case you regardless of the current state of the wiring harness will need a new wiring harness. I’d recommend an aftermarket suitable AC kit to go with that too. There are specialized products for retrofitted AC equipment.

[@thestuffz]

13:29 part # is dash pad

[@williamoliver8883]

Go ahead and sink 15-20 g’s in to a truck that’ll be worth 7500 "if" you complete it. It’ll take you at least, minimum 2 years to finish so we’ll have fun watching since it’s great entertainment !

[@nicholasbrown6481]

The market for these trucks is crazy. Before I bought my 76 i was looking all over the country. To get what I wanted, it's 15-20k. Or I can spend the time with my children restoring mine exactly the way I want it, know that it's done right and have my dream truck. Yeah I'm probably going to spend the same amount. But I won't owe a dime when I'm done. And it'll take me less than a year

[@edwardmenees5462]

You can get a complete wiring diagram on line for everything on the truck