Restoring an Abandoned 1974 Ford F250 Restoration Swamp Dragon! Glass & Primer! Resurrection Rescue!

[@firemanst13]

Trust me my friend, if you dont go ahead and completely redo the inside of the truck you will regret it as soon as you start putting it back together. It will never be torn down to this level again and it will be a lot easier do it now. I redid a 1976 F-100 Custom XLT with a 460 engine in it and there was a lot of things I didnt do because it worked but once I was done I was kicking myself because I didnt. Very nice job so far and am looking forward to seeing more videos

[@diecastchannelminiaturasde2357]

I think you should pull the dashboard out and clear as much rust as you can! I'd also repaint it with the original color and repair that dent on driver's door with some good hammering. You've got a great truck and it's amazingly preserved, considering it's being left to rot in the woods for so many years! It deserves some good oldschool bodywork. Forget about bondo! That's just for smoothing some tiny roughnesses! Remember that truck was abandoned and may still hide a whole bunch of debris and surprises! Sandblasting would work great on more severe rust! I can't wait to see that Imperial back on its glory days too!

[@patrickcomenzo1223]

I think it would look really good the original color.

[@CTmoog]

That’s the plan! Thanks Patrick! 👍😎👍

[@vivianbarnard6753]

Put the dashboard take the steering wheel

[@neil6212]

@@CTmoog I believe the color was "Wind Blue"

[@nickmartinez7574]

Love it I have a 67 250 in need of resto.!

[@justinphillips5613]

The swamp 🐲 is turning into one heck of a truck. Well done on taking the time and money to make it great again. May you and the family get many years out of it. 👊🏻

[@mikes.4136]

I agree - keeping the dash the original paint and finish and new paint (same light blue) on the exterior is an awesome idea! Great progress!

[@Jimschrbr]

Hey CT. I said it before and I'll say it again. Take your time and use PATIENCE when taking things apart! Everything on these trucks unbolt, especially the dash! After you pulled the screws out you immediately grabbed the screwdriver and started prying on it. NO! NO! NO! To take the dash out you need to start from the front. Take the steering column out and then the plastic bezel around the gauges. Everything unscrews and you don't have to take the heater/ A/C controls apart, they will come out as a unit after the bezel is off. Then you can unscrew the gauge cluster and the heater controls. Once you have that apart there are about 11 or 12 speed nuts that hold the dash pad on. It is not glued so don't pry on it! Once you get all those speed nuts off it will just pop off. The metal dash itself will just unbolt. You already took the screws out that hold it to the vent support near the windshield. There are some screws along the bottom and then there is a screw on each side that holds the dash on. The ones on the side are a bit tricky and you may have to cut them because they rust from the outside and are usually pretty difficult to get out. Once you have the metal dash out of the way the rest is easy! You have full access to the A/C - heater box, the windshield wiper arms and motor, all the wiring, etc. etc. etc. Take your time and go easy! A lot of these parts are brittle and break easy and replacements may not be as easy to find as you may think. It's looking good so far, keep the videos coming!

[@BillyLintzenich-wf7sk]

Yep on my 74f100 the 2 screws on the sides. 1 on each side gave me a hard time. 1 of the welded nuts came off and fell down inside. I'm going to have other nuts welded back onto the A-pillar so that i can use wing bolts to reattach the dash back on. That way if i ever have to take the dash out again it will be much easier.

[@hankroberts-mi3yd]

I'm glad you picked a Ford truck. Best looking and holds their value. Interesting videos.. thanks. Good music too.

[@danielcarrillovargas4940]

Keep doing what you are doing, don’t change anything, being yourself has kept us watching your videos greetings from dry hot Arizona 🏜

[@petershane8929]

You got the "Green Hornet" car... How many people remember that TV show with Bruce Lee.

[@notajp]

Ah yes, the Black Beauty. And yes, it was built from a Chrysler Imperial just like that one.

[@michaelhuey4187]

CT, you asked us what we thought about you tearing into the ol Swamp Dragon even more to do it right or just try to get it done. I think you answered your own question when you said: “this is all a learning experience.” IMHO, keep tearing into it and learn to do it right. It will cost you more in time than money, but it will be worth it because you will KNOW it was done right! Also, when a man has good family and friends, he is blessed. You, sir, are blessed👍 As for the second channel, don’t overextend yourself to the point that what you are doing starts to become a chore; we are enjoying this journey with you and we don’t want it to become a chore for you. Stay safe, young man.

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Michael! That is great advise my friend! I will! I appreciate that! =)

[@leonardramsey3458]

Great progress. It's a long way from the swamp. Looking good.

[@billpar]

you are awesome CT love whatever you are bringing, Darrin is a great friend , wish I lived in Florida i'd help in a minute

[@CTmoog]

Thanks William!

[@markphelan319]

I just started a 1974 f250 restoration so your videos are a great help

[@Jeffrose_]

Good to hear that you are doing okay. I agree with you when you say you need a break from the swamp dragon. I can get bored with one project and then I loose motivation. Daily episodes 🤔 sounds pretty good to me 🤠.

[@cheftush]

Good to see you and Darren.

[@josecarlosbarth5414]

Look CT, the whole world as we know it is changing very soon for the better; this particular project you are working on is a thing of the past, it is no longer as important as we thought it would be. You are already a winner, just finish this amazing Pickup truck the easiest way, and you will put lots of smiles on all our faces.

[@doug4bears]

CT....youre doing a great job so far. Always good to have knowledgable people in your corner. This truck is gonna be epic!!

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Doug!

[@joshuacooper4329]

You guys have done a fantastic job on this project so far ,so excited to see the end, first look to new look

[@serafinroman1313]

Wish you well in your Project you are a very honest guy and you deserve the Best in all your goals !!!

[@JackSmith-jj3bi]

I am watching this with a bit of envy. 6 years ago my 92 year old dad died and left me a 1972 Ford Dually 390 4 speed with 85,000 original miles. Even has power steering. I wanted to restore it. But, I am getting older myself so that isn’t in the cards anymore. This is one of those that can be driven as is or given some love. I am in Washington State.

[@CTmoog]

Hey Jack! Sounds like a great truck. Send me some photos if you are able to [e-mail]

[@richarddavis3007]

Like the swamp dragon can't wait to see the finish product

[@markymark6089]

Hey You’ve gone so far with this build I’d be taking the dash out it would help organise the loom you cut and do a good job painting the interior 👍👍

[@robcampbell834]

I agree. Take it out so you can do a proper job on the interior and the firewall

[@josemoya2497]

Hhic

[@joeholland4144]

The bluegrass music as a backer is great for the reconditioned of the Swamp Dragon.

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Joe!

[@robertburns3014]

I agree! Love me some Blue Grass!

[@100texan2]

Might as well pull out the dash and gauges along with the steering column. The fat’s in the fire now!

[@CTmoog]

Good idea 👍😎👍

[@vivianbarnard6753]

You mustn't soul dragon 🐉

[@vivianbarnard6753]

You must enjoy your your dragon tupaki your

[@richardsanders2794]

Hi from Scotland, enjoy your videos, it’s great to recycle trucks rather than buying new.

[@stevewoffinden]

Up for watching the new channel, but really looking forward to seeing the swamp dragon finished and out for a drive.

[@victorbonello7132]

What a great job you are doing It's full of rust all over keep it up my friends you will reworded I am sure great job god bless from MALTA

[@CTmoog]

Thanks 👍

[@philipsdefreville6138]

Darren is amazing! I think it's great you have him to teach you some tricks, the personal connection beats learning from youtube videos and will give you memories to last a lifetime.

[@mikeschornhorst3936]

I love those old Ford Trucks . Doing great.....keep going

[@dominicpedrazzini9755]

I gotta say, watching something this rusty get fixed up, really helps keep a guy going on his own rusty truck hahaha

[@dalecain1158]

Just found your channel and had to subscribe. Can’t wait for more videos because I love restoration work!

[@CTmoog]

Hi Dale, I appreciate that! Thank you! =)

[@GoodOldMike]

Hey, i'm realizing I was robbed of an in dash speaker LOL. Great work guys! I love this project!

[@CTmoog]

You can have mine! 🤣

[@vivianbarnard6753]

Very nice

[@PauloLima-bm3eo]

Hi CT I think you should remove the dash and paint all of the cab! great job 👏

[@peterdongara2639]

I had a 1970 half ton Ford pickup labeled heavy duty special had a Borg Warner t18 four Speed with Granny gear and heavy duty half-ton rear end. I miss that truck would love to have restored it like you're doing great videos!

[@tbirdhomer]

Original blue will look great

[@diegomartinlaurent935]

Darren is a master handyman, he really knows!

[@CTmoog]

Yes, he really does!

[@Dav3Campb3ll]

You should build a paint booth in a corner of your garage someday, looking mint with whats been done!

[@jonathanyoung3684]

I always love the swamp dragon builds as well as your other content.

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Jonathan!

[@jonathanyoung3684]

No problem. Mate your content is so inspiring

[@tomstack659]

Lookin good, years ago I restored a 1/2 ton 74 Ford pick up , brings back memories I did not have the supply houses you have now keep up the videos !!

[@tomcrotty1498]

I agree with 100%Texan. Remove the instrument panel and paint the dash. Also you’ll be able to clean up the gauge connectors and check to make sure they work. Amazing the knife edges for the window seals are in such great shape.

[@khalilalzaabi5364]

Gentlemen.. I love what you do.. always waiting for your clips and can't wait to see the end of the project... Greetings from Bahrain

[@imerastrojerodiesel9393]

Me encanta la Ford..no me pierdo ningún video..saludos desde Argentina.

[@BakuretsuTen]

You’ve gone this far. It would be worth going all the way. Take it all apart.

[@CTmoog]

👍😎👍

[@Mcnuggt]

@@CTmoog have that one guy that sanded the whole truck keep coming over because he knows a lot

[@lyndabuswell139]

Thx.for these amazing videos packed full of valuable teachings. I have a 1970 custom truck with a chinook rv built on the ford chassis,custom built at the factory. It is a work horse.a solid truck. Again thx.for these detailed vehicles Blessings.

[@dalejrfan820002000]

Your guys are doing a awesome job. The truck looks so different from the first video. I can't wait to see it after its done.

[@brendancook3922]

Yup! Love the idea of keeping the dash original. Will give it such a cool and authentic look. Great idea man.

[@shanemason38]

that sound's like a great idea keep the dash colour or color as you folks spell it keep up the good work and great videos

[@bigbuck1318]

The cab painted black reminds me of my Dad’s old 83 F150 cab.

[@religionsisaboutmagic5835]

Yes, you should take the dash apart and go through it. Make sure the wiring/air duct hoses are good as well as any other metal repair. The dash pad looks like it could be repairable/restored. If it were me, I would repaint the metal part of the dash to make it look more fresh.

[@rogercarrico4975]

Hey CT, As much as I love those trucks in Red or Black. Leaving it the factory color. Would really help the process. Lots could be left alone. Like the dash, etc. If I'm hearing you right. Your going for a solid truck. That last and give trouble free service for many years! That's exactly what I would do with that truck if it were me. I'm just enjoying the HECK out of watching!!!! Thanks for doing this!!!

[@stewkeene]

I agree with Roger

[@williambremner862]

Great to see you take it back to bare metal. Take your time you'll appreciate every nut and bolt. All the best. Bill from Aus.

[@calebrogers9977]

You are making really quick progress. I love your videos, so keep up the great work

[@CTmoog]

Thank you!

[@stephangizzo3545]

looking good CT!!!

[@warpedone2]

ThanQ for filming

[@TDSG34]

Pull everything off (dash, etc.). The small amount of time it takes to do that will make it a ton easier spraying and also assure you have hit every spot. Awesome job so far. Your videos help us all.

[@lloydg4942]

YES! take the dash out and do a referb on it. When you're driving it the dash is what YOU will be looking at. You WILL reget not doing it if you don't. Keep going I have a 74 Dodge W200 3/4 ton 4x4. Your project is an inspiration to me to save it. I am learing from you on this project.

[@michaelclutton8446]

It will look great in the original blue

[@suonsiahomestay6805]

Keep it up! Warm greetings from Saigon.

[@robertburns3014]

It's really exciting to see the progress that you're making on the F250, C.T.! It is going to be a great truck to drive and use for whatever purposes you have in mind. I agree that you should probably just detail the dash board area. It will clean up nicely with the right chemicals and some elbow grease. You may need to replace the steering wheel if it is cracked too badly. Go for it - do the work on the bed yourself! Your buddy can advise you if you run into a snag. I also like the idea of doing another channel. I'd like to learn more about setting up a "proper" auto shop in terms of tools, maintenance on stuff like the air compressor and other shop essentials. Keep up the great work C.T., lots of us enjoy your channel and we are waiting anxiously to see the Swamp Dragon on the road again!

[@waynebrown5428]

Glad your saving that old Ford!

[@jimmyjobsllc]

Have loved following along, great work and keep it up

[@simonturner10]

As ive said previously get on with rebuilding the frame for now and get the new engine and drivetrain remounted, then concetrate on the body when Darren comes back, I would remove the dash as there may be hidden rot behind there that will need attention. An empty cab will make bodyworking alot easier but dont cut corners just to save time you will regret it in the long run.

[@KANSASIOUX]

This makes my heart soar like a hawk.

[@CTmoog]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@juanmauricioneira7864]

Well done , congratulations !!

[@MetalRestorationBho]

Great my friend! This is a masterpiece. Congratulation from Vietnam.🙂🙂🙂

[@donniebrown2896]

Guess that's why everyone wants to move here

[@rickwalling1148]

He really getting things organized!! As usual he’s still chatting!

[@willhoggard645]

I'll bet Darren would be happy to share some of his knowledge you can repay him by sharing what you've learned down the road

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

The Ford 250 is starting to get back to it*s glory days,the good thing is that it is an air conditioned model,very rare for that year

[@CTmoog]

It's going to be a sweet ride!

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

@@CTmoog certainly, is it going to be painted the original color or some other color.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Nice to see it down to bare metal! It's going to be a beauty!

[@josemoya2497]

Jdkdkdi

[@REMBRANTTUBE]

It’s coming out Awesome!! You’re doing well buddy!! I think you should send the speaker 🔈 cover out and have it chromed! That will make it really pop!

[@charleswoodbury388]

It's coming along nicely keep up the good work

[@roberth5404]

Again, happy to see the progress. There are some small nuts under the dash that need to be removed in order to remove the dash pad. Been there done that a few times. Keep it up!

[@CTmoog]

Thanks for the tips Robert!

[@emprrailroad9340]

Truck is looking great.

[@souleater32]

Ty ct for giving the old ford much attention to fixing it. I would leave some dents in her.looking good so far.On the car. if can get a window down.can go into it and take the door apart from the inside .if not total rusted .

[@williamcottam3719]

Get that firewall blasted and sanded ready for paint while you're waiting to make it easier for you're friend to do the painting and welding looking good so far keep pushing a good job.

[@josephhead8345]

The old girl looks darn good in black.

[@ferreiramiguel2910]

master is modernizing the workshop as new furniture

[@d-anger-noodle]

Pull out the dash. You haven't half-assed anything yet, no need to now. Everything is already pulled apart so adding the dashboard and steering column to the list isn't a huge undertaking. I like that you've gone in the direction you've chosen with this build ❤

[@alexclarkro9414]

Great job with dragon and it would be a good in it's original color. And it's a great idea for a second channel.

[@mickhaight4159]

I like the flat black color with the blue interior.Spend more time on the floor . I had a 1976 f150 for 17 years they are the best

[@johnp.pantoja3273]

Every video I’ve seen up to now shows progress of your project. Be sure the cab metal work is done ✅ the firewall has to many rust points that may affect its structure. However l like 👍 how’s going the built. Keep going doesn’t matter the circumstances we all fall however we must rise always have the Lord in presence and he will guide you and give wisdom. You never know what good will come. Success!!

[@NathanWinters18]

I’m pretty sure you’re gonna run this truck for the rest of your life. I’m excited for you. Keep up the great work.

[@snowdogs59]

Nice progress. I wish I had a friend like Darren. You need to focus him on Rusty and you’ll be driving soon!

[@CTmoog]

Thanks man! Yes, Darrin is a great friend! Rusty will be back soon!

[@richardhill4862]

You may have to drop the "Swamp" out of the name, because of how good you are doing. I would take out the steering column, instrument panel, and glove box just because you are going to need to address the wiring. I would get the wiring from a donor truck with some of the parts you need to save some money and fun to look for. I am doing a 71 f250 that I am learning about the painting from videos like yours. Long live the Dragon.

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Richard! I might do that! =)

[@notajp]

The main problem is that he would have to find the same year truck, with the same drivetrain, and all the same options. Including factory A/C. Otherwise, it will likely not match up to that truck. Personally, I would have done everything I could to keep as much of the original harness intact as possible.

[@richardhill4862]

​@@notajp I agree with not tearing up what is good. Watching what was cut and a wiring diagram he might be able to salvage it. There are still salvage lots and farmers fields where they can be found. Mine was so bad that it could not be saved. If needs to type of suggestion.

[@jefferythayer6103]

I want your vinyl dash. It's in much better shape, then mine.

[@donniebrown2896]

Heck it's better than the one I had in my 2000 ram.

[@donniebrown2896]

Just amazing at the number of little dents and dings just a small amount of paint brings out. Going to join in with the majority commenting. Go ahead and strip out the dash and take the cab back to bare bones. You've come this far,,check into a cheap tig welder, good for light gauge metal and pin hole filling. Thanks CT, and love the very effective blowing device, leaf blower.

[@donnie2533]

Keep your chin up my friend thing will get better god bless you and your family.

[@bobspring6723]

Cheers fm.Mich. I'd pull the dash,that way u know cond. Of everything. Your journey is inspiring to me Take your time n do the best u can . Enjoy , Bob

[@Puhtetang]

Great project looking good

[@Grant7]

Nice work...

[@dekoldrick]

You've gone this far, may as well see how far you can go.

[@bradnewberry8004]

Looking great man, I’ve been watching every video, I like that style Ford

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Brad! I appreciate that man!

[@davidk6271]

Good idea to try the tub on your own. I would take the dash out, clean it all up and put it back. Cheers

[@gerardfenn3988]

Great Job. I wish I had a shop like that to do exactly what your doing. I still have to search for where you are as I think I heard someone say something about Florida. I'm in Florida. This comment is 2 years overdue so maybe I will come rollin down your driveway one day to check out your working farm truck. Stay Positive. Subbed and Thumbs Up.

[@richardS730]

That blue looks good. Me and my stepdad painted a step side squarebody chevy a color like that and it came out nice

[@mfcjr1]

Pull the dash and clean it all up. You will also want to check the condition of the wires that might cause a issue down the road.

[@billyhensley592]

Looking good CT

[@Impossiblerepair]

Take the dash apart your going to do more then paint back there like wiring...even if its lite rust repairs to stop it from future issues....repaint everything original blue. One channel just do the daily post in between the build video's...great work

[@Natures_Intentions]

The truck is coming a long way. Keep up the great work. Great channel and content.

[@PapiDoesIt]

Might as well go all in since you're this far. It's still much cheaper than a new truck.

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Papi! I think I will! =)