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This part of my website is devoted to my 1976 Ford F150. I inherited this truck from my Grandfather in 2001 and drove it from Los Gatos, CA to Baltimore, MD in June of that year. He purchased the truck new in Los Gatos in 1976, and saved all the original documentation for it. I have gladly taken on the role of caretaker for my Grandfathers beloved truck. It is stored in the winter, and treated well and driven regularly the rest of the year. Now I am a Mopar nut at heart . . . but I really love this old Ford.

This 1976 F150 has the 300cu.in. inline 6 cylinder engine. "6 in a row makes it go!" The 300/6 is a torquey little beast. Not a lot of horsepower, but tons of grunt. Backing the Big Six is a 4spd manual with a granny first gear. I have never had need to use the extremely deeply geared first in this truck. I start out in 2nd all the time - first gear is out of breath at ~10mph. Power is sent back to a 9in rear with a 3:1 ring set and an open differential. The truck will easily cruise at 70mph.

On the interior this truck is as basic as they come. No radio, no AC, not even a cigarette lighter. The truck has power brakes, power steering, and a sliding rear window. Personally, I like the spartan appointments it has. Crank windows, the oh so useful vent windows, the big painted metal dash, the big dog leg shifter with its positive mechanical feel - this is a purpose built vehicle.

Please, enjoy the following pictures of "The Taco Truck." I am proud that my Grandfather chose me to be the caretaker of this vehicle. The last time I visited him before his passing we spent a pleasant afternoon outside as I rebuilt the power steering pump for him. He sat in a lawn chair and supervised on that beautiful California day. He was a good man, and I miss him.



































For those of you who truly want to know why its called The Taco Truck, check this link for the story.

Where 'the Taco Truck' name came from



don_howard at msn dot com

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