1972 Fargo build thread

[1972.Fargo]

Hi all, I just bought my dream truck, a 1972 Fargo D100. It's a longbox, 2wd, Adventurer Sport, 318 auto that came from a farm in Alberta. It's certainly in rough shape, but I'm looking forward to the project. This'll be my second project vehicle, my first being a 1975 Imperial, so I'm looking forward to the simplicity of a truck. So far I've managed to get it running, although I have to jump the starter relay, the fuel supply is from a gas can, it backfires every time I give it throttle, and it has no brakes. The not so short list of issues to fix goes something like this: fix the starter wiring, fix the in-cab wiring, fix the brakes, engine tune-up, put some tail lights in it, replace the windshield, replace the bumper, get the proper '72 grille, etc. Sourcing parts is going to be difficult, unfortunately here in Ontario parts are scarce as they've all rusted into the ground.
As I'm new to the Mopar truck world, and resources online are scarce, I'll likely be asking a lot of questions here.

 

[MILO]

That looks like a great project to restore I live in Erie county Pa and in the winter Garage is my second home different project every year car -truck or tractor I just got back the 67 GTX that I had when I was 17 and putting Power steering on it and looking in the fall for winter project. Im sure your truck will look great when done and not too many Fargos around

 

[1972.Fargo]

I'm on the hunt for a factory service manual, but until I find one, I've got some questions I hope somebody here could help with.
It seems like I'm getting limited power to the cab. My gauges, gauge lighting, dome light, and radio don't seem to work. My ignition switch, turn signal switch, and heater controls do work through. My headlight switch will turn on the parking lights, but not the headlights. All the fuses seem to be good. I do have to chase a bunch of broken wires around in my engine bay (old farm truck with a bunch of farm fixes), but would these symptoms be consistent with some sort of component failure? It might also be worth mentioning that my alternator is not currently working. I'm getting a parts list ready so I'm hoping to diagnose every problem that I can, the RockAuto shipping to Canada is not a fun bill to pay twice.

 

[MILO]

Sometimes the dimmer switch will cause headlight failure and make sure the cab is grounded and disconnect clean the balk head connector where it enters the cab at the firewall for starters

1972 Dodge Truck Service Shop Manual 72 Models 100-800 | eBay

Reprint1972 Dodge Truck Service Manual. This service manual has everything you need to work on your truck. It is in excellent to near mint condition, still sealed in original plastic wrap.

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[kiwigtx]

So far I've managed to get it running, although I have to jump the starter relay, the fuel supply is from a gas can, it backfires every time I give it throttle, and it has no brakes.

Welcome to FTO from New Zealand.

When I first got my A100 it was pretty much the same deal.... fired up with gas from a bottle inside the cab, and the brake lines were dry & crusty. No time for brake fluid....off for a skid.