Update to what's happening with my old truck, she's been successfully converted to 4wd. I used a 73 f250 for its axles and running gear. Sadly the trucks not y block powered but is 360 fe powered. She's been on the road for the last 6 weeks enjoying the road again for the first time since the 90s

1962 f250 currently heartless
1961 country squire 292 3 speed
1963 galaxie 390 powered
1976 f250 4wd 390 powered

Ok thanks i'll get some 460 retainers.

1962 f250 currently heartless
1961 country squire 292 3 speed
1963 galaxie 390 powered
1976 f250 4wd 390 powered

I use 429/460 retainers with the stock Y keepers. 289/early 302 retainers also will work. Both are single piece retainers. They are not machined for dual valve springs, but single springs with or without dampers are OK.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Whats are you guys using for valve spring locks and retainers? I just got my new valves and i'm looking to send my heads to the machine shop was just curious if stock is ok or if i should upgrade? Thanks

1962 f250 currently heartless
1961 country squire 292 3 speed
1963 galaxie 390 powered
1976 f250 4wd 390 powered

Ok thanks for the tip. I have harland sharps on my 390 and have not had any trouble with them as long as you dont try to use the old umbrella seals. Car wasnt hard to find at least when it was running !

1962 f250 currently heartless
1961 country squire 292 3 speed
1963 galaxie 390 powered
1976 f250 4wd 390 powered

Check with Ted on Harland Sharp rockers, I think they have had better luck with them!

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?

I found one lastnite while i was looking around the forums. Sounds like thats the way i'm going to go i've never had trouble with a duraspark system

1962 f250 currently heartless
1961 country squire 292 3 speed
1963 galaxie 390 powered
1976 f250 4wd 390 powered

How easy it is depends on which distributor you start with. There are many posts on this site about it.


Lawrenceville, GA

I will be checking the piston to valve clearance before anything gets fired up to. Anybody know off hand what the dove rocker arms go for?
Charlie, I was reading a post over on fte that you wrote about the duraspark conversion,is it really as easy as it sounds?

1962 f250 currently heartless
1961 country squire 292 3 speed
1963 galaxie 390 powered
1976 f250 4wd 390 powered

You'll be able to determine just how much to trim once all parts are in hand. Also, the .500" lift is with 1.54 rockers. You may want to set the heads up for 1.6, .520" just in case you decide to go with aftermarket rockers in the future.


Lawrenceville, GA