So here are the pictures of he truck I picked up for 300 bucks, it's called the ATM truck since I pulled the money out of an ATM to pay for it. It is a 1978 F250 4x4, it's in pretty good shape and the rust isses aren't nearly as bad as I thought just a few spots on the body, everything on the frame is surface rust, it's defnitely from the humid ocean air and not from road salt like you guys deal with back east. I drove it home yesterday about 100 miles and it drove great, cruised the freeway at 70 no problem, the power steering and brakes are great, now my only dilemma is figuring out what to do with it, I was gonna part it out thinking it was a piecer but it isn't. What are your opinions on what I should do? If it didn't have to be smogged i would probably put all of my suspension components onto it instead of my 73 .... what is better to start with the 78 or 73? The 73 has an FE and the 78 has the 351m and they both run strong, the 73 has the divorced transfer case and the 78 does not, the 78 does have a high pinion HD 44 in front and the 73 has the closed knuckle 44... I am contemplating takinf the front axle and power steering and swapping it to the 73, some of the body panels are also better on the 78 so they would go too the sad thing is all of the gauges work on the 78 and it has nicer glass and interior in the cab... AH I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO! HELP ME!

Cheers Mason

Anyway I know all you guys want are the pictures of truck ****..... here ya go

 

Here are pictures of the 73 for *****s and giggles

 

That 78 is exactly what I'm trying to find. I want to swap the axles into mine and take the tranny for my dad's. Wish I could find one like that near me.

 

nice score! id keep the 78 it already has the better steering and hp front axle plus you dont have to deal with the in cab tank.

 

I know but I hate smog! CA sucks!

 

What was your original plan for it before you went and got it. What parts did you want off of it?

 

Main thing was front axle I was hoping for a 60 but 44hd is still better than those stupid closed knuckles. Also power steering and maybe some body panels but who knows now since the 78 is nicer than expected

 

Sounds good. I would swap the parts then part it out. It has way to much rust to me. But I am spoiled in Arizona. The 44 would work good for now. Maybe later you find a good deal on a 60 but then it will make that swap so much easier.

 

Subscribed !

 

I'd keep them both, smog or not. It would be a shame to part it out. BUT I am a pack rat.

 

Get the parts off it that you need and sell the rest of the truck or double or even triple your money by reselling the complete truck and buy you the few parts you need for the 73.

Since it has to be smogged, you might be in for some $$ to get it to pass? I would be all over that truck for 300 or even 600 in my neck of the woods, I'd get a paper cut getting out the money so fast.

The rust is not that bad IMO, happy decision making.....

 

Ya it already passed smog since in CA the seller has to smog it before you sell it. And I know what you mean about being spoiled in AZ, my 73 is from Scottsdale and has zero rust.

 

you know what my opinion is...

Also - thought of other parts I might need/want off it if you end up parting it - the wheels/tires. Just need crappy 8 lug rollers for if/when my supercab goes up for sale.

 

Stock 8 lugs added to list

 

cool - thanks.

On a side note - gotta figure out a time to get over & cut those spring hangers off that guys truck. He doesn't seem to have a great way to support the body while I cut & it's making me nervous...