I might buy this truck. It looks great, but this is my first truck. Can anyone let me know what to look for, and if 1972 was a good year for these trucks. More or less collectible. Are these better than the 60s, 80s.?
Thanks in advance

 

Collectible? Hmmm...what it has going for it is that it is a shortbed and looks unmolested. Shortbeds look sportier and therefore will garner more $$ in the market - especially clean ones.

72 was the last model year of the series. Is it a custom or a sport custom? Regardless, it looks like a survivor.

What's engine/tranny combination? Asking price?

 

While it does look good in the pictures, you want to look for bubbling in the paint, possible rust. Check bed floor for rust. Core support. Check cab mount areas for rust or sagging. Take an AWL with you, do not be afraid to use it on the core support to check for rust. "Get permission from seller first.
If it is a driver check for leaks. Check steering components etc etc etc.
Make sure gauges work properly.
Check coolant for discolorization as well as the oil.
I guess the list can go on and on and on.

 

It has original paint, and has just 65,000 miles on it. Black interior, Ford tachometer, and all original drive train components . It is a short bed and it has a 360 cubic inch FE big block engine. 4 Speed. It is a Ranger. What is the difference between the Ranger and the custom or a sport custom.
$9500 asking price.
Where can I find info on these trucks?

 

There is no real way to tell mileage unless you are the original owner. Average mileage would be more like 400K. Let's see a pic of the tach. I have never seen 1 in a bump. If it really has original 65K on the clock expect a great deal of leaks to pop up. Ford built a ton of the bumps with few being rare.

 

Why a lot of leaks would pop up if it has 65k? Isn't that a good thing?

 

Without seeing drivetrain, under carriage, or stuff like that id say 165k. Just because it is in such good shape.

 

The odometer goes only to 99,999 before it flips over. What are the condition of the clutch and brake pedal pads? Are they worn through to the metal beneath? What are the armrests like? If it is only 65K, then any rubber parts would have a lot of dry rot from not being used. The color is Calypso Coral, #1, just like my old 72 F-100.

 

What are the differences between the Ranger model ant the rest?

 

It's just a trim level, mostly differences in trim and upholstery. No years are really better than others. I prefer 1968/69 because they could have a 390 and 70 started the plastic grille. Some folks like 87 because they have a lot of unique features but I like them the least for the same reasons.
It looks like a real nice pickup from what we can see but overpriced in today's soft market.

 

How much would you think it would be a fair price? The truck almost looks new, willowbilly3.

 

When a vehicle sits & 65K would indicate it has sat a long time in the last 40 yrs, the seals dry out. Once you start using the vehicle again they just crack, burn up, etc causing leaks. Being realistic at 40 yrs old with an average of 10K / yr you come up with 400K for mileage. What does the inside of the bed look like? Fender wells full of dents?

 

[quote=Vsanzbajo;12420589]How much would you think it would be a fair price? The truck almost looks new, willowbilly3.[/quote
How much are you willing to give for this truck? Do some research on ebay, classifieds here, classifieds anywhere you can find these trucks.
Bottom line on price is, "What your willing to spend"
Here on the west coast, cheaper than east coast. Some have bought for far less while others have paid that price. Just depends on how bad do you want this truck, and what your intentions are.

 

1970/72: Ranger/Ranger XLT upper side mouldings are 3 5/8" wide. Sport Custom/Custom (if so equipped) upper side mouldings are 1 1/2" wide.

This truck is a Ranger as the 3 5/8" mouldings have black inserts. Ranger XLT's have wood grained inserts.

OP lives in CA, truck appears to be a "well cared for original" and it looks like it was garaged since day one, as the anodizing hasn't faded away.

How many of y'all have a grille frame and hood nose moulding with shiny anodizing? IMO, this truck could very well have 65,000 actual miles.

OP doesn't say where in CA he lives, but rolling hills in background could be in Livermore, not too far from Walnut Creek.

 

That is correct! Customs and Sport Custom had the narrow moldings where the Rangers and Ranger XLT's had the moldings that numberdummy quoted above. Custom was the bottom of the chain as far as "bling" on these trucks, followed by Sport Custom, then Ranger, then Ranger XLT being top dog for the 70-72 year model trucks.

This truck could very well be a 65K mile truck, just make sure you go over the truck very well for leaks and other major areas pointed out above. As far as price, thats up to you. Does it have A/C? The more the power assisted things it has, the more valuable it can be worth to someone down the road. Some people do not consider these trucks as being too collectable. As for me, I do. The price has only gone up over the years on these trucks, unlike my mustangs that are going up and down on price just like the stock market! I feel if you can find a good original truck and take care of it, it will be like money in the bank in the years to come.