I'm considering buying a 1966 F100 for about $1500. My main issue is it has a 289 in it. I'm not looking to make this a show truck, just an occasional driver. Its in good shape, no major rust (except in bed) or dents, all original trim inside and out.. dash isn't split or cracked.. So it won't require major restoration, just clean-up polishing. Where would I be value wise if I spent the time to restore it including a professional paint job? Does it not having an original motor drastically reduce the value? Its two-toned with white and an aqua looking blue. How much should I expect to spend having it painted? Would I save any money by completely sanding the body down to prep it to be painted?

Tried to attach pics but new to site and not sure how.

 

Hey Papa, Welcome to FTE! my advice would be to build the truck the way you want it, putting the truck back to "as stock" condition will bring back the most value. but beware, when your done it will only be worth half of what you spend, maybe a little more if you restore it to appeal to a wide group of buyers. Expect to pay between 4 and 6 grand for a very good quality paint job and from there show quality paint work can be over 10 grand. hope that helps.

Photobucket or flicker is a good way to post pic's on the site and they are free to use.

 

ditto with bill tho maybe two one is a little hi they are not rare
welcome to FTE post pic of your truck

 

I gave $1,000 to have the cracked lacquer media blasted off and $7,000 to have the truck painted inside and out. This included some rust repair. I have another 1,500 in replacing all the weather stripping and rubber. If it was done right would be happy as I plan to keep the truck. Do not expect to recoup your money on the paint. It is cheaper to find one with good paint and pay 8-9 for it if that is important.

Be careful and selecting a painter and check references. These guy did great body work but the paint is thin, primer showing through, dirt, runs, you name it. I gave them 4 weeks to correct it with no satisfaction. DO NOT GO TO Bexar County Classics in San Antonio.

If you are going to sand the truck and have it ready to paint, you should be able to find some to paint if for $2,000. My buddy had his scuffed and painted for $2,000.

 

These trucks were painted acrylic enamel originally. If the paint is faded, it can be color sanded, using #600 wet/dry paper, then buffed out.

But don't over sand it, and if you've never used a buffer before, watch out, it can take off on its own.

Or you can rub the paint out by hand using DuPont White Polishing Compound. Wear disposable gloves, or your mitts will be the same color as the truck when you're finished.

 

$1500 for a running, driving old truck with not many dings or rust? That sounds good to me. If you want to fix it up right, definitely have it media blasted then taken to the paint and body person. Media can be from $700-1000 depending on how much they have to work to get to bare metal. Paint and body will be anywhere from $2000-5000 depending on paint, body condition, etc. Obviously you can pay a lot more than that but I think you can have a good looking rust free truck for the amount I stated. These trucks aren't rare but if done right I think it's possible to not lose any money and maybe make some if you ever sell. Get some pics up so we can see what you're working with. Welcome to the site!

 

My approach is do what YOU want and that way the regret is kept to a minimum because you never know what everyone else wants. I am doing mine with no expectations for profit.