Hello,
New to forums. Seems this is the only place to get any information on old ford trucks.
I am looking to buy a 1983 F600 Box Truck. Looking to use it to move from NJ to NC, then who knows what.
Truck has 105K miles on it. It needs front tires and windshield, and a brake booster installed that they have.
I am going tonight to it with battery and gas and oil and water to try and start it and see how it runs. Its been parked for a year, it apparently ran in February.
Anything I should look out for? I was told to inspect front end real good, especially if going on highway. I need to get it from NC to NJ and back.

My main concern in the MPG. Any ideas what I might get? I thought I read on here 6-8. I was hoping for 10-15. It would cost me about $450 gas to make trip. But maybe I can move something north and make a few bucks.

So any suggestions? I don't have much money and can't really afford to rent a uhaul for $1200-1500 one way. THere is no price on truck, so I'm pretty sure seller is open to all offers. And I don't think he's had any. It was listed once in mid early april. So hopefull I can get it low, spend 150 on some used tires and get it on the road.

Its this or an 82 econoline 14' box that needs a fuel pump, in NJ and asking 1200.

Thanks.
~Steve

 

Those trucks might make the Uhaul look cheap.

 

+1 !

I will say welcome! This is the place to post the questions, a whole lot of great people and knowledge on here.

My thoughts, not trying to rain on your parade.....

At least the F600 is going to blow thru the cost of the Uhaul very fast. If they are 20" rims, with tires like 900x20 or 1000x20 a decent set of freeway safe non weather checked tires with good tread might do it alone, without even getting to repair any of the other known problems. If you have the 22.5" rims then you can find a set of cheaper used tires, but I seriously doubt for a $150 for a set of legal tires that are safe.

Gas engine? Figure a honest 3-5 mpg depending upon load, gearing and the speed traveling. Figure that the best speed will probably be close or at the minimum required freeway speed, right around 45-50 mph, but then, depending upon the engine, the load and the gearing, that might be all you can do with that old warhorse.

Hour upon endless hour slogging along in the right lane being passed by everyone not driving a similar truck can drive many people up the wall. But a side benefit is it gives you time to look around and enjoy the scenery! Amazing how much more you notice when not traveling at 70+ mph.

Again, just my thoughts on the F600, sight unseen with all of the trucks parameters not nailed down. a first blush you might say.

David

 

Hi. Thanks for the info. I tried to start I yesterday and it fires with gas carb, but it turns out its not picking up gas. The tank is 45 with a 40 gal. draw. I put in like 11 gallons. It won't pick up gas. It's been sitting for 5-7 yrs. I needs the brake booster replaced. Seller has it. I got a quote of $145 for used tires installed. 19.5's.
My guess is it needs tons of maintenance to get moving. Brakes probably need to be all disassembled and. Cleaned an lubed. They r all drums.
Even if I got it for free. It's probably not worth it.
It's. 370 2V engine with a 2 barell carb. Carb links were even frozen. So it's more work than probably should waste. I can do it all, but I guess why bother.