Hi All, I'm potentially buying a 72 here soon. I've been lurking around this forum for a bit now doing some digging on the truck, and they seem to be rather reliable. Need some help deciding if it is a good buy or not.

The guy who is selling it works at the same school as my Mom, he said he put new tires on it and did a new suspension but the carb needs rebuilt. However he's been driving the truck to school for a few weeks now so I can't see it being that big of a problem.

The problem i've got is that I'm a poor college kid and can't afford for this to turn into a money pit. I need it to run, and be able to upgrade as I go. I don't have a whole lot of experience of working on cars, but I'm great with my hands and sure I'll be able to figure it out. Here's the craigslist ad:

1972 Ford f 250 camper special

Thank in advance.

 

May I say in response that you need to find cheaper transportation than the F250. Once you are out of college and knocking dust then buy one.

That thing will cost a student to much to operate. My O



John

 

I should've mentioned that I don't plan on paying the 6.5 asking price

 

Rebuilding a carburetor is fairly easy. YouTube has a plethora of videos for the wary. Just make sure you get the appropriate rebuild kit.

And I kind of agree with jowilker in some ways. Just because someone says it has new tires and a new suspension doesn't mean s**t. You have to know what to look for. Bring a friend who knows automobiles or pay a mechanic $50 to do a once over. I'd rather lose $50 once than pay $50 a week for a year...

My $.02

 

Do plan on having my Uncle who works at Ford look it over, and maybe a trusted mechanic friend.

 

Carb rebuild kits are pretty inexpensive and like mentioned above, it's easy to do yourself with some free video guidance on Youtube.The truck looks very solid in the pictures (where I'm from there's usually a few spots you can stick a fist through), although don't let that stop you from bringing that uncle with you and/or that pal. The truck is 43 years old so expect it to have a few kinks and hiccups here or there. If you're in the market for an old truck and you understand that it may take some weekend tinkering to keep it reliable, I'd say go for it. The thing that makes me leery, though, is you saying you won't be paying the asking price. Is there a friend discount involved? Or are you preparing to lowball the guy? There's nothing wrong with trying to get a good deal, but keep in mind, if you offer too low, the guy is NOT obligated to sell you the truck. Keep your offer fair.

 

Thanks for the input, The seller made it obvious that he was willing to take less than what Craigslist said, much less. I love the idea of having a project truck, and it wouldn't be driven much when i am at school.

 

Most guys in college are broke, I have had 3 there myself. I am suggesting that you look for a $800.00 car that can get 25 mpgs rather than a $5000.00 + truck that will get 8 mpg until after you get your degree.

While it is a sharp looking truck it will be a burden around your neck should you go for it now. 5 years past graduation you can probably write a check for it.


John

 

2X John.
Also, F250's did not come with 302's. Maybe his carb problem is actually something not adapted good. This could domino. "Fresh" 302? Fresh what? Paint, rebuild, or what. Have Unc look it over good but I think John has a better idea above.

 

Oh, that's no bueno. Will definitely look into this and check the VIN. If the engine was swapped it's definitely a no go.

 

It was Son. Outside of some weird and one off "Special Order" , no Bump heavier than a F100 got the 302.

 

I meant to make sure Craigslist is accurate. Thanks for noticing that.

 

That sure looks like a SBF (small block Ford) valve cover to me. AKA 221,260,289,302,351W. Maybe that's why the P/S hose is looped so high.
*
*
1972 Ford f 250 camper special - $6500<small> (avon)</small>
<section class="userbody"><figure class="iw">< >

















</figure></section>

 

4th digit of the VIN is the engine code. 1968/72 F100/350:

A = 240 1V I-6 / B = 300 1V I-6 / G = 302 2V (1969/72 F100 only) / H = 390 2V / Y = 360 2V

1980 was the first year that the 302 was available in F250's.