Agree that the white one is nice but it's too expensive and I don't want the EFI. We've got to consider the AUS v US dollar at the moment - it's about US$0.75 to our AUS$1 then we've got to consider the shipping from state to state then from the US to Aus. It becomes a VERY expensive truck.

Body and paint are not a huge concern because I can repair that - major rust and missing pieces is my concern. We did get the bullnose in Australia but not the stepside body.

Motor is not a problem because I will more than likely do a V8 conversion if I get a 6 cyl.

 

If planning on doing a engine swap, look for a truck with a bad engine. You can use that in the bargaining process and it will not appeal to as many purchasers!

 

He can swap in one of those Australian Cleveland style engines. They might even have diesels over there that would fit.

 

1981 has a 1982 grille (first year for the Blue Oval grille emblem).

The so-called "3 speed Overdrive" is this: RUG SR-OD Single Rail 4 Speed Overdrive.

 

I will be putting a 302 Windsor in one if I am able to find one Thanks Guys for all the info

 

Hey guys just a quick update heading to LA at the end of the week (Friday) and going to check out a f100 in San Diego CA I will let you no how it all goes Fingers crossed

 

Good luck! And safe travels.

 

Thanks Gary

 

Best of luck to you! Let us know what you find

 

Thanks Guys and will do

 

Yeah, tell us what comes of this, thanks.

 

Hey Guys,
We're back from our trip to the US and I just about found all the van parts I was looking for and the 1980 F-100 flareside in San Diego was a success.
After dealing with the seller since December 21, we didn't think the sale was going to eventuate but fortunately it did.
The truck had been in the sellers family since 1985 and it was his grandfather's truck which he passed on to his mother which was then passed on to the seller. He told us he didn't have the Title and had to go through the DMV in order to get it (which we've been told can take weeks) and all the while we were thinking he's leading us on a goose chase.
The day we arrived we called him and said we'd meet him early the next week. A few days later, on the drive from LA to San Diego, we got a text message advising that the Title had arrived in the post that day.
After meeting with the seller, inspecting the truck and having a lengthy discussion, we bought it and found out the reason it took so long (aside from the DMV) was that he couldn't bring himself to sell it because it had been in the family for so long.
Needless to say the seller was very happy in knowing that it is going to a good home and that it will be shipped back to Australia.
As I type this - the truck is still in California and we're waiting on import papers and US checks and clearances then for the shipper to fill a container. I'll let you know when it turns up - shipping alone takes 3 weeks from the US to Australia.
Thanks for the PMs and help.

 

That is a gorgeous clean, straight truck! Congrats! Only curious things I see are that the 80/81 style hood letters are missing, the side mirrors are the 1982+ type, and I believe that is a Bronco rear bumper. But wow, that thing is preserved (as you would expect from a Southern California truck). I'd say you got very lucky with that one. I'm glad it worked out for you! Thanks for sharing

 

Love it! You did well.

I expect CA to be the place to buy old vehicles like this as it will be increasingly difficult to get them to pass inspection. The only problem that gives is that they had some funky emissions systems, like a red-grommet DS module if I remember correctly. But, unless the go-to country/state requires all of the original equipment to work, that can be resolved.

So, what requirements do you have that way?

 

Thanks Guys!

A little bit of info we were told about the truck is that it is a poverty pack stock standard 300 6 cylinder 3 on the tree. Apparently sold new out of Florida and bought to California. It has a stick shift on the floor because the column shift broke.

Did notice that the hood letters are missing and the odd rear bar but none of that was mentioned by the PO. Was told that it had a front fender change.

As for requirements in Australia, we do not have any smog testing and it does have the air pump still fitted which when it comes home will be all disconnected and removed as it is not a requirement over here.

Is there anything I should know by disconnecting this equipment - will it affect anything?

Cheers!