I bought a 76' F150 from my dad so it has some sentimental value to me:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/100_1149.jpg

Obviously it needs a new bed and the fenders are rusted out also. I put an ad in the local paper for a bed and a guy called me who had this truck:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/100_1197.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/100_1196.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/100_1193.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/100_1194.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/100_1198.jpg

Obviously this truck is a lot better off than mine. I was originally just going to purchase the bed (he wants $300) but now I am thinking I should get the whole truck ($800). I could just transfer everything onto my 4x4 chassis and have a real nice truck. However, I wouldn't feel this truck was my dad's anymore. What would you all do? I guess it's just a personal thing. Thanks--Marvin

 

I wouln't exactly know,because I don't have the attachment to the truck that you do.

I would (personally) do it tho, buy the truck, and swap out the panels neccesary, its up to you though.

 

Buy the whole truck.

Swap out the rusted body parts. Match as needed. I see yours is a Custom. So you have to remove the trim and fasteners. But you will get dual tanks. Graft the auxiliary tank setup on your truck. Paint to original color. Sell the rest of the parted out truck for profit.

 

Guess my screen isn't big enuf either, have to scroll side to side. Anyhow...... I'd probably fix it up the way it is just to keep it "as dad had it". For sentimental value

 

Yikes, the thought of gassing up both tanks!
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1198.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1197.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1196.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1195.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1194.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1193.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1150.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1148.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1151.jpg

Actually, the more I think about it, I really don't like all that extra trim on the Rangers.

 

im with dirt. swap out the necessary panels and make it like it was.

 

I would also get the truck. The bed doesn't look like it has much rust if any, so the bed itself is worth 800. (pics can be deceiving though). Anyway, It still would be your Dad's truck. Keep what is good on both trucks to make a good one. No different than buying patch panels to fix rust, because in the end you probably would have a lot of patch panels. Either way, your fixing the sheet metal. I understand what you mean though.

If you replace the sheet metal, you can always paint it and fix it up to as close as possible to what it looks like now. Just without the rust and some chrome.

 

Well yeah that is a tough one if it was me i think i would fix up the one i bought off my dad to make em proud and what not plus that yellow aint bad but like i prefer the ranger xlt with all that trim plus its nicer shape so if you plan a restoration that one might need as much bodywork at least which aint cheap unless done yourself but thats me

 

keep it in the family. if it meant anything to your dad he'd appreciate it.

 

you will have to get a different bed anyway. There's half the truck right there. And you need two different fenders. No difference in sentimental value if you buy new or used. Not sure of your budget, but if you buy new OEM fenders, your talking $400 each. Aftermarket ones are cheap, but you'd be better getting the ones of that truck. What's left....Cab and Hood. Then pay attention to your inner fenders and core support. If any one of those things are rusted, you will need to switch out those anyway. You have to fix up your truck with any reasonable means possible. Sometimes, these projects are affordable only with parts trucks. If you were to buy everything new, Your talking thousands and thousands of dollars. You could patch panel everything, but then your also talking thousands and thousands of dollars. It's always better if you can get a complete part vs repairing one you have, reasonably speaking. Take the best parts off both trucks to make a good one.

 

It just makes a lot more sense to switch cabs and everything else. I have quite a bit of rust-through in places like where the cab bolts to the frame.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1199.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1202.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f251/turbo600vert/100_1201.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/100_1200.jpg

I never got a good look at the parts truck but if it's not as rusty on the exterior as mine, chances are it's not as rusty anywhere else either.

 

Yep..you are better off also. IMO, save your door Tags and also take a picture of the door jamb sticker for your specifications. Try to get the jamb sticker off, but take a pic before you try, because those stickers aren't made to come off and it will probably get ruined in the try.

This way you have all the info needed if you want to duplicate your original truck.

 

Good advice Patrick, thanks

 

Ok, I found a real nice 67' with a near perfect body. I know they are different styles, but will it bolt onto my 76' chassis? She only wants $100 for the whole truck.

 

Just a thought --- I also needed a box and fenders for my truck. I bought a box and tailgate from a fellow FTE'er for $250 CDN that was way better than that one and I found new fenders were so cheap it made no sence to buy used and do body work on them. I was also able to find a good hood (mine has drill holes in it) and a drivers door at a salvage yard for $50 CDN so I'd say shop around. You come up here to CDN and I have a whole 74 I'll sell you for $500 CDN.