I've got the opportunity to pick up a '74 F100 Trailer Special for next to nothing, but wondering if it's worth fixing up. The truck has the heavy duty towing package, 460cid motor, side bed tool box, swing out mirrors, running boards, and what appears to be some type of matched bed shell. Interior is in good shape for an old farm truck, a little rust at the rear quarters, but otherwise appears to be a pretty solid old truck. It has some sentimental value to me, but I'm guessing it needs about $6-10k investment to get her back to respectable.

Any ideas on value? Is the heavy duty towing package rare?

 

value varies. how much you spend depends on you. i drive a 77 f350 with dull paint. for 6000 you would not. your truck may need little or no rust / rot repair. you may need mechanical, oil leaks fixed and god knows what else. my truck needs a fuel tank, i have never seen so much rust as in the fuel filters i keep changing. sometimes you get lucky. take a good look at it, don't buy off ebay sight unseen like i did. figure what it needs and what you want to do to make it the way you like. if you needed to buy a new truck today, could you spend the same time / money and have such a beautiful truck? look at the crap on the dealer lots.

 

Sounds like it was your uncle's or grandfather's.

Some people believe it's worth whatever it costs ......as.......it is just money.

Lots of these trucks are worth fixing up and a TS is a good choice.

I'll see if I can find a production number with that option.

 

I agree with Dennis. Money....you'll make more, plus you can't take it with you when you're gone. These old trucks when properly restored are worth something to some people. I say go for it. Good luck!

 

Still wrestling with the big idea. I think she's a great looking old truck and with a bit of work, can be a gas guzzling beauty. Down side is, I've got a '87 Mustang GT nearly done (only needs a cam), a '93 Lightning which can remain stock for now, and a '88 Ranger for a daily driver. I'm running out of room. One option might be to put get the '74, and put it in storage until I have time/money/space to take on another project.

Any body got a realistic idea of availability of replacement parts for the '73-'79 trucks?

 

LMC(R) and BOTP(R) are two vendorsthat come to mind.You can get almost anything that you need.Sheet metal,glass,any and all weather striping,grills and ect.

Leo