‘FTE’ Member’s F-250 is the Perfect Winter Project

F-250 is in solid exterior shape with minimal rust, but the engine needs to be rebuilt.

Classic Ford trucks have become popular vehicles to restore, as they can often be had for less than a car from the early 1970s. The problem is that most trucks have been driven hard for their entire lives, so they are in terrible physical condition. Fortunately, Ford Trucks Enthusiasts forum member “SanCarlosTruck” posted his 1972 F-250 Sport Custom for sale in the FTE Marketplace. It is in California with very minor surface rust. The only downside is that the engine was run without oil and it needs to be rebuilt.

F-250 Sport Custom Introduction

When the OP first posted his 1972 Ford F-250 Sport Custom for sale, he provided a ton of information on the truck, its history and what it needs to get back on the road. Unfortunately, while it is in pretty solid shape, it is not in proper running order.

1972 Ford F-250 Sport Custom – Wimbledon White with very little rust on the outside body. The bed of the truck has been protected by a camper shell and has not been exposed to the elements.

This truck requires an engine rebuild since the Oil Pump failed and it was driven with low Oil Pressure. This truck was a project truck from the previous owner and I just haven’t had the time to tackle what is needed to get it back into top shape. The body of the truck has very little rust on it and the bed is rust free.

The truck has a new automatic transmission and new rims and Cooper HT3 tires with very little mileage on them. The engine has a rebuilt 2 barrel Carburetor, aftermarket EdlebrockAir Cleaner (The Original Metal Pan one is included but has a fair amount of rust on the underside). New Water Pump, New Timing Chain, New Alternator, New Upper and Lower Radiator Hoses. I have replaced all the rubber window seals on the Driver Side and have the kit for the passenger side but haven’t had a chance to change them out.

The interior of the truck has an aftermarket bench seat, but we found an original bench seat from another 1972 Ford Truck that needs reupholstering, but is included in the back of the truck. Also included are the original rims along with some sketchy tires on them. This truck also was once equipped with an AC system but at the time we got the truck it wasn’t working so I removed it and the bracket and compressor are included.

The truck originally had dual gas tanks, but the tank behind the bench seat isn’t working. The truck is equipped with an aftermarket towing package and is set up for a second auxiliary battery (also included in the back). The Master Brake cylinder needs replacement and I have purchased a replacement Master Brake Cylinder but have not installed it.

This truck will need to be towed as it is not in running condition, I am listing this truck for 3500 dollars but as it isn’t in running condition I am willing to listen to any offers. This truck has a lot of potential due to the condition of the body, or could be parted out for a good deal more than 3500. Thanks for checking out my listing.

The seller also included 20 pictures of this 1972 F-250 inside, outside, under the hood and under the cap. As you can see, this truck is showing its age, but there is only a little surface rust. A touch of bodywork in a fresh coat of paint and this F-250 is ready for the Cars and Coffee.

Time for an Engine Swap

Oddly, while the 1972 Ford F-250 owner provided loads of information in this for-sale listing, he doesn’t mention which V8 engine is under the hood. There were three different V8 engines offered in 1972, measuring 302, 360 and 390 cubic inches. We don’t know for sure, but this appears to be the 390-cubic inch big block. If it is indeed a factory big block truck, the buyer may want to rebuild the stock engine, but an engine swap would make this truck a whole lot more fun to drive.

This F-250 is listed for just $3,500, so there is plenty of room in the budget for a newer engine swap. A crate engine or a takeout from a newer truck would introduced gobs more power, but more importantly, a newer fuel injected engine would make for an easier daily driver.

If you have a Ford V8 laying around, this F-250 would be the perfect home for that engine. Drop in your engine and add a coat of paint and this classic Ford truck will be ready to cruise.

Join the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forums now!

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

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