My '79 was my daily driver in grad school. I still drive it several times a week, but mostly on the weekends.

Many people talk about gas mileage when comparing new and old trucks, but I think safety is something to think about too. Trucks have come a long way over the years in terms of crash safety. I would much rather take a hit in my Civic than my '79, especially on the interstate. A quick look at NHTSA videos and a basic understanding of physics explains why. People think that just because a truck looks big and has "lots of metal" doesn't have anything to do with the fact that there are no crumple zones, air bags, head restraints, and in many cases, shoulder belts. The reason newer vehicles look so torn up after an accident is because the vehicle took on the force and not the driver. If you've got a family to haul around, that's something to think about. However this is just one piece of the pie.

At the end of the day, it's your money, so get what you like. Personally I think a newer truck would require less attention and be more cost effective, but the '76 would have a lot more character. It really depends what kind of shape the particular truck you're looking at is in. If it's something you're going to work on a lot, it's difficult for it to be your daily driver. Any repairs that it might (read: will) need have to be spaced out during your days off, and so on. If it's in really good shape in and out and doesn't require much attention, then that's not much of an issue. Regardless, these trucks are very reliable, solid, and easy to work on.

 

When I bought my first truck, I thought that the 300 would have to go. After driving it for 9 years, I loved it. When I sold it, I thought "someday..."

When I called about the crew (I ended up buying) the guy kind of sheepishly said it had a 300 and a 4 spd. I was thrilled Though not 4wd, it is fun to be driving a 300 again.

I plan to convert it to 4wd like I did the other one

 

I hope you are a Vice President of Google or something. I would just sell my house and move closer to work! That's a lot of gasoline.

 

Naw...just a guy that loves his dentsides. As I made mention, I do have several other capable efi vehicles, like the '11 Mustang (a couple 96 trucks (350's) and Broncos too, and a 2008 Ford Edge), but they're just not the same. It's tough to replace the sound of tooth shattering exhausts and the smell of unburnt fuel. There's a reason I have 8 drivable 73-79 Fords in my driveway, I'm a creature of habit and I go with what works. I prefer to think of it as a hobby with toys, rather than a sickness and addiction. Besides, you never know when the zombies will attack, and I'm gonna wanna be in the closest thing to a tank I can get my hands on.

 

okay fellers, as long as ive owned my truck, (a long 3 years) i have never heard them refered to as "dentsides." but i am very proud to own mine. Being that I'm 15, and dont have a job at the moment, my truck sits at home needing body work, and a fuel sending unit. So i have to drive my dad's '01 Explorer because the F-150 blew the motor but i have found out that if you dont run the truck a few times every week, you will have problems with it.i have had to replace a starter, 2 fuel pumps, plugs and wires, carburetor diaphragm, and now a fuel sending unit. but that just shows you that you need to get out and run it like you should run a regular vehicle. My '78 F-150 has a 351M and a new process 435 transmission with a New process 205 transfer case, gas mileage isn't all that great, but its a very reliable truck. they are truly tough as nails but when i get my license, it will be my daily driver too. i honestly think its a good idea and i think you should definately go bring the truck home.

 

It's an enthusiast nick name referring to the indent running down the side of the body. The 67-72's are known as bumpsides, in regard to their body line. And then you have the 'slick 60's' as well.

 

yeah thats what i was thinking of. thanks for fillin' me in on that.

 

since the guy with the 76 wouldn't trade i took a look on the local internet classifieds and found me a 78 short bed in good shape and he is very interested in my 92 i prefer 78s anyhow, when i was little my dad had a 78 f250 2wd and it was the coolest truck around. i'll gets pic up if the deal goes through.

 

sounds good. i prefer a 78 too. although i like the 79 headlights better. theres just something about it that looks just flat out mean lol

 

gotta have the 78 with round headlights

 

i know ya gotta have a 78 with round headlights, but i think the square headlights look better with a blacked out grille, and headlight bezels. i don't know what it is about it. the 78 1/2 truck had square headlights. but mine was built early so it has round. but im changing it out

 

KSL Car Classifieds Photo Viewer

going wednesday to get it

 

Cool man. I'm from Utah too. You gotta love the old 4x4 iron that sticks around out there. I live in Iowa now and it's not like that here. Enjoy the truck!

 

Dude, Im soo stealing this from you for a while... Zombies are the sh it!!! And when they rise Ill run them over too!!!

 

^^^Be my guest...we're all susceptible to zombie attacks. Which would you rather be in, a flower power Yaris, or a rip snorting dentside? I rest my case.