Getting in over my head?
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Wow, definitely a lot to consider. I almost had my hands on a 78 F250 with a rebuilt 429 in it, but the guy asked too much for what it was worth.
I've been looking for a project truck now for quite a while. This is the first one that I've come across that seemed like a good deal.
The truck has been in that position for about two years. I have no clue if he's covered where the carb was, which makes me worried.
It's probably a better idea to find something else, but from what I can tell, the cab of this truck is in great shape.
Thanks for your thoughts, I'll have to do some thinking
I've been looking for a project truck now for quite a while. This is the first one that I've come across that seemed like a good deal.
The truck has been in that position for about two years. I have no clue if he's covered where the carb was, which makes me worried.
It's probably a better idea to find something else, but from what I can tell, the cab of this truck is in great shape.
Thanks for your thoughts, I'll have to do some thinking
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
But, since it cannot be driven, who knows if it even runs? You should not believe one single word a seller claims.
The engine and/or trans and/or rear axle and/or steering and/or etc etc etc could be history!
What are the cost factors to fix all this jazz? Thousands upon thousands of dollars.
Buying something that cannot be driven or even started is a bad idea, a real bad idea for a novice.
People buy these old rolling piles of misery, think they can be fixed up for peanuts. Think again. Most of the parts are obsolete, expensive to buy NOS or even repro.
Some parts are nearly impossible to find...even used, like this F350's 6 lug, 7.25" bolt circle wheels.
Then...there is all the labor involved...how much can one do by themselves to save a few bucks?
I've owned over 300 old rolling piles of misery since 1956, so I know what the cost factors can add up to, and they add up quickly!
The engine and/or trans and/or rear axle and/or steering and/or etc etc etc could be history!
What are the cost factors to fix all this jazz? Thousands upon thousands of dollars.
Buying something that cannot be driven or even started is a bad idea, a real bad idea for a novice.
People buy these old rolling piles of misery, think they can be fixed up for peanuts. Think again. Most of the parts are obsolete, expensive to buy NOS or even repro.
Some parts are nearly impossible to find...even used, like this F350's 6 lug, 7.25" bolt circle wheels.
Then...there is all the labor involved...how much can one do by themselves to save a few bucks?
I've owned over 300 old rolling piles of misery since 1956, so I know what the cost factors can add up to, and they add up quickly!
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 82
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From: Columbus, IN
Sage advice from NumberDummy
Alot of good advice and not all in agreement. I have to come down with NumberDummy. There WILL BE other trucks.....I know that we have fewer and fewer each year, but this one sounds like one that may take you down some roads you don't wanna have to go.
Having the wife on board will be a tremendous help when it needs this or that.
I could have done mine without my wife's approval, but it's so much nicer to have it.
Having the wife on board will be a tremendous help when it needs this or that.
I could have done mine without my wife's approval, but it's so much nicer to have it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
You need to do due diligence by actually seeing the truck. Yesterday was reading a very long thread on the Cougar forum started by a member who bought an XR-7G shell for $7500. That is a good price since the console is worth $1500 by itself. Anyway he asked the seller direct questions about any damage and for digital pictures. On the phone for hours. When the shell arrived there was a spot with "obvious" damage that was never mentioned or photographed. The seller is also a member. The seller claims he isn't responsible for what the buyer found despite being asked point blank questions. In short he lied (my opinion). Needless to say the seller has an image issue now especially since he deals in Cougar parts as a vendor. Still a good deal given the future value and what the truly unique parts cost on this car which are actually present for once.
Looks like the seller and buyer came to an agreement after 4 pages of posts.
http://www.mercurycougar.net/forums/...ased-68-cougar
Looks like the seller and buyer came to an agreement after 4 pages of posts.
http://www.mercurycougar.net/forums/...ased-68-cougar
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2011
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My 2 cents
I bought a 66 F-100 almost 2 years ago....its still in my garage being worked on. As for my experience, I had never taken on this kind of project before. There's a lot of learning to be done.
If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't look for a "deal" when buying a truck. I would by a good working truck for $3,000 because it will probably take $5,000 to get a $500 truck that's a "deal" up to that same level of condition.
Another factor is availability of parts. If they're not available, you're going to have one hell of a time trying to fix it up. With an F-100, there's lots of parts. I haven't seen a catalog full of F-300 parts....but I haven't been looking.
If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't look for a "deal" when buying a truck. I would by a good working truck for $3,000 because it will probably take $5,000 to get a $500 truck that's a "deal" up to that same level of condition.
Another factor is availability of parts. If they're not available, you're going to have one hell of a time trying to fix it up. With an F-100, there's lots of parts. I haven't seen a catalog full of F-300 parts....but I haven't been looking.
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You guys are right.
I think I'm just getting "buck fever" as one of you said.
Thanks for the advice.
If you guys know of any trucks in Wisconsin or Upper Michigan (Doubt that any of you will) Let me know
My neighbor however does have a f150 ranger (looks to be early 70's??? not sure) that's been sitting there for a while.
Maybe he'd part with that! Haha.
Any advice to be had about those?
I think I'm just getting "buck fever" as one of you said.
Thanks for the advice.
If you guys know of any trucks in Wisconsin or Upper Michigan (Doubt that any of you will) Let me know
My neighbor however does have a f150 ranger (looks to be early 70's??? not sure) that's been sitting there for a while.
Maybe he'd part with that! Haha.
Any advice to be had about those?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 210
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From: Divide , Colorado
I have had a great time reading and trying to contribute to this thread. And I am sure others have look at this thread and thought to themselves, that they would have asked some of the same questions and got some of the same input that you did. Your ambition of wanting to jump in with both feet is great. Hope to see you in this forum again real soon.
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Thanks patmedic.
I'll definitely be around for quite a while.
In my area, almost everyone has older chevy trucks redone, but you don't see any fords. I've been in love with them for a while now... even though I'm only 20 years old.
I've got a lot to learn, and I plan on doin' that the good old fashion way.
Jumpin' in and gettin' dirty.
Currently, I have a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500. She's treated me well, but my heart lies with Fords. I bought my Ram for 500 bucks. Has the 360, new 33'' BFGs, 5speed standard tranny. She's rough around the edges... but for 500, who would pass that up.
I can't wait to get my hands on a ford though. I've loved them since I was a kid and my dad had one. Just a standard F150 single cab long box with a manual trans. We went everywhere in that thing.
Now I want one of my own, but hopefully a little older than an early 90's model.
I'll definitely be around for quite a while.
In my area, almost everyone has older chevy trucks redone, but you don't see any fords. I've been in love with them for a while now... even though I'm only 20 years old.
I've got a lot to learn, and I plan on doin' that the good old fashion way.
Jumpin' in and gettin' dirty.
Currently, I have a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500. She's treated me well, but my heart lies with Fords. I bought my Ram for 500 bucks. Has the 360, new 33'' BFGs, 5speed standard tranny. She's rough around the edges... but for 500, who would pass that up.
I can't wait to get my hands on a ford though. I've loved them since I was a kid and my dad had one. Just a standard F150 single cab long box with a manual trans. We went everywhere in that thing.
Now I want one of my own, but hopefully a little older than an early 90's model.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,656
Likes: 4
From: Northern and Southern Cal
Thanks patmedic.
I'll definitely be around for quite a while.
In my area, almost everyone has older chevy trucks redone, but you don't see any fords. I've been in love with them for a while now... even though I'm only 20 years old.
I've got a lot to learn, and I plan on doin' that the good old fashion way.
Jumpin' in and gettin' dirty.
Currently, I have a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500. She's treated me well, but my heart lies with Fords. I bought my Ram for 500 bucks. Has the 360, new 33'' BFGs, 5speed standard tranny. She's rough around the edges... but for 500, who would pass that up.
I can't wait to get my hands on a ford though. I've loved them since I was a kid and my dad had one. Just a standard F150 single cab long box with a manual trans. We went everywhere in that thing.
Now I want one of my own, but hopefully a little older than an early 90's model.
I'll definitely be around for quite a while.
In my area, almost everyone has older chevy trucks redone, but you don't see any fords. I've been in love with them for a while now... even though I'm only 20 years old.
I've got a lot to learn, and I plan on doin' that the good old fashion way.
Jumpin' in and gettin' dirty.
Currently, I have a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500. She's treated me well, but my heart lies with Fords. I bought my Ram for 500 bucks. Has the 360, new 33'' BFGs, 5speed standard tranny. She's rough around the edges... but for 500, who would pass that up.
I can't wait to get my hands on a ford though. I've loved them since I was a kid and my dad had one. Just a standard F150 single cab long box with a manual trans. We went everywhere in that thing.
Now I want one of my own, but hopefully a little older than an early 90's model.
20 yrs old and you love the Blue Oval.
Thats great. Hope you have many projects displayed here in the future.
(just kiddin about the son thing)
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Hahaha no problem.
I hope to have many projects on here...
I can't wait to get started.
It's hard to pick your first though... you know?
I got another question for you guys...
I know a guy who has an in running condition 400m for sale.
He told me I could have it for $225... is that a good price?
He's a good friend of my dad's, so I know the engine is in decent shape if he says so.
He says it ran when he took it out of a Bronco bout 6 months ago.
What do you think>?
I hope to have many projects on here...
I can't wait to get started.
It's hard to pick your first though... you know?
I got another question for you guys...
I know a guy who has an in running condition 400m for sale.
He told me I could have it for $225... is that a good price?
He's a good friend of my dad's, so I know the engine is in decent shape if he says so.
He says it ran when he took it out of a Bronco bout 6 months ago.
What do you think>?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,656
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From: Northern and Southern Cal
Here's a fun little info link
How We Got Over 500hp from Ford's 400M Engine - Hot Rod Magazine
I have no hands on experience with this engine, but this article will get your mind going.
How We Got Over 500hp from Ford's 400M Engine - Hot Rod Magazine
I have no hands on experience with this engine, but this article will get your mind going.
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