Urgent!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 605
Likes: 1
From: Castle Rock, CO
Hi Chris and welcome! It seems like you have potentially found a great truck to build upon. I totally understand your excitement as we have all been there. Having said that, I hate to come across as a wet blanket but since you are asking for input and opinions, I'd like to provide mine so here goes- It sounds like you have some concerns about the condition of the truck (due to sitting) as well as your ability to commit the time and resources needed to enjoy this truck and those are valid concerns since this is a 35 year old truck, no matter how you slice it. You are also trying to address the value of the truck. In my opinion the value of the truck is almost entirely driven by what the buyer or owner perceives that value of the truck is to them. There are so many factors to consider (condition, location, use, options, etc) and book values can be helpful but at the end of the day, it's driven by emotion, sentiment, etc. That is why the prices are all over the board with these trucks. Also, I think most forum members absolutely love these trucks. Almost an obsession. They might spend a ton of time, efforts, blood, sweat, and tears on these trucks. They may also spend a ton of cash on them. But to most, it's a labor of love and they don't really care about how much they spend as they do not expect to ever get back what they put into it. I am one of those and it's a never ending project or hobby that I happen to love. I can also say with certainty that once you own it and drive it....it will always need somethin, fixin, tinkerin, lovin, whatever. This will either drive you nuts or you will like it. I seem to like the fact that the old gal needs me and I actually get a little excited when something needs fixin. If you are primarily interested in "flippin" it for a profit, you will most likely be disappointed. If you also don't have that "passion/obsession" or think you have the time/resources/patience to spend the next few years tinkering with the truck, I would really think twice before jumping into the potential "money/time pit". I apologize for the lengthy posting but only trying to be helpful. Good luck with your decision.
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Hi Chris and welcome! It seems like you have potentially found a great truck to build upon. I totally understand your excitement as we have all been there. Having said that, I hate to come across as a wet blanket but since you are asking for input and opinions, I'd like to provide mine so here goes- It sounds like you have some concerns about the condition of the truck (due to sitting) as well as your ability to commit the time and resources needed to enjoy this truck and those are valid concerns since this is a 35 year old truck, no matter how you slice it. You are also trying to address the value of the truck. In my opinion the value of the truck is almost entirely driven by what the buyer or owner perceives that value of the truck is to them. There are so many factors to consider (condition, location, use, options, etc) and book values can be helpful but at the end of the day, it's driven by emotion, sentiment, etc. That is why the prices are all over the board with these trucks. Also, I think most forum members absolutely love these trucks. Almost an obsession. They might spend a ton of time, efforts, blood, sweat, and tears on these trucks. They may also spend a ton of cash on them. But to most, it's a labor of love and they don't really care about how much they spend as they do not expect to ever get back what they put into it. I am one of those and it's a never ending project or hobby that I happen to love. I can also say with certainty that once you own it and drive it....it will always need somethin, fixin, tinkerin, lovin, whatever. This will either drive you nuts or you will like it. I seem to like the fact that the old gal needs me and I actually get a little excited when something needs fixin. If you are primarily interested in "flippin" it for a profit, you will most likely be disappointed. If you also don't have that "passion/obsession" or think you have the time/resources/patience to spend the next few years tinkering with the truck, I would really think twice before jumping into the potential "money/time pit". I apologize for the lengthy posting but only trying to be helpful. Good luck with your decision.
74, thank you for your very detailed response. I think you're absolutley right. I do love these trucks, at least admiring from a far. I'm not someone who just sees money when I look at it. I see a farmer's smile walking into a Ford dealer in 1977 and driving that truck off the lot with a grin. I just think if I was at a different point in my life, this would be perfect and I could make it a nice project for me and my kid. However, I just don't think I am at that point.
However, I am bringing my mechanic Saturday morning and I'll have the trailer hooked up to my truck. If he gives the okay, I will pull the trigger. As mentioned, I don't think 1,500 bucks will really kill me. But I just don't want to get into more than I can chew being new to all this and end up taking a large hit.
I'm sorry if I'm insulting ya'll. I really don't mean to. I guess having time to think about something like this just kills ya'. Should just go off instinct!
Chris
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New User
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I tried to turn them back on. Says I have no visitor messages yet. So maybe I'm doing something wrong but I can't figure out what!
If you'd like, feel free to email me at Arnoldy24@gmail.com
Thanks!
Chris
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 654
Likes: 2
From: The Lone Star State
Hi gang!
I'm a long time longer and have been hangin' out on the other F-150 forums and while researching something rather important today, kept running across great info on this site. Figured registering was the least I could do!
I've got a bit of an urgent question I'm wondering if ya'll can talk me out of, or into if be. I've got myself a 2012 F-150 XLT 4X4. On my drive today, I noticed a truck that literally made me whip my head around.
Stumbled upon a 1977 F-250 Ranger with 43,000 miles on it, and a 351 Cleveland under the hood. The truck was purchased new in 1977 and the owner died a few months back, resulting in the neighbor buying and selling the truck. The truck is a 2WD and is rust-free from what I could tell aside from a few small spots on one fender. It seemed pretty odd that it's free of rust due to the fact that I'm in rural Michigan. The current owner said it said in the old man's barn with his harvesters all of its life.
Long story short, I called the number and met with the owner today, who showed up in a gold Cadillac DeVille on gold wire wheels, I kid you not. Did a big walk around of the truck, got under it, etc. Drove the truck for a few minutes, drove just as a truck of that age would. Pulled to the left due a low front tire. Everything on the truck worked properly. The only thing I noticed was a hole in the passenger floor board, and a trim piece inside was rotted. The interior was very clean, and the bench seat looks brand new. I know when I look at it, I'm looking at a farmers pride and joy. I notice the Harley front plate and I know that man loved his truck. Kinda' cool.
We talked money. Told me he wouldn't take a penny less than $1,700. We agreed on $1,525 and I left him with a $50 deposit. I told him I would meet him Saturday morning. Have access to a trailer now, and two new front tires since the current front two are dry-rotted.
I called a friend who has owned several F-series around that era. He was definitely impressed. He said the truck was in outstanding condition. Couldn't believe how clean the frame was and said he thinks it's a Southern truck. Although it has sat in a barn with a bunch of harvesters all its life. The only rust is a few tiny spots above the drivers wheel well.
SO HERE IS MY QUESTION What do you guys think? Buy it? I've never done anything like this and I'm scared out of my mind. I honestly don't think I'd have enough time to enjoy it like I thought I would with my work schedule. If I pick it up for $1,525, what do you think I could get out of it? Would it sell or sit forever? I have no idea what this would go for and I can't find any pricing guide to help. If I sold, would I be selling for less than what I paid? Breaking even? More? Sorry for so many questions.
I know this is a long-winded first post, but I'm really nervous about this. Don't know if I should walk or bring her home and try to sell it.
Thanks for any and all help, I really do mean it. Without these forums, I swear I would be lost
Chris
I'm a long time longer and have been hangin' out on the other F-150 forums and while researching something rather important today, kept running across great info on this site. Figured registering was the least I could do!
I've got a bit of an urgent question I'm wondering if ya'll can talk me out of, or into if be. I've got myself a 2012 F-150 XLT 4X4. On my drive today, I noticed a truck that literally made me whip my head around.
Stumbled upon a 1977 F-250 Ranger with 43,000 miles on it, and a 351 Cleveland under the hood. The truck was purchased new in 1977 and the owner died a few months back, resulting in the neighbor buying and selling the truck. The truck is a 2WD and is rust-free from what I could tell aside from a few small spots on one fender. It seemed pretty odd that it's free of rust due to the fact that I'm in rural Michigan. The current owner said it said in the old man's barn with his harvesters all of its life.
Long story short, I called the number and met with the owner today, who showed up in a gold Cadillac DeVille on gold wire wheels, I kid you not. Did a big walk around of the truck, got under it, etc. Drove the truck for a few minutes, drove just as a truck of that age would. Pulled to the left due a low front tire. Everything on the truck worked properly. The only thing I noticed was a hole in the passenger floor board, and a trim piece inside was rotted. The interior was very clean, and the bench seat looks brand new. I know when I look at it, I'm looking at a farmers pride and joy. I notice the Harley front plate and I know that man loved his truck. Kinda' cool.
We talked money. Told me he wouldn't take a penny less than $1,700. We agreed on $1,525 and I left him with a $50 deposit. I told him I would meet him Saturday morning. Have access to a trailer now, and two new front tires since the current front two are dry-rotted.
I called a friend who has owned several F-series around that era. He was definitely impressed. He said the truck was in outstanding condition. Couldn't believe how clean the frame was and said he thinks it's a Southern truck. Although it has sat in a barn with a bunch of harvesters all its life. The only rust is a few tiny spots above the drivers wheel well.
SO HERE IS MY QUESTION What do you guys think? Buy it? I've never done anything like this and I'm scared out of my mind. I honestly don't think I'd have enough time to enjoy it like I thought I would with my work schedule. If I pick it up for $1,525, what do you think I could get out of it? Would it sell or sit forever? I have no idea what this would go for and I can't find any pricing guide to help. If I sold, would I be selling for less than what I paid? Breaking even? More? Sorry for so many questions.
I know this is a long-winded first post, but I'm really nervous about this. Don't know if I should walk or bring her home and try to sell it.
Thanks for any and all help, I really do mean it. Without these forums, I swear I would be lost
Chris
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I think you scored big time. Especially if it does not have much in the way of rust. Does it have A/C? I think you'd certainly get your money back and then some if you sold it down here in Houston. Expect to spend a few hundred right off the bat replacing belts, hoses, rubber fuel lines, tires and maybe flushing the tank and brake lines. That will give you peace of mind and not leave you stranded. Good luck!
Chris
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Brett Foote
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Near Yosemite CA
I think 74 did a good job, and I will add my 2 copper pennies!
Good Looking truck, it would be a 351M, not Cleveland, still a decent truck motor, it has A/C, and Cruise,,, body looks nice, AND for 15 Benjamins,,, hell yes, all day long! You might even find yourself driving IT more than your new one! I do!!! Yes, it WILL need work, not always, but way more than your '12, so be prepared to do it and learn, you can do 99% of the work,,, only thing I don't do is gears. You will get more comments on it than your new truck, way more, especially if you clean it up, wax it and put some nice rims on it. And always remember, they don't make'em anymore!!
I say buy it, in for a dime in for a dollar!
Good Looking truck, it would be a 351M, not Cleveland, still a decent truck motor, it has A/C, and Cruise,,, body looks nice, AND for 15 Benjamins,,, hell yes, all day long! You might even find yourself driving IT more than your new one! I do!!! Yes, it WILL need work, not always, but way more than your '12, so be prepared to do it and learn, you can do 99% of the work,,, only thing I don't do is gears. You will get more comments on it than your new truck, way more, especially if you clean it up, wax it and put some nice rims on it. And always remember, they don't make'em anymore!!
I say buy it, in for a dime in for a dollar!
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Hi gang!
I'm a long time longer and have been hangin' out on the other F-150 forums and while researching something rather important today, kept running across great info on this site. Figured registering was the least I could do!
I've got a bit of an urgent question I'm wondering if ya'll can talk me out of, or into if be. I've got myself a 2012 F-150 Ecoboost XLT 4X4. On my drive today, I noticed a truck that literally made me whip my head around.
Stumbled upon a 1977 F-250 Ranger with 43,000
miles on it, and a 351 Cleveland under the hood.
I'm a long time longer and have been hangin' out on the other F-150 forums and while researching something rather important today, kept running across great info on this site. Figured registering was the least I could do!
I've got a bit of an urgent question I'm wondering if ya'll can talk me out of, or into if be. I've got myself a 2012 F-150 Ecoboost XLT 4X4. On my drive today, I noticed a truck that literally made me whip my head around.
Stumbled upon a 1977 F-250 Ranger with 43,000
miles on it, and a 351 Cleveland under the hood.Do not believe the miles shown on the odometer, as it reads to 99,999.9 then returns to ZERO.
Do not believe a single word a seller claims! Private sellers lie just like used/new car dealers, lawyers, politicians and TV evangelists.
351C = 1970/74 Passenger Cars/Ranchero's only.
The engine code is the 4th digit of the VIN. 1977 F250 2WD available engines: B = 300 1V I-6 / H = 351M 2V / J = 460 4V / S = 400 2V.
460 has 7 valve cover bolts per side, 351M/400's have 8.
Truck has optional factory installed integral A/C that's combined with the heater. Huge heater box on right side of firewall is the dead bang give-away.
Also has optional two position "low mount recreational mirrors" (D5TZ-17696-A) that are in the inner position. Outer position: Flip the mirror head over, then pull the goose necked mirror head arm out.
Left front wheel: In order to install 1971/72 LTD 15" wheel covers (D2AZ-1130-J) on F250/350's (all came with 16" wheels), D2TZ-1210-A 16" trim rings snapped on first. Wheel covers snap onto trim rings.
Front bumper guards also an option as is the factory step bumper. Front bumper with R/L vinyl horizontal bumper pads standard equipment on 1973/77 Ranger XLT's.
What does the emblem read below the tailgate finish panel?
Post the VIN, all the codes stamped on the Warranty Plate, all can be decoded. Warranty Plate located on the left door face below the latch.
btw: How do you like the 3.5L V6 Ecoboost? I had a 2011 F150 Lariat 2WD S/Crew 5.0L. It had become ergonomically undesirable, went down the road 10/15.
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Welcome to FTE
Do not believe the miles shown on the odometer, as it reads to 99,999.9 then returns to ZERO.
Do not believe a single word a seller claims! Private sellers lie just like used/new car dealers, lawyers, politicians and TV evangelists.
351C = 1970/74 Passenger Cars/Ranchero's only.
The engine code is the 4th digit of the VIN. 1977 F250 2WD available engines: B = 300 1V I-6 / H = 351M 2V / J = 460 4V / S = 400 2V.
460 has 7 valve cover bolts per side, 351M/400's have 8.
Truck has optional factory installed integral A/C that's combined with the heater. Huge heater box on right side of firewall is the dead bang give-away.
Also has optional two position "low mount recreational mirrors" (D5TZ-17696-A) that are in the inner position. Outer position: Flip the mirror head over, then pull the goose necked mirror head arm out.
Left front wheel: In order to install 1971/72 LTD 15" wheel covers (D2AZ-1130-J) on F250/350's (all came with 16" wheels), D2TZ-1210-A 16" trim rings snapped on first. Wheel covers snap onto trim rings.
Front bumper guards also an option as is the factory step bumper. Front bumper with R/L vinyl horizontal bumper pads standard equipment on 1973/77 Ranger XLT's.
What does the emblem read below the tailgate finish panel?
Post the VIN, all the codes stamped on the Warranty Plate, all can be decoded. Warranty Plate located on the left door face below the latch.
btw: How do you like the 3.5L V6 Ecoboost? I had a 2011 F150 Lariat 2WD S/Crew 5.0L. It had become ergonomically undesirable, went down the road 10/15.
Do not believe the miles shown on the odometer, as it reads to 99,999.9 then returns to ZERO.
Do not believe a single word a seller claims! Private sellers lie just like used/new car dealers, lawyers, politicians and TV evangelists.
351C = 1970/74 Passenger Cars/Ranchero's only.
The engine code is the 4th digit of the VIN. 1977 F250 2WD available engines: B = 300 1V I-6 / H = 351M 2V / J = 460 4V / S = 400 2V.
460 has 7 valve cover bolts per side, 351M/400's have 8.
Truck has optional factory installed integral A/C that's combined with the heater. Huge heater box on right side of firewall is the dead bang give-away.
Also has optional two position "low mount recreational mirrors" (D5TZ-17696-A) that are in the inner position. Outer position: Flip the mirror head over, then pull the goose necked mirror head arm out.
Left front wheel: In order to install 1971/72 LTD 15" wheel covers (D2AZ-1130-J) on F250/350's (all came with 16" wheels), D2TZ-1210-A 16" trim rings snapped on first. Wheel covers snap onto trim rings.
Front bumper guards also an option as is the factory step bumper. Front bumper with R/L vinyl horizontal bumper pads standard equipment on 1973/77 Ranger XLT's.
What does the emblem read below the tailgate finish panel?
Post the VIN, all the codes stamped on the Warranty Plate, all can be decoded. Warranty Plate located on the left door face below the latch.
btw: How do you like the 3.5L V6 Ecoboost? I had a 2011 F150 Lariat 2WD S/Crew 5.0L. It had become ergonomically undesirable, went down the road 10/15.
Thank you for the great write-up and all the information. I really am grateful to this forum for all of the help I've gotten. I quickly learned that the 315C wasn't placed in trucks. I've heard some refer to the M as a "boat anchor". I'm not really worried about it.
I've wondered how easy it is to roll these miles over and if he's pulling a fast one on me. However, I really don't believe that this thing has seen over 40,000 miles. The interior is intact, especially the bench seat. As the frame is solid as well, unheard of in Michigan. I turned in a 2005 Dodge Ram(only non-Ford ever owned) to the dealer, and I babied that thing, and I really do mean babied, and it was rusting from the inside out. Frame, rear wheel wells, cab corners, etc. I find it hard to believe this truck has been gone over on the speedo. But then again, who knows. Like you said, sellers will say anything.
Will post the VIN when I get off work. It's sitting in my truck right now. Thank you for the details on the options! Know anything about these dual fuel tanks it's got?
And truthfully, I love the EcoBoost. Been a V8 guy all my life. My primary concern when I bought it was gas. I've got a fairly decent drive, and as of now, I'm averaging about 23MPGs on my drive. The truck has a ton of torque and honestly will pull anything I ask of it I feel like. I have no complaints at all other than I'm racking up miles faster than I can keep track of. Whether you have the 5.0, 3.5, or of course the 6.2, I think they are all great engines. However, I would take another EcoBoost again in a heartbeat with no questions asked.
Chris
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 605
Likes: 1
From: Castle Rock, CO
"Left front wheel: In order to install 1971/72 LTD 15" wheel covers (D2AZ-1130-J) on F250/350's (all came with 16" wheels), D2TZ-1210-A 16" trim rings snapped on first. Wheel covers snap onto trim rings."
I'm going to go out on a limb and this might be the first in history....but I actually think ND is "wrong"
. They are 16.5" wheels with the trim rings. No such thing as 16" Ford trim rings. That is what came with that truck back in the day and people converted to 16" wheels/tires later because the 16.5 tires are harder to find and costly. Am I right or am I right!? 
I'm going to go out on a limb and this might be the first in history....but I actually think ND is "wrong"
. They are 16.5" wheels with the trim rings. No such thing as 16" Ford trim rings. That is what came with that truck back in the day and people converted to 16" wheels/tires later because the 16.5 tires are harder to find and costly. Am I right or am I right!?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
"Left front wheel: In order to install 1971/72 LTD 15" wheel covers (D2AZ-1130-J) on F250/350's (all came with 16" wheels), D2TZ-1210-A 16" trim rings snapped on first. Wheel covers snap onto trim rings."
Originally Posted by 74 F350 SCS
I'm going to go out on a limb and this might be the first in history....but I actually think ND is "wrong."
Nope, you're wrong.
They are 16.5" wheels with the trim rings.
You mean split rings that are part of a wheel? Since when were they chromed?
No such thing as 16" Ford trim rings.
Wanna bet? There were two.
That is what came with that truck back in the day and people converted to 16" wheels/tires later because the 16.5 tires are harder to find and costly. Am I right or am I right!?
Right inre to the wheels, wrong inre to the trim rings.
Nope, you're wrong.
They are 16.5" wheels with the trim rings.
You mean split rings that are part of a wheel? Since when were they chromed?
No such thing as 16" Ford trim rings.
Wanna bet? There were two.
That is what came with that truck back in the day and people converted to 16" wheels/tires later because the 16.5 tires are harder to find and costly. Am I right or am I right!?
Right inre to the wheels, wrong inre to the trim rings.
D2UZ-1210-A .. 16" Trim Ring-Chrome Finish / 16 31/32" O.D. x 11 21/32" I.D // 1972/74 E300 / 1972/79 F250/350 / 1975/79 E250/350
D2TZ-1210-A .. 16" Trim Ring-Chrome Finish / 17 1/32" O.D. x 11 21/32" I.D. // 1972/79 F250/350
D2AZ-1130-J (replaced D1AZ-1130-A) .. 15" Wheel Cover-Use with D2TZ-1210-A trim ring.
Expanded the pic and look again, the trim ring is plainly visable. Please explain how the LTD 15" wheel cover could be installed without the trim ring. It did not snap onto a split ring.
Sold many of these wheel covers back then, because they tended to fly off when rounding corners. Sometimes the trim ring went along for the ride, sometimes not.
Originally Posted by EcoBoosted
F25HLY85189
When you get a chance, pop the wheel cover off, take a pic and post it so "Doubting Thomas" can see the trim ring.
Make sure when you pop the cover off, that trim ring doesn't come along for the ride.