As you can probably see, I'm brand new to this forum. However... I'm not new to Ford trucks. Over the years, I've owned a '79 F-150 2WD 460, '74 F-100 2WD Custom 302, '77 F-150 2WD Ranger 400, '76 F-150 2WD 390, '99 Ranger XLT 4.0L, and my current ride is a '00 F-150 4x4 5.4L.

It's been a few years since I've dabbled in the 70s Fords. I really miss those trucks and I recently took the plunge on a '74 2WD Custom with a 429 and automatic transmission. Originally, I believe the truck housed a 360, but the previous owner built this 429 approximately 20 years ago. He owned the truck since 1980 and is the 2nd owner. Mounted to the 429 is a set of ceramic headers and a Holley 650 carb. As for the truck's condition, it's nearly flawless.

As for a little history, I've been after this truck for 16 years. The previous owner was my neighbor for most of my life and I've had to stare at this gem since the 1980s. He finally decided to let it go after I harassed him this long. I have yet to see a nicer one in my area. The color is a light yellow (not my favorite) and it has a set of polished aluminum wheels. The bed doesn't have a scratch because it's been protected by a bedliner and soft tonneau cover. He recently installed a brand new pair of Flowmaster mufflers (sounds mean). The interior has the original seat (covered) and the original AM radio. He added a tac and racing steering wheel. The interior is mint, along with all weather stripping and seals.

This truck depleted my savings account by $6,000. I actually thought he'd ask more for it, but I'm glad I was wrong. This will not be a daily driver for me. I will be driving it for pleasure purposes ONLY. In your minds, is this truck worth every penny I paid? I have people around here tell me yes and no. I'm happy with the price because I always told myself I'd never pass up a chance to own it. I'm just looking for a professional 'outside the box' opinion. Thank you!

 

Welcome to FTE, where ya been ?
Congrats on getting the truck. I can relate.
You're gonna have to post some pics of that thing as soon as you can.

 

Sounds like a reasonable price to me. Gotta see some pics of this thing though! Sounds nice by description though.

 

Considering what some of these 70's trucks have been selling for, nothing suprises me anymore. Location, condition, model, year, and options all affect price. Not to mention you have been eyeing this truck for so long. Sounds like a nice truck. Pics would help alot. We need truck ****.

 

LOL! Truck ****!

I am going to get those pics ASAP. I've got to find my wife's camera. For some reason, that thing is harder to find than an honest politician. As soon as I do find it, I'll get a bunch of pics snapped. She's a Babe and I think you'll agree.

 

Sounds a tad bit steep for a 2wd but maybe the pics will prove me wrong *hint hint*

 

You'll get your pics. It may be a couple of days, though. What's your idea of a reasonable price for a solid 2WD that is pristine? I understand it's not the original engine, but this one is built to run. It's also mildly dressed in chrome (valve covers, air cleaner, etc). I also forgot to add that it only has 77,000 original miles.

 

Honestly, there is no such thing as a "reasonable" price, it's worth whatever you're willing to pay, and if you're happy that's all that matters.

If you're seeking unbiased opinions on pricing only pics will tell the tale, these trucks can run the gamut from $200 to $20,000

 

Yowzers! $20,000!!! I couldn't imagine paying that kind of money. Of course... I've seen some 4x4 models that can really persuade my willingness to pay more. I probably would've given this guy another $1,000 if he would've demanded it. I'm not so sure I would've gone any higher. The truck is worth a small fortune to me because I've waited so long to have it. I also know how well it was treated and where it came from. Another plus is that the previous owner is willing to wrench on it if ever I should need some repairs or desire some upgrades. That is worth a small fortune to me. I guess we'll see if he stays true to his word.

The previous owner was the Service Manager at a local Ford Dealer for many years. He also used to race a '64 Mercury Comet with a 428CJ that he built. Needless to say, he's no stranger to old Fords, inside and out. I guess these are added values that I place on this truck.

 

Look on e-bay right now for 73-79 f-250. One guy wants $46,000.00 or best offer. Another guy has a "restored" crew cab for I think $54,000.00

 

Those are luxuries most buyers don't get when buying a 40yr old vehicle, so that certainly adds some monetary value to the purchase price.

 

WOW! You would have to be out of your mind to pay that kind of money! I wouldn't pay that for a brand new one, even though that seems to be the norm these days. I guess my purchase was pocket change if you compare to those. Are these trucks increasing in value, or becoming more collectible?

 

You are right. When you're considering 40 years, knowing its history is a rarity.

 

I guess it's like everything else, supply and demand. However those two guys are a little high on they're asking price. All the auto auctions on television are inflating a lot of people's idea of what a truck is worth. The old addage it's worth what you are willing to pay.

 

I couldn't agree with you more on the TV auctions (Mecum, Barrett Jackson, etc.). When you look at the buyers, you can almost read them like a book. They're not buying these cars for the love of 'em. They're buying them to park in a building for a few years, then bring them back for a profit later on. Heck... I've seen the same vehicles hit those auction blocks every year. We have a body shop owner that builds resto mods for Barrett Jackson auctions. He does one every year. I understand the money and time that gets dropped into one of those machines, but it sure as heck isn't $150,000 - $200,000 like he's bringing home.

My Dad would love to own another '71 GTO like he had when I was a kid. He can't touch a good one for under $40,000. It seems like trucks are the fad right now, and growing. Even the kids around here won't drive anything but a truck. It was Camaros, Mustangs and Trans Ams when I was a kid. Those are now considered to be chick vehicles in a sense. I guess I've really lost track of things over the years.