I don't think I can ever be without a bullnose Ford….

The week before last, I made the decision to part with my '86 F350 CC DRW. A project I never finished. Pulled the motor/trans and away it went.

So to rub my face in it, I found a '86 F250 4x4, with a bad 460. Couldn't justify it, so I told a friend, who wanted to look at it.

That night, I mentioned looking at it to a customer, who told me he had a '81 truck he was getting rid of. I decided to look at it the next day if my friend didn't buy. That night, my friend bought the F250. I looked at the other truck anyway.

Well, I went to look, it was a 1981 F150 Ranger shortbed, 4x4, NP435, 300, single owner, 126k, black with a black interior (I've never seen a black interior, its GREAT). It has a aftermarket seat (awesome, 40/20/40 split, with a fold down center, all three go forward and back, has tons of storage in center seat and in fold down) He was getting rid of it because the clutch didn't do anything. The pedal went to the floor, and the linkage was hooked up, and you could start it in gear and it would drive, but you couldn't dis-engage the clutch.

You guys ready to be jealous? His asking price? Happy to be rid of it. Thats right. Signed the title, gave me the keys. I had a buddy with a tow truck tow it to my shop, today I'm going to try and fix whatever is wrong in the bell housing and transfer the title, but it's FREE! I insisted he let me give him some freebie from my shop, and he's accepted an oil change but doent seem to want more. I'm going to take care of him (btw, I own the shop, it's not stealing!)

I'll get pics later, but I couldn't be happier with the entire thing. Trans, engine, everything. And the interior is GREAT.

 

the magic word - free

Don't fix it up too good, he might want it back..

That seat sounds cool, some pics would be great if you can.

Cheers Brad.

 

Lucky son of a so and so. Good luck with the truck and post some pics along the way.

 

I HATE YOU.

 

Sounds too good to be true, definitely need some pics!

 

I'll get pics today probably. Yesterday I played with the adjustment on the clutch linkage, which is not the problem. The clutch fork appears to be working, and I could see the release bearing moving, but not touching the pressure plate. Can't wait to get it open later today.

I've got a 11" clutch kit and flywheel sitting in the stockroom for it.

I've also learned that the dash lights don't work, one low beam is out, and the left turn signals don't work. I'll be doing some more inspection later today.

Oh, also found a few vacuum leaks and have decided I need to remove the pollution control stuff because of some broken parts that I don't see myself purchasing vs removing.

So today- truck gets a full inspection, new clutch, oil change, try to fix vacuum leaks, going to go license it, and it'll get test driven.

I'm also going to wash and post photos.

Unless work gets as busy as yesterday was. Yesterday we did 5 times our usual daily billing.

 

I am jealous.

 

Probably a finger broke off of the pressure plate, if it has the 3 finger style anyway!!

My grandfather had a green 80 ranger with a W and auto....I'd really like to clone one someday...

 

I am very jealous... I thought I got a good deal with my truck, but I think you may have won.

 

Just added pics. Still haven't gotten it going, but I at least got it on the rack today. I'll try and work on it tomorow.

 

Man I could only dream of getting a deal like that. Good like and happy trails with it.

 

Nice score man! Hope you can get it running easily enough

 

I wonder, what car those seat came from, looks nice and comfy.