Would I be crazy to sell my base-model 2003 F150 XL 5spd (105k) to get this beautiful 1980 Ford f150?

If I'm not being too silly, give me some decent reasons (if there are any?) beyond just my emotional "reasoning."

My truck came with me down south from the north, so there's plenty of rust and corrosion underneath. I did just put a new clutch in it.

Your thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

Hard to judge since we don't have pics of your truck but do of the other. I will admit the '80 looks slick, but a lot of improvements were made in the 23 years between the trucks. So, we need to know something about what you want to do with the truck.

Having said that, I have a worry about the '80. The person that has it has done a remarkably-poor job of writing it up, with mis-spelling everywhere, the wrong word used frequently, little punctuation, and no capitalization. So, is that person illiterate or does he just not care? Illiteracy is unfortunate, but happens. But people that just don't care how they communicate, or if they communicate, tend to not care about doing other things properly as well. So, if it is the latter has s/he done things well on the pickup? Or did s/he do it the way s/he writes? You need to figure that out - before buying the truck.

 

If you think you'll be getting an equivalently reliable truck, then yes, you're crazy. You'll be giving up 23 years of refinement and getting 23 more years of wear. Not a good trade.

On the other hand, what do you want? I had a 2008 F-250, I replaced that with a 2002 F-350, and then replaced that with my '97 F-250. Did I get "better " vehicles? Not by most standards. But I hated driving the '08, and the '02 wasn't much better. Now I have a truck I like driving. Sure it's a bit of a project vehicle. But if that's what it costs to be driving a truck that I don't hope gets hit by a semi, it's well worth it.

So if you want an older truck, go for it. Just go into it with your eyes open. (And I'm giving this as general advice, I'm not saying anything about this specific truck).

 

I'd go over that truck with a fine tooth comb. I suspect you'll find a lot of shall we say "interesting" work done to it.

I watched both videos and he claims 400hp, but the truck doesn't run anything like a 400hp truck. It's probably better than stock, but probably not by much.

So it depends what you want. It won't get the same mileage and reliability depends on what he did. Looks will be much better with the 80 however.

 

crazy Sounds like they want what they put into it.
Unless it's a frame off and all receipts are there.
I'm sure you could find a cleaner one
Don't know many "older men" who use txt speak

 

Just chasing down the various parts for this truck would be a full time job!

 

Somehow I missed that he said he's an "old man". And I'm sure that I missed it because I don't try to read anything written that way. It is just too painful. But, I agree with DR - I spent several decades in the oil industry and know lots of truly old men from there, and none would type an advert like that. So, this person isn't an old man and, therefore, isn't telling the truth - on that, and what else?

So, what if "Rex" from the advert is CarexGrayi? This was his first post, so…. And, guys, we didn't welcome him to FTE. Or, did we?

 

IMO..Not worth the trouble to even check it out. Look around for a better stocker..RUN..don't walk..from this deal..

 

1. First, review the Used Truck Shopper's Trucklist, found here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...checklist.html

2. I would never spend $7K on a truck that someone else has rebuilt from the ground up. We've discussed this extensively on FTE; original "estate finds" or "garage finds" vs. "completely rebuilt, like new". Says he's put $18,490 into it. Hmmm. Look at that seat cover, that nasty floor liner, and those pictures of it off the asphalt.

3. There are plenty of great trucks out there for considerably fewer Benjamins.

4. I'm a strong proponent of doing all the work yourself/having it done, and knowing it's been done right, rather than inheriting "my and a buddy and a case o'beer...."

5. I may be in the minority - but I'm not a fan of taking these great old trucks and turning them into something they're not. (I know, I know, it's your truck and you can do whatever you want to it.)

6. I don't trust people who would part with a good Bullnose.

 

Hey everyone, thanks for the great feedback! I really appreciate it. It is very helpful and enlightening.

And with regards to his poor grammar and spelling, unfortunately, I have found this type of abuse of the English language to be very common in the south, in comparison to other parts of the country I have lived (or at least the parts of Louisiana and Mississippi I've been in so far. This is the 10th state I have lived in). I have been living here for seven months, and I have learned to try not to hold that against people too much, not everyone gets the same educational opportunities, even in this country.

Someone pointed out that this was my first post, I joined last fall, and I have been lurking since, so I assure you I am not "Rex" from that ad. One of the reasons I joined is because I do not have a lot of mechanical experience. I can change oil. I have changed a thermostat, and I installed electronic locks and windows in a toyota yaris. That's it! I would eventually like to have an older truck to work on, something with 4WD, and I think people here have made some very good points as to why this is not a good choice. I would also like to have a truck that I do not have to rely on per se.

Anyway, thanks for the help and thoughtful comments! Feel free to share anything else.

 

Great points, good for you for expressing that.

You'll find members here who have fantastic Bullnose daily drivers, others who are working on lifelong projects, and others (like me) who have an "extra" truck that they enjoy tinkering with.

So if you're considering selling your primary vehicle to make a 30-year old truck your DD, I would be hesitant to say that's a good idea until you've got a proven, reliable truck on your hands. Like others here, my best advice (if it's feasible) is to find a solid Bullnose at a good price, put the work into it, and if it suits your needs then sell your other truck.

And BTW (I believe that is Textese for By The Way, can't say for sure since I do not text) ... Welcome to FTE.

 

Thank you WillieJoe!

It is feasible, but not necessarily practical quite yet. In a year or two it will be, once my wife and I are more settled. I am early in my career, and I am maybe just a little too anxious to get some of my "side goals" (if that makes sense?) rolling, things that I had to put off while in grad school (grad school in science research pays, but not much!). Stepping back, and considering it objectively, having a second trunk to tinker on and have fun with, would be the better option.

In the mean time, I think this forum is a good resource, and I fully intend to pick your brains! I have some questions about my current truck, which I will soon try to bounce off people here.

Thanks again!

 

Check out "CC" that I just added to this thread...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...or-sale-2.html


Crikey, if I just had more parking space....