Hello everyone!
So I am an 18 year old, soon to be college student. I currently drive a 2001 Jeep wrangler, with 33in tires, lift, bumper i welded, etc. So I am fairly technical savvy and know how to work on vehicles, as I work on my friends' and family's car as well. But my Jeep is giving me issues and will not make the trip to and from college when I want to come home on the weekends, about a 70 mile drive. So I've been looking around for a new car. First of all, I've always LOVED old trucks, especially old fords. So when looking on craigslist, I found a 1979 Ford F-150, SWB, with a 351 Modified engine. It has the C6 automatic 4x4 tranny, 31 or 33" wild country MTX tires. Not sure about the axles... This thing has a BEAUTIFUL straight body, no dents, no scratches, new paint, everything. The guy fixed all the rust spots and painted the frame to prevent further rust. The interior has new seat covers, new dash pad, either very new or very well kept gauges, door panels, and literally everything. This thing seems to be PERFECT, but I'm worried that it seems too good... I need a vehicle that is reliable. I know how to work on cars and LOVE to, and I would be willing to work on this one. I just don't want to have to work on it nearly daily just to get it home, or not even make it there... I know this is a hard question as there are a lot of factors but my essential question is, does this seem to be too good?? Is there anything I need to look out for when purchasing this? Any problems I should expect to have? I really want this truck but don't want to make a rash decision and end up with another money pit that wont get me from A to B. Im hoping to go get it soon so the sooner the response the better! Thanks so much!

link to the craigslist posting. I hope this isn't against policy!
http://augusta.craigslist.org/cto/5109241436.html

 

Posting an ad for reference and input isn't against policy.

Based on the cleanliness of the truck and the cleanliness of the property, I'd say the owner has paid attention to detail and likely has done things "right" with good workmanship standards. I don't see any blatant hacks....

$7500 might be a good deal based on what has been done to it but there's only one way to find out and that is to inspect it. Here is me and Rich's collaborative effort: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15371152

A 79 will have a 9-inch rear axle and a Dana 44 up front.

 

I agree, looks good, but from experience nothing beats looking it over in person. I have read the above list of purchasing things to look at and it is a great reference. Have it handy. Take that buddy with you to look at it that is not afraid to speak his mind. Look under it, front back and from both sides. Look for signs of leaks and repairs.

Now, for the concern about it getting you back and forth. I just pulled my 6000lb camper 600 miles over the weekend in my 77 F250 SC. I bought it a year ago and have done very little to it. It sat for about 8 years before I bought it. Now granted, I did end up replacing a radiator in an Advanced Auto parking lot about 80 miles in, but it is possible it was my fault for not checking fluids before I left.

Good luck.

 

Wow, that is an exhaustive read! Haha, thank you for all the information. I knew to check most of that stuff, but being the first actual car I'm buying, knowing as much as I know now, as compared to when my dad and I bought the jeep, I'm still very hesitant and weary as I'm worried I'll miss something, especially with an older car, and not being very familiar with the carburetor. I'm learning and its taking time for sure but I just can't afford to buy a huge money pit that will end up not even driving.

Yes, I understand this car will cost me money. I understand things will need to be done to it and they won't necessarily be cheap. But the Jeep has been a huge money pit, probably more than this truck could ever be with a new engine, so I'm needing something with less issues. I feel this truck will be a fairly straight forward one and will not give me too much troubles to begin with, and I hope those who are familiar with these rebuilt engines and old fords can back me up. Thanks for the support already!

 

A radiator is expected to go on an old vehicle like that and that would be something that would be no issue whatsoever for me to replace, as I've already replaced countless radiators, despite only being 18!

That at least gives me some peace of mind that you could make it that far with very little trouble. Granted, these are different cars and different situations, it still gives me confidence in the older Ford engines. I am going to look at it hopefully tomorrow, possibly with my dad's friend who is a mechanic, but maybe not. I just want to be sure I know everything about the vehicle and check it over properly, as recommended! Hope it is what it seems!

 

If the engines in these things are well-maintained, they can be very reliable (keeping in mind the higher maintenance requirements of '70s technology relative to today's). If not, all bets are off until outstanding problems are fixed. From the looks of that one, I'd guess it would be a good, reliable driver, and likely worth the asking price, but like HIO says, there's no replacement for a thorough inspection.