1968 F100 125,000 miles lwb automatic with power steering. Has rust on the bed and side body lines as seen in photos plus cab corners. Runs but when putting it into drive stalls immediately. I don't want to put a lot into it money wise but thinking if its worth the money. Not much for it but just not sure if I want it even at the low cost.I need to make the decision today.Any thoughts on it. Interior is fine with no floor rust.

 

Rust on the outside is generally about 25% of what's actually there, lurking underneath that you can't see.

If you're not wanting to invest much money (or time) into the project, it might be best to walk away from this one.

A cheaper truck, on the front end, will most likely cost you more in the long run, just to get it up to the level of a better, more expensive truck to begin with.

 

I need to add some important facts about the truck. It was my dads. He bought it in 1970 when he worked at the local Ford dealership. It was only driven locally to work and back until the last 20 years when it was rarely driven but sitting outside took its toll. He passed away a few weeks ago now by step mother wants it gone for 500 but just not sure if I want it . Only for the history which are no accidents at all the longevity in the family would be my purpose in buying.

 

Like Steve said, what you see is probably just the beginning. I've experienced just how much rust can be hidden in these trucks. I'm betting the front cab mounts, and cab support are probably toast. It's a long, arduous process to fix, and if you're not doing it yourself, would be very expensive. Unless you have a very strong sentimental attachment, I would seriously consider letting this one go.

Just my .02, good luck!

 

You'd be buying a project for sure.

 

I think you should buy it. $500 isn't much money at all for a bumpside, especially for one that has been in your family for so long.

 

Thanks I really appreciate the input. It has been agony for me the past couple of weeks whether to take it or leave. 500.00 isn't much but I don't want to spend the amount of time this thing will require along with who knows how much money. The sentimental value is my main concern as jas88 put it.

 

Sentimental value of something is a powerful force. If that's the driving reason for getting the truck, you'll also have to have the driving force of putting the time and money into making the truck right again.

Otherwise, if you get it and just let it sit outside in the elements, it's just going to languish away as a project never started or never completed. --even under a roof, if rust is there, it's only going to continue to spread if you do nothing about it.

 

If it was your pops truck you would not have any interest in it.

An don't sound like your much interested in investing any time or money into it now.

May be buy it an if after one yr. you have not done any thing to fixing it up, then dump it.
My 02
Orich

 

How come she wants to sell it to you... I think being it was your dads that you deserve it for free.

 

I agree with you totally but her thinking is different. I would do things differently if it were mine to pass on. Money is everything to some. She claims it can be sold to someone on her side of the family if I don't want it. I have until tomorrow.Mechanical work I can to and the detailing no problem but body work no.

 

Fix it and drive the hell out of it. Like Orich said, after a year and you're not happy, dump it. What have you lost?

 

Price is reasonable. Seen worse for much more.

 

Yeah, if you just wanted to get it running good, and drive it as-is, it's a pretty good deal, then!

 

My thoughts exactly.