Ok as you guys know I decided to try and pull the trigger on a 2008+ front end conversion and possibly the same for the interior, as for the doors its already a given, how ever what I'm curious in, is would you guys (other FTE members) buy a parts truck off a auction site?


If I went through auctions I most likely would look for one that is with a good front end (cab) engine condition really wouldn't matter as I would sell that off anyways


if I purchased one would that be more sensible to do or should I just buy the parts I need/want piece mill? I am kind of stuck with how I should go about this process, as I really don't need/want the headache of storing another truck but economically it would make a lot more sense to do it like this, get the parts and pieces I need, then offer all the remaining parts up to FTE members who want/need them or sell them off and recover what I can in costs of expenditure...what are your thoughts on something like this?? should I look for a good condition 2008 parts unit or just stay away from this idea?

 

Yes.......if you are fortunate, the body will be good with a bad drive train.

 

Find a fleet truck they will be cheaper to buy and get a Gasser so you won't have to pay the extra coin for a diesel chassis even if the engine is bad. Those POS 5.4 are readily available in those trucks.

 

why would you? kind of looking for reasons here, trying to justify to the war dept the cost, I have kind of run my own cost benefit analysis but kind of concerned about the storage part and selling the utility bed part and engine....

 

Because You could just take the whole front end and slap it on yours and use some of the wiring for the head lights and such, buying just the parts will require scavenging for those hard to buy parts that most junk yards won't sell without selling you the whole thing.

 

well time to go find a low cost auction to hit up...hehehe

 

I think that you already know my answer but I have acreage, a big garage and a lot of tools and equipment. Happy hunting.

 

too bad were not closer to each other, I would have it shipped there and we would make a fun time out of it, tearing off what I want and need and selling the rest

 

We could have an epic party, bonfires, ribs, beers and truck dismemberment.

 

A couple of tips on those auctions just in case you don't already know:

1) Know what parts you want and make sure your target has them.

2) Know your price and stick to it.

3) Take retrieval expenses into account during the process, what starts out as a good bargain can easily turn into a not so good bargain if you have to pay someone else to tow it any distance.

4) That one you're bidding on is not the one, the only, the last of its kind, there seems to be no shortage of them if you have the time to wait for them.

5) Widen your search, many ambulances and box trucks are built on F model chassis, just know that the rear axles are wider on them. Additionally, depending on what parts you want E models have gobs of parts in common with our F models and then you can search school buses, many of which use E-450's

 

my main shopping list is 4 doors (two full two half), front end body panles/clip and possibly if able the interior, however if that is too difficult its not a big loss to me) the only thing I would want is to change any speedo I would get to reflect the correct mileage of my truck when it goes in

 

I have seen cabs on CL for cheap, know what you want to pay, keep cash on hand and be quick.

Oh, one other thing, most locals' zoning ordinances prohibit outside storage of unregistered vehicles. They do in my area but we all do it and nobody complains, once it gets to that point it's hard for them to do anything about it.

 

Jaime, I can get you all the parts you are looking for without you having to buy a truck. I make regular trips to central Arkansas, and could meet you in the middle. I also get preferred pricing on all the truck parts I have access to. I am currently disassembling TWO 2008 F250 trucks with all the parts you are looking for.

 

I would love to get what I need, heck I would even be cool (even though I don't drink) buying you drink(s) and fuel if it meant me getting my shopping list!


any pics of the two trucks? travel to Ark might be a bit hard for me, but I would be willing to try and figure something out to pull off my project!

 

The trucks have blown motors. Considered total losses (6.4L...what can I say). One is white. The other is black. There is a third...can't remember color off the top of my head. I can even get you the wiper assembly and the wiper arm cowls. ..the parts many over look. Headlights, header, grill, door panels, switches, dash, wiring...everything is there. One of them has a nice aftermarket bull-bar bumper on it.

I don't drink either, but fuel sounds good if it works out. PM me a number, and we can take it to texts for faster info transfer (pictures and prices). You tell me what all you want, and I will get you a quote in the next couple of days. I can get pics tomorrow when I go by the yard on the way to my real job.