Hello, I’m new to the forum and have been reading up on these old trucks over the past few months. I’m looking at single cab 117’ wheelbase 4x4’s.
I’m learning a lot, but by reading some posts I definitely am a novice when looking at these trucks.
There is an auction a couple hours from me this upcoming weekend (GAA) and there is one truck in particular I am interested in.

The description is worthless, so I was hoping to get some expert eyes on it before I head up this week. Anything noted that these novice eyes don’t see? I’d appreciate any help this group can offer.

Link to the truck: https://www.gaaclassiccars.com/vehic...1979-ford-f150

 

Very nice truck but you will pay through the nose for it.

 

Welcome to FTE. Very nice truck, I am not being picky just observant. Right off the bat that the fact it is a short bed they are going to ask more.
Front bumper is bent on the passenger side. Look at the F and O on the hood come straight down to the top edge of the bumper.
Has aftermarket trailer brake controller on it, but no big deal, but that means it has towed.
Has an OEM locking hood latch. Not normal for a Custom package.
Has aftermarket a/c and not the OEM environmental control panel. I am sure the one in it is for the vintage a/c.
Those door mirrors should be bright aluminium brackets and stainless mirror head. See it the mirror head is plastic. Ford did put blacked out type 9's on the Pace Truck and Free Wheeling package.
Aftermarket rear bumper.
Aftermarket rear receiver hitch.
Brake pedal rubber pad has a lot of wear for 38,000 miles. I bet 138,000.
I bet they are going to ask a for a bunch of pretty shiny pennies for that truck. Good luck with the auction.

Also check out this. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14696861

 

Very nice truck, short box 4x4 is gonna be spendy. You're right, the description is useless. After 40+ years you will be hard pressed to find a truck that doesn't have aftermarket parts installed so that's not a concern of mine. It is going to hold it's value as good or better than any other truck of this generation so whether you keep it or not it should be money well spent. I love the color! Keep us posted if you can. Did I mention I love the color?

 

Thank you! That sticky link is gold. So much info.
I appreciate your thoughts and items pointed out.
I’m not a huge fan of auctions, like everyone has said it’ll end up spendy. I will still try to go and see it in person.
I feel it’s impossible to buy old vehicles with just online photos.

 

I think it would be fun to guess the sale price even though there is no information given whatsoever about the truck. So assuming the running gear is all sound and minimal/no rust ima say $22,700

 

Short wide 4x4's bring more money because they're worth more money. I wouldn't let that worry me.

Besides what has already been said the thing I noticed is the hubs are VERY faded, they should be red and they're almost white. this means it sat outside A LOT. even here in the high desert they're normally pink if they stay outside the whole time. so this may or may not indicate a good chance of rust , all you know is it never saw a shed so the question is where is it from.

I don't like auctions but if it's rust free and you like it then bid. I prefer craigslist where I can go look at it and deal directly.

 

mray2686 no problem that is what it is there for. That place has some very nice trucks.
https://www.gaaclassiccars.com/vehic...r_lteq%5D=1979

 

I prefer this one myself, I'm not sure how bad the paint is but I'd figure on it needing work.

What I like is it's very clean and original and it's spent it's whole life in California as the pink slip shows. I've bought several rigs out of this area and they had ZERO rust and I mean ZERO. that's worth a lot to me I don't do rust.

1977 Ford F150 Custom 4x4 SWB - cars & trucks - by dealer - vehicle... (craigslist.org)

 

When the photo is enhanced it appears as though the hubs are painted white? The black lettering should also be faded but who knows. Maybe not as much sun exposure? Cool truck

 

Damn that is a nice specimen. Original owner, incredible. That truck would pull 20K plus no problem in Az even without AC. That price is amazing

 

Why are the short beds worth more? Less produced?

 

Yes, much smaller crop of available vehicles. Long box, dime a dozen

 

Thanks for all the info thus far. Lots of good insight on some of the small parts that add up.

That Craigslist one looks great, too. Opposite side of the country from me, but definitely has my gears turning on what’s available out there.

I prefer the short box look, and I understand the premium one will see with it. Will absolutely try to get eyes on this in person before it crosses the block.

 

Quote:

Why are the short beds worth more? Less produced?

Why are they worth more when they are worthless for anything useful?