Found a potential project truck!
What I did not read in your post is what you are looking for... as far as a '70s dentside Ford pickup is concerned.
What are your must haves?
What are you would like haves (but could live without) ?
I think this would be an impulse buy.
Wait and shop, invest some time watching and looking determine at least what you cannot live without.
For me I had to have 4x4 and no trim, made making my decision on what and how much easy.
What are your must haves?
What are you would like haves (but could live without) ?
I think this would be an impulse buy.
Wait and shop, invest some time watching and looking determine at least what you cannot live without.
For me I had to have 4x4 and no trim, made making my decision on what and how much easy.
Milkweed.gardner,
Love that name!
Impulse buy Yea thats part of it. Being a little older and a little wiser its not as much of a impulse as it would have been 50 years ago.
I do not have a wish list yet but that's a great idea. I may write one up. I also like the mid 50's Fords too, Hence the name.
But since I was born in 52 I didn't drive them when new. Got my licence in 1968 so a 68 and up truck would actually fit my real time frame of haveing one of these when they were new. The 1976 and 1977's were at the top of my list. Just couldn't afford one then, and If I could have it would be long gone in this rust belt area. Although I did own a 79 SC 2wd and it was a great truck (Jade Green) for the wife and 4 kids! Having the resources to do it right are a concern right now. I will continue to shop!
Thanks to you folks for commenting! Good suggestions!
Regards,
Chris
I went through this last year. I spent about 9 months shopping, shopping, shopping for my truck.
Do yourself a favor and search craiglist with the maximum search radius and include all nearby areas. You might not want to go look at one that far, but it will give you an idea of what the prices are and what you'll get. You can also search ebay to get some ideas on pricing.
Make a list of your must haves. Mine was no rust on the cab, factory AC, and automatic. Pluses for me were a recently rebuilt engine or transmission (with all paperwork).
You are far better off spending a little more for something in better shape. It will cost you a lot more than you think for all the little things.
Look for someone who got in over their heads and can't complete their project. I saw many rust free trucks that the owners had taken apart for paint or a rebuild, etc. that fell on hard times in the middle of it and needed to sell.
Don't be afriad to get something far away if the condition and price are right. Even if it doesn't run, shipping is relatively cheap.
Do yourself a favor and search craiglist with the maximum search radius and include all nearby areas. You might not want to go look at one that far, but it will give you an idea of what the prices are and what you'll get. You can also search ebay to get some ideas on pricing.
Make a list of your must haves. Mine was no rust on the cab, factory AC, and automatic. Pluses for me were a recently rebuilt engine or transmission (with all paperwork).
You are far better off spending a little more for something in better shape. It will cost you a lot more than you think for all the little things.
Look for someone who got in over their heads and can't complete their project. I saw many rust free trucks that the owners had taken apart for paint or a rebuild, etc. that fell on hard times in the middle of it and needed to sell.
Don't be afriad to get something far away if the condition and price are right. Even if it doesn't run, shipping is relatively cheap.
Great suggestions! Thanks Thats one of the reasons I hang around these forums. They can either help you, or drag you under farther! (Just kidding) I have been checking the max radius on cragislist. But it only goes out 200 miles I would probably travel farther to get the right truck which I dont know what it is yet. (I need to work on the spec list.) Lets see:
4wd
76 or 77, maybe 78 79?
Maybe super cab, ( thats all I have had for years might be nice to put the walker back there!
) No I dont have a walker yet!150 Ok 250 maybe better
Like the two tone
Running gear should be in good working order
V8 engine
I can do some rust repair but some are just too much.
This is not going to be a daily driver. More of another refurbish, clean and paint type project to keep the old man out of trouble and keep the wallet from overflowing.
If I want a nice comfy ride I would jump in the 2015 super crew.
Ok Thats a start.
Regards,
Chris
Example: here is one not too far from you that looks sharp and from the ad seems to have been gone through pretty good. Yes, it is more than the other, but the difference is well worth it (probably).
https://york.craigslist.org/cto/d/19...741563917.html
https://york.craigslist.org/cto/d/19...741563917.html
I had not seen that one because its probably 210 miles from me.
But that truck has had a lot done to it and it looks to be in good shape. And knowing how long it takes to build one of these spending the money upfront on a good truck like that could save me 3 or many more years in the build process and probably would spend twice as much as he is asking. Guess it depends if I want to build or buy? My previous mode is to be a builder. Not custom stuff, just get it back to stock and working well. But a truck is a big long project. Thanks for the link. I do appreciate that!
Regards,
Chris
I did see this sweet supercab in Philadelphia for 6k.
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...752345023.html
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...752345023.html
That one reminded me of the 1979 we bought brand new. Only ours was a short bed! I liked that truck as it was the first new truck I had ever bought!
You guys are teasing me! Thanks! I need go change the oil in the powerstroke!
Regards,
Chris
There is a pretty decent 76 or 77 short bed near me. Husband died. Lady said their son might or might not want it.
As previously mentioned costing more might cost you less in the long run.
Check clist for VA an NC. I'm near Martinsville and if nearby and I'm in the area I could go check it out.
Not a dentside but I found a 71 shortbed factory AC. Guy wants to keep engine, trans and put another 9" center section in it (has LS) He does have the eng and trans that came with the truck when he bought it. $1000.
PS I do have a 78 F150 SC 8' bed Jade Green in NY. 400 C-6 needa a lot of work though.
As previously mentioned costing more might cost you less in the long run.
Check clist for VA an NC. I'm near Martinsville and if nearby and I'm in the area I could go check it out.
Not a dentside but I found a 71 shortbed factory AC. Guy wants to keep engine, trans and put another 9" center section in it (has LS) He does have the eng and trans that came with the truck when he bought it. $1000.
PS I do have a 78 F150 SC 8' bed Jade Green in NY. 400 C-6 needa a lot of work though.
Originally Posted by Effies 56
Great suggestions! Thanks Thats one of the reasons I hang around these forums. They can either help you, or drag you under farther! (Just kidding) I have been checking the max radius on cragislist. But it only goes out 200 miles I would probably travel farther to get the right truck which I dont know what it is yet. (I need to work on the spec list.) Lets see:
4wd
76 or 77, maybe 78 79?
Maybe super cab, ( thats all I have had for years might be nice to put the walker back there!
) No I dont have a walker yet!
150 Ok 250 maybe better
Like the two tone
Running gear should be in good working order
V8 engine
I can do some rust repair but some are just too much.
This is not going to be a daily driver. More of another refurbish, clean and paint type project to keep the old man out of trouble and keep the wallet from overflowing.
If I want a nice comfy ride I would jump in the 2015 super crew.
Ok Thats a start.
Regards,
Chris
4wd
76 or 77, maybe 78 79?
Maybe super cab, ( thats all I have had for years might be nice to put the walker back there!
) No I dont have a walker yet!150 Ok 250 maybe better
Like the two tone
Running gear should be in good working order
V8 engine
I can do some rust repair but some are just too much.
This is not going to be a daily driver. More of another refurbish, clean and paint type project to keep the old man out of trouble and keep the wallet from overflowing.
If I want a nice comfy ride I would jump in the 2015 super crew.
Ok Thats a start.
Regards,
Chris
Effies - when are you looking to buy and what is your budget?
I have a buddy with a pretty decent 78 supercab 4x4 FS. He is north east of Pittsburgh near Kittanning. (are you near Erie or?).
His truck is running/driving/insured/inspected...etc
It used to be my truck...It had alot of new parts on it when I bought it....I did a fair amount of work to it...he had a fair bit more done by a shop.
I have a buddy with a pretty decent 78 supercab 4x4 FS. He is north east of Pittsburgh near Kittanning. (are you near Erie or?).
His truck is running/driving/insured/inspected...etc
It used to be my truck...It had alot of new parts on it when I bought it....I did a fair amount of work to it...he had a fair bit more done by a shop.
Effies - when are you looking to buy and what is your budget?
I have a buddy with a pretty decent 78 supercab 4x4 FS. He is north east of Pittsburgh near Kittanning. (are you near Erie or?).
His truck is running/driving/insured/inspected...etc
It used to be my truck...It had alot of new parts on it when I bought it....I did a fair amount of work to it...he had a fair bit more done by a shop.
I have a buddy with a pretty decent 78 supercab 4x4 FS. He is north east of Pittsburgh near Kittanning. (are you near Erie or?).
His truck is running/driving/insured/inspected...etc
It used to be my truck...It had alot of new parts on it when I bought it....I did a fair amount of work to it...he had a fair bit more done by a shop.
Near Erie. About 30 miles south west.
I am just a old tire kicker right now. I ram retired and have time to ride the forums, from tractors, to dozers to maple syrup production, to lawn tractors. Timing on a 'new' project may be within next two years?? I dont know? I have a tractor to finish first and would love to build a shop too! Budget might be in the under $5K range ?? Funding one of these things is a challenge for me. When ever I get something new I tend to drop everything else and get after it.
Regards,
Chris
Hi,
Near Erie. About 30 miles south west.
I am just a old tire kicker right now. I ram retired and have time to ride the forums, from tractors, to dozers to maple syrup production, to lawn tractors. Timing on a 'new' project may be within next two years?? I dont know? I have a tractor to finish first and would love to build a shop too! Budget might be in the under $5K range ?? Funding one of these things is a challenge for me. When ever I get something new I tend to drop everything else and get after it.
Regards,
Chris
Near Erie. About 30 miles south west.
I am just a old tire kicker right now. I ram retired and have time to ride the forums, from tractors, to dozers to maple syrup production, to lawn tractors. Timing on a 'new' project may be within next two years?? I dont know? I have a tractor to finish first and would love to build a shop too! Budget might be in the under $5K range ?? Funding one of these things is a challenge for me. When ever I get something new I tend to drop everything else and get after it.
Regards,
Chris
You can send me a PM if you want more info/pictures on this supercab.
He would like to sell in the next 2 weeks...not 2 years though.
GLR,
I am still mobile and capable of doing some of these types of projects. My mind thinks I am still 20 some days, but the body not following the same thought! I need something to keep me active. I have found that these forums are a wealth of information and I have met some very good friends too.
Wishing you the best with your projects!
Regards,
Chris
Regards,
Chris
Folks,
I am still here drooling over your trucks and trucks on places like facebook market place.
I see a bunch of 78-79 trucks. This one below caught my eye. No I did not buy it!
(maybe because of the Candy Cane thread! ) I think only for the color combo and trim package. For some reason I like the green trucks (had 3), I like two tone, (never had one till this 2015) I like 4 wheel drive (wanted one of these so bad in 1977, I was 25), I would like a 4 speed, (just a kid thing, the wife would hate it)
I never had one but Dad did on the farm) (which this doesnt have). Now I really think this truck is shot! It is even rusted out in the cab drip rail at the back of the drivers door. But for some reason it tugs at me. I think this would check most of the boxes. Its on Facebook Market place. Was a plow truck that has been neglected but has not been played with! Very rusty, this side is the worst. pass side is just a little better. Its not close to me. The price is for parts truck. Would someone try to bring this back? Its listed as in poor condition and I believe that is a good summary. But thought I would share and get some comments too!
1977 F150 long bed




Yea look at the area behind the drip edge. I didnt know they would ever rust out here???

Wheel well outer is totally gone bothe sides and then some.

Hope you guys are doing well in Ford truck land.
I am still looking as you guys suggested. And I am still not ready for a project of this size. I finished a refurb ,clean, and paint on a 1954 Allis WD45 last spring and just bought another old AC pulling tractor last fall. So I have been keeping busy on projects that may get me ready for a old truck when the right one comes along.
Of course comments are always welcome!
Regards,
Chris
I am still here drooling over your trucks and trucks on places like facebook market place.
I see a bunch of 78-79 trucks. This one below caught my eye. No I did not buy it!
(maybe because of the Candy Cane thread! ) I think only for the color combo and trim package. For some reason I like the green trucks (had 3), I like two tone, (never had one till this 2015) I like 4 wheel drive (wanted one of these so bad in 1977, I was 25), I would like a 4 speed, (just a kid thing, the wife would hate it)
I never had one but Dad did on the farm) (which this doesnt have). Now I really think this truck is shot! It is even rusted out in the cab drip rail at the back of the drivers door. But for some reason it tugs at me. I think this would check most of the boxes. Its on Facebook Market place. Was a plow truck that has been neglected but has not been played with! Very rusty, this side is the worst. pass side is just a little better. Its not close to me. The price is for parts truck. Would someone try to bring this back? Its listed as in poor condition and I believe that is a good summary. But thought I would share and get some comments too!1977 F150 long bed




Yea look at the area behind the drip edge. I didnt know they would ever rust out here???


Wheel well outer is totally gone bothe sides and then some.

Hope you guys are doing well in Ford truck land.
I am still looking as you guys suggested. And I am still not ready for a project of this size. I finished a refurb ,clean, and paint on a 1954 Allis WD45 last spring and just bought another old AC pulling tractor last fall. So I have been keeping busy on projects that may get me ready for a old truck when the right one comes along.
Of course comments are always welcome!
Regards,
Chris











