Yes, I think I fixed it.

Looks like little or no rust, typical for the area. Ranger, pretty straight and original. it's getting hard to find solid SWB 4x4's much cheaper than that. new engine can mean a lot of things, but it looks like a decent driver as is if the grille inserts were painted correctly. .

 

Man... that one looks like a winner!

The price of a truck is all dependent on whether you want to get in and drive OR have a project to work on.

The one I started with was a project that was rode hard and put up wet. (I settled for less truck that I really wanted)
See the comment about by 440 sixpack.....
I got it for $2000. Then, after getting DEEP into the restore, I found another project truck with a nice solid body (for another $2000) that saved me a LOT of body work.

I am happy with what I have now for sure .... BUT, If I would have looked for a $4000 truck from the start, I would have been ahead of the game.

Good luck with the hunt!

 

Fellow FTE Brothers,
This thread has been an enjoyed read this morning and agree with each of you. Unusually slow this morning at work, so like rare other mornings when it's been slow, check the forum, always can learn something or get another perspective. Do agree and like 440 SIXPAC's thoughts on transacting business, in person. Although my Father is no longer W/me, he did allow me to witness wheeling and dealing when he purchased my first truck back in 1976, it was a 1956 Dodge 1/2 ton with the flat head six cylinder, step side that was easy to shovel coal out of the bed. It would only do 35 MPH, but it was perfect for me. The owner wanted $250., I asked my Dad on Thursday evening if I should take the money out of the bank Friday after school, he said no, he'll pay for it if we buy it. Dad had cash and negotiated the price down to $150. and then told me after got back home to withdraw a $160. from my bank account after school Monday, because it cost him gas money to go and get my 1956 Dodge, I didn't agree. My Dad told me as a man I'll have to work for stuff. Looking back, it was a good lesson, though I think it was harsh, so I didn't duplicate that with my two sons, wife and I paid half for their first vehicles. My Dad had a saying MITF, "Money In The Fist, meaning "money talks and bull**** walks" and in most personal (not company) business transactions it still holds true today.
Looking back when I purchased my 1977 F-150 SWB 4x4, sure I paid too much for it, but it was and still is worth it to me. Feel fortunate, my 77 is rust free, got it out of Casper, WY. It's a hobby and if you allow the hobby, our classic trucks can be money pit. No regrets, if I had to do it over, I do it again.
Devil Dog, in your post # 35, if ever you decide you want to get rid of Sid, please contact me first, I'm a ~ six hours drive from you and if trout season is open, my wife wouldn't object to a detour.