Howdy,

I am looking to buy my first truck, and I want it to be something relatively easy to work on. While I'm pretty confident in unbolt/rebolt repairs, my automotive knowledge past changing fluids and filters is virtually nonexistent, and I want a truck that will be somewhat easy to learn to work on. I believe I have narrowed it down to an 85' or before that sports a 300 i6 with a carb, but what years do y'all think are the best to go with / which years to stay away from? If I find a good deal on a mid to late 70s truck, is it worth it to hold out for an early to mid 80s truck? Also, when looking at a truck to purchase, what should I be on the lookout for that would make me instantly walk away from the deal?

Thanks y'all,
Duane424

 

The question would be what your intended use would be for said truck? Daily driver? Show truck? Occasional weekend driver? You specify a truck of model year ranging from the 70s to 80s which would make me question whether such a vehicle would be practical to daily drive, given the relative lack of availability of parts for a vehicle of such vintage. Another important consideration. What's your budget? The answer to that question will dictate what is within your means.

 

Welcome to FTE Duane, coupla things, your age, location and as asked, intentions for it...
Personally, I will walk away from rust, not small little rust, but floorboard, cab mounts, drip rail etc that to me are expensive to repair, as I don't do bodywork.
I would open your range up to 65 - 80's, 300/4 speed is a great combo if your gearing and tire size compliment each other.
As for a daily driver, I have used all of mine as DD's, AFTER I went through the brakes, running gear (u-joints, bushings, tie-rods etc.) yes, you will have the fuel pump that will take a crap on the way to work without warning, and possible other misc. little items to attend to, but all in all if you put the work in initially, you will have a dependable DD. I sold a 73 F350 SCS to a young man down in Fallbrook, CA, I had done all the work on it that it needed when I was driving it, I met him down in Fresburg and he drove it all the way home with no issues, and continued to drive it for 3 more years before I bought it back from him when he moved to the east coast, I flew down and drove it home with no issues.
I ask your age because if your young, you will love it if you're not into fancy shmancy and going fast. If you find an old truck, we can help with most of your ? and problems on here, my advice, and I've told this to many younger guys that I have sold trucks to... once you buy it, fix it, drive it and enjoy it... DO NOT EVER SELL IT! If the gf doesn't like it, find a new gf that does. Had a young guy was my helper when I was assisting at a summer camp, mechanicing for them in my free time, I sild him a 66 F250/2wd/352/NP435 on the one condition, that he could not sell it, if he had to sell it, he needed to check in with me and figure out why he felt like he should sell it... that was in 2012/13 ish, he still has it, has driven it home to CO and all over, last time we talked he was helping a buddy move out of SF. You will never get out what you put into it, and you will kick yourself many X's over if you do.
Let us know your area, I'm sure there might be some guys localish to you that would help you check things out, or you can post pics and ? here of what you're looking at, be open to advice and learning.
Joe

 

my take …..what’s your budget and can you afford it to buy it cash or are you making payments.

buying old cars…..you’re either gonna spend a lot of money to buy a pristine restored or just well cared for example
or
youre gonna spend a lot of money to fix up and drives restored example

as far as buying a old car and restoring it…….UNLESS you can do body work frame work electrical welding mechanical paint upholstery etc…..go buy one that’s already restored and enjoy driving it. old cars have issues simply from age, not even counting abusive owners or neglected vehicles.


I can’t tell yiu the amount if project cars I helped friends buy and work on that we’re purchased from previous owners who were gonna build it themselves. Remember the older the car the less mechanical knowledge is out there for that car. Also parts can be hard to get especially if it’s off the beaten path model.

i have a neighbor restoring a 1965 Mustang. He’s been working on it for 5 years and has about 20/25k into it. And it’s about 50/60% done. He’s so far into it he would lose his butt trying to sell it now.