When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Just a post to say I really enjoy reading all the posts on the forum... People post some good tech articles and pictures here. I noticed some people's trucks just seem to hold up and keep running and running no matter how hard they use them. Some are taken care of and babied, some not. Seems to be no rime or reason as to how well they hold up, other than climate and storage playing a role. I look at my truck, it has a 7-year-old cheap battery, sits for months but cranks right up after the fuel gets to the carb... The oil gets changed every 10,000 or so, granted it's not a daily driver anymore like most, but nothing ever seems to break... This has been an inexpensive truck to own. I average about 7,500 miles a year with it and I definitely haul loads... I really never did anything more than change, the fluids, brakes, and bulbs...I was a second owner since 1979... My biggest investment has been wheels, TX roads are hard on wheels...
What percentage of these vintage trucks are used daily do you think? I still see quite a few running around outside of here in Dallas TX.
That is a timely topic with the used vehicle market as it is. I too see the same things you mention. There is one word that sticks out in the description of any vehicle ... "Maintained". Honestly that is all an owner has to do to have a well operating vintage vehicle, regardless of the manufacturer. I pick up used equipment, from time to time. The stories I hear about things listed as a "Mechanic's Special" are amazing and mostly misleading. Once I go through equipment and get it "Serviced" it usually operates just fine.
Not only has the World changed, so have the people.
As the old saying goes, "They just don't make them like they used too." This is truer than ever, that's for sure. Take a look at a 1997 to 2008 truck. By now, if they are still drivable, they are not in near as good of shape as most older trucks. Our trucks are just more heavy duty. I've had mine for 10 years now and it's a daily driver, mostly because it's much funner to drive than my SuperDuty. Plus, the bare bone mechanics of old iron is so much easier to troubleshoot and fix than anything these days.
South western states are actually pretty kind to vehicles. Other than paint and rubber. Basically they are always warmed up. Colder climates with below zero starts in morning and 50 by noon seems to take a toll. Maintenance is a key, suspension will last unbelievably long with a shot of lube at oil changes. Keep them dry and don't put away wet. Last time I was in Mesa there were old ladies driving around in 40 year old brand new Crown Victorias, they had garages.
South western states are actually pretty kind to vehicles. Other than paint and rubber. Basically they are always warmed up. Colder climates with below zero starts in morning and 50 by noon seems to take a toll. Maintenance is a key, suspension will last unbelievably long with a shot of lube at oil changes. Keep them dry and don't put away wet. Last time I was in Mesa there were old ladies driving around in 40 year old brand new Crown Victorias, they had garages.
____________
I agree. And in these cold climate states the simple practice of starting a piece of equipment and allow it warm to operating temp add a lot of hours to it's lifetime. Other thing is to just let it run when making a short stop at the PO or grocery store.
I drive a semi-truck as part of my semi-retirement. One thing I've noticed on some of the tractors we run (which is also true to a degree with modern pickups) is that the newer tractors with all plastic dashes crack, break and just plain fall apart once they are more than a few years old.
A few of the older tractors we run from the 90s have solid metal dashes and they are still as solid today as they were when they rolled out of the factory.
I like the fact that my 78 F350 has a metal dash which still looks like new after 45 years (after I replaced the plastic trim with reproduction parts that is). I can pretty much guarantee that the newer trucks with all the plastic crap everywhere will not be looking so good in 45 years.
You have just pointed out the "Engineered Lifetime" of all new production items. Trucks, cars, household appliances, lawn furniture, vinyl trim windows, etc.
Old stuff, well maintained will only go up in value.
The actual fact of the matter is that everything today is designed to fail. Back in the 70s, everything was built to last. Engineers and manufacturers had pride in their product. Today, they have no pride in anything other than their paycheck. As long as it lasts 10 years, they call that a win. When a car maker comes out with a new design of a vehicle, that lead engineer and his assistant engineers retire. Look for "The Worlds Fastest Mustang" in Netflix. You will be very surprised in what goes on at every redesign.
Agreed - on them being built better and to last.
Considering the technology and materials available these earlier Ford trucks really do hold up better than today's modern trucks.
Granted the new ones have a lot of pluses, but longevity isn't one of them. I have the 77 but also have a 20218 F150 Platunuim super crew and the ride and user technology are far superior to old blue, 77, but again I know 2018 will not last nearly as long as the 77.
I agree with everyone here. That’s why I decided to put my money into an old truck rather than a new one. Cause I just don’t trust what’s going on nowadays. I want my money going into something that’s going to last and will give me a good return. I’m loving the old Fords.
Strange with every manufacturer banging the ergonomics drums everything falls into hand on a dentside. Buy a Ford factory shop manual for your year, used is better than new if you get the whole set. I contains everything you need to know about your truck. Lot of how to on Ford trucks. The maintenance section invaluable, couple of drops of lube goes a long way. You have a very nice looking truck.
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
