Hello all! Let me start by saying I'm new to this forum and to using forums in general, but I felt like I needed to reach out to a wider group for advice.

My dad purchased an 83 F250 new for his business and I basically grew up with this truck. It was my high school ride and I took my girlfriend, now wife, on many dates in this thing. My dad gifted us this truck years ago. To say I have a soft spot in my heart for this truck is an understatement.

Fast forward many years, hobbies and kids later, our old truck has sat outside and collected a patina of rust and lichens on it's exterior. It hasn't run for at least 10 years at this point and one of my boys tried to fix it up one weekend when he was about 15. I haven't dug into it to see how much fixing, or damage, might have been done to it then. The last time I tried to fire it up, probably 7-8 years ago, it wouldn't turn over and water came out of the tailpipe.

I have to make some changes to what we have stored on our property soon and this old truck likely needs to go. I've looked at what I can get for scrap metal, but thought I'd see if there is more value to be had in parting with it a different way. I'd sure prefer she goes to a new home that would bring her back to her glory days or at least have the parts and pieces used to help other vintage trucks stay on the road.

Unfortunately I don't have the time, money or inclination that some of you might have in trying to restore her or part things out individually as I have too many other family and house priorities right now.

What would you all do? Is the scrapyard the best option at $175/ton or is there more value to be realized in this old truck? If it would be worth something more to someone else, how would I establish a value on it that's fair to them and myself? The truck has 114,700 miles on the original engine.

Thanks in advance for any input. I appreciate it!

 

Tell us where the truck is located as in state and town. That may help people decide.

I'd say it's worth more than scrap, hopefully some here can give it some love. It looks in decent shape rust wise...

What engine is there ?

 

^^^THIS^^^

If you don't have the space or time to disassemble it and part it out then the scrap value would probably be the best way to go. Ideally, you could sell it as a running project to get decent money out of it, but it looks like that would be quite an investment.

 

I'm located in Delaware, Ohio.

How do I determine the type of engine? (Go easy on me)

 

Thanks for your feedback Jesse. I appreciate it!

 

Open the hood, take a picture. Also on the driver's door jam by the latch, there should be a tag. It will have lots of info for us.
Looks like this,

 

Yes need to know motor size & what transmission it has to get a better ideal what it's worth.
Try looking on Craigslist for trucks the same or close in year and shape for prices.

I would say if you have a power washer clean the truck up before posting more pictures.
Right now the way it looks and not running I would not pay more than $500.
​​​​Not running but looking better might ask $1000?
my .02
Dave ----

 

The 8th digit of the VIN is the engine code.

 

Thanks for your feedback Dave

 

Here is a photo of the sticker. Unfortunately, the hood won't open. Yet another project.

Thanks for any and all feedback! I appreciate your help.

 

There is the Hood release under the dash board under the headlight switch. That is the cable that when pulled will allow the hood to pop up a couple inches. Then use your left hand to push the safety catch on the top of the grill just left of center. When you push on that lever, give the hood a slight downward push.

 

Thanks Max. Unfortunately the hood release doesn't do anything now. It worked fine the last time I tried though. I had my son pull the release while I pulled on the lever under the hood and tried pushing/pulling the hood as well. Seems to be seized up somewhere.

 

4th digit E 6001-7000lbs That is a light duty f250

8th digit Y That is a 300 six cylinder. Oh boy, you are going to have fun with that engine. I would convert it over from the computer control.

10th digit D means it's a 1983. Hmm, it may or may not have computer control on the engine. You will have to look at it.

Axle 26 Open 3.55 Most likely a Ford 8.8 rear.

Trans F 4 speed with granny gear Borg Warner T18

 

You should be able to spray some penetrating fluid on the latch, give it time to work, then try again.

Can you feel the cable move as you pull it ?

 

Dave I dont think a 250 even a LD would have a 8.8 rear axle with that many lug bolts on it but could be wrong
Unless that 300 was not looked after, no oil changes, it should be good as they were hard to kill.
Not everyone likes the 300 but it will get the job done just not fast LOL
I got a 300 with a 4sp granny transmission (same as yours) in my 81 F100 flare side and love it.
Dave ----