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Things to look for?

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Old May 8, 2023 | 05:47 AM
  #1  
maddmetal39's Avatar
maddmetal39
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Things to look for?

Hi all,

​​​​​​New to diesels and looking at purchasing one locally. Guy has a 1989 7.3 f350 with an ambulance box on the back. Frame and body look nice with no rot. Odometer has only 23,000 miles and judging by the condition of the interior and rest of the truck it hasn't rolled over. Starts right up with a bit of white smoke but then goes away. Anything else I should look out for? He's asking $3,500, which seems fair for any truck in decent condition.

Thanks!
 
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Old May 8, 2023 | 10:12 AM
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allthefords
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From: Vancouver, WA
Better deal than I got! I paid $3700. Odo said 63k but judging by the condition of the pedals and steering wheel I think it rolled over once. Little bit of smoke as soon as you start it isnt anything to worry about in any vehicle especially these.
 
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Old May 8, 2023 | 12:18 PM
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tecgod13
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From: Western Mass
It probably spent a lot more time idling at scenes/hospital than actually driving around, but frame and body are more important than that little extra engine wear. See how the brakes and tires are and haggle if you can.
 
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Old May 11, 2023 | 06:20 AM
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Originally Posted by tecgod13
It probably spent a lot more time idling at scenes/hospital than actually driving around, but frame and body are more important than that little extra engine wear. See how the brakes and tires are and haggle if you can.

Awesome thank you for the insight. One brake hangs up alittle but I had planned on replacing the rotors, pads and calipers. Would anyone know if it's possible to take the ambulance box off and put a bed on it?
 
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Old May 11, 2023 | 09:30 AM
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tecgod13
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From: Western Mass
I'm guessing that it came from the factory as a chassis cab frame, designed with a narrower straight frame meant to be built out with some sort of aftermarket bed. A normal pickup bed wouldn't fit without some modification. If you were looking to put a flatbed on it that should work though. A lot of people like the ambulance body for conversion to a camper, or work truck as it has a lot of storage and lights and such built right in. But if you buy it, you can do whatever you want to it.
 
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