Howdy y'all,



I am new to this website so I apologize in advance if this is posted in the wrong spot. I am trying to get opinions on purchasing a 1995 F-350 7.3.

I am from Massachusetts, so prices are insane and rust is a given, but I'm trying to get some thoughts on whether or not this might be worth it.



A little background:

- I am a college student looking for an OBS project.

- Want something '95-'97 because I want a powerstroke 7.3.

- Also want a 350 because I want the D60 front. I'd consider a 250, but prices aren't any cheaper and if I can save the hassle of having to swap the fronts that would be nice.

- I'm looking for a regular cab long bed because I just like them better. Planning on throwing a flatbed on, so not very worried about how rough the bed is, as it's going to come off regardless and get wire brushed and painted.

- Like I said, prices in the northeast are insane. I'd travel for a really clean, rust free one, but my budget isn't astronomical.

- Looking to spend ~8-10k and ideally have a nice looking, solid truck for ~13-15k. I can always get crazy over time.

- Only way I would spend 15k+ off the bat would be for a rust free, clean clean one.

- I'm not looking for a show truck by any means, but I'm also not just looking for a workhorse. It'll get it's use, but at the end of the day its going to be a passion project for me too. I love how the OBS trucks look and have wanted one for a long time. I understand for what I want I don't need a 7.3, nor do I need an F-2/350. Hell, I don't need this truck at all. But I enjoy them and life is short, so might as well buy cool stuff while I can.



- I am pretty mechanically inclined. This would be my first diesel but I've been doing my research and really don't mind working on much. However, I don't want to have to do insane body work as I'm not good at it and don't enjoy it much. I like wrenching, not so much sanding. I don't have the "touch," lol.



I've found pretty much 1 or 2 examples around here recently within my price range/condition I would consider buying.



This is one I've been talking to the guy about for a while. Here's the info I have on it:

- Passenger fender dent/rust

- Wheel wells are obviously rusty/crusty (it's a Ford)

- Little over 160k miles on a mostly stock motor

- EO4D auto trans. Oil pan is moist but doesn't drip or burn oil (according to the owner)

- Asking $8500 for it. Seems pretty firm on price, but I could probably talk him down to $7500-$8000



So far if I buy it I plan on replacing the fenders, front bumper and mirrors (personal preference, don't really need to), taking the bed off and cleaning everything up (flatbed eventually), cleaning up the overall rust and painting everything, painting it, redoing the interior, getting different rims/tires, and a few other minor things.



Other than that I don't know too much about it yet. Haven't gone to look at it yet as it's 3 hours away. Just looking for advice on what y'all have to say before I make the trip.



All the pictures look *decent.* Not amazing, but definitely not the worst I've seen. But again I don't know too much about these OBS fords and don't have an eye for them yet.



I'm thinking that this would fit pretty good into my budget and what I want to/am willing to do and I would still have a bit left over for some fun mods/aesthetics.



Any advice is appreciated.







Don't Love the bumper, wheels, or mirrors, but those can be replaced.



Interior will be getting rehabbed.

This is the only picture that scares me a little.