Yeah I am the owner of a 75 f100, slowly working it up to favorable looks. Runs xcelent. I am in the market for another "oldie" almost got taken for $1000, on a 65 custom cab. only the engine was C%^$. What should I be looking for on older fixer uppers. I do not want Too much engine work in the purchase. THanks for the past tips No longer overheating.

 

RUST. Depending on where you live, rust is the 'biggie' I'd try to avoid.

MR

 

Another big one is failing electrical systems, dim lights, bulbs and signals that don't work, gauges that don't work, etc.

Another common failure point from age is weatherstrips, seals, and bushings.

Watch out for sagging springs also.

 

Thanks, to the both of you, I like the creativity in both responses. So different yet same answer, common sense. I guess I was making it much more difficult than it really should be. But thank you for the reality check. Me being new to the "do it yourself" auto world need minds like yours to pick. Sooner or latter I'll catch on.,

 

Along the rust lines, frame rust is really a big one. Light body rust isn't a whole lot of fun, but isn't a big deal compared to a frame that's about to let go...

Jason

 

FLOORPANS!
That's my biggie. I will never buy another truck/car w/ no floorboards, or rusted out ones...
Id rather deal w/ body rust than rust of that nature

 

I'd say frame is a big one to watch for. You can always find a doner bed, cab, fenders, etc. Also the cleaner the body you can find, the nicer. Id rather have a rust free body and frame and no motor / shot motor rather than a runs great but rusty body and frame truck. You can always replace the wiring, you can always throw in a new motor alot quicker than it would take you to do bodywork.