I own a '78 F-150, 400, c-6, explorer hood, super cab, long bed, pick-up. I have owned it for approx 3 years at this time. I bought it at a used car lot in a shady side of town. However, I researched the truck on the weekends when the place was closed and found out that it was near original and had the original owners records in the glove-box! There were inspection records that dated back to '78 with mileage verification. Also the owners manual and the original warantee card for the tires.

The drawbacks were that it had rust badly above the rear wheels and at the bottom of the super-cab. Also, it hardly ran and it leaked a quart of tranny fluid daily. I got a good deal though and bought it. I cleaned under the hood and changed everything. The tranny was rebuilt and the driveshaft straightened. I bought some replacement parts (like a new gas cap) that were needed. After that, it ran like a charm. Also, it has A/C that works but it needs a recharge and I just unhooked the belt from it.

After all the work was completed, I used the truck to haul all my stuff back and fourth from college to home (1200 miles). I also drove it around while at school but it was only limited miles. It has made the journey from here to home at least half a dozen times, perhaps more. It has also been used for shorter road trips around here.

My question is this. What will it take to pay someone to rebuild all the parts of the truck that need it. I'm thinking the body work and then also rebuilding the engine to some "hotter" specs and fixing some other little stuff like the electrical system. The interior is in pretty good shape, but I would just keep some original and replace the needed stuff in there.

So, what is rebuild and body work going to cost? By the way, this large truck is bright orange except for the primer and rust of course.

Thanks for all your help. This truck is too cool to leave unrestored.

cb

 

Well, it mostly depends on how much you want to spend. I restored mine and did all the work, except i farmed out the paint. Bill came out to about 10 grand. But the engine was just built before i bought it, so that saved some $$. Ask yourself, what is your biggest "bummer" about the truck? Sounds like your engine is ok, for now. You might want to put the money in the body work first. Proper body work isnt cheap. To fix rust, you should weld in new panels, and use filler as needed. A quick way to do it is use a fiberglass mesh, but i can assure you the rust will come back in that area. There is a product called "POR15" It works great for rusted metal, and will strengthen it. Dont be surprised if you start your work, and start saying "well, i went this far, might as well fix this, and so on,,,"
Its addictive sometimes, but what a fine ride you will have when done,, Good luck,

 

I just restored my 79 F250. Found a 79 from Cali (rust free, dent free)had it shipped here to IL. I mean there was not a speck of rust on it. That cost $4000. I replaced the fenders, grille shell,box,cab corners,brake lines, new brakes, calipers, 410 gears, rebuilt NP435 tranny, rebuilt the NP205 t-case. Skyjacker 6in susp lift,3in body lift,The truck from cali had a 429 CJ in it. I made a huge mistake and sold that. Coulda used it now. All that plus 38.5 swampers. The total was just a bit over $8000.

 

im in the process of now restoring mine since the body is rusted really bad. it all depends on what you are willin to spend. i will be putting a stone gaurd across the bottom part of the truck. then the body work and rust gaurds will come in then paint.

engine mods can be carbs, cams, ect. just get your self a bugjet and see what best suits your needs