So for a while now I have debated on getting a late 70's Fx50 pickup... Half of me is looking for a truck for hunting but at the same time I wouldn't mind slowly working on it and making it into a nicer pickup... Reason I say this is that I just can't justify spending $9k or more for a pickup that has had all the goodies and restoration done to it...

Anyways... On to what I was looking for an opinion on... I found an 1978 supercab F350 with a 460 engine in it. (I just love the look of the supercabs...) The bad part is that it is about 10 hours away and I am debating on getting my dad who is about 2-3 hours away to look at it. From the pictures that I've seen of the interior and exterior is that it is in pretty good shape. When calling the seller, they said that it is in good running order, but who knows what a person would say over the phone to get a sale... The price on it is $2500. From what I've seen, this seems like a pretty decent price.

Does this seem like a decent price and vehicle worth taking a trip to see? Or are there better "deals" out there? Any help would sure be appreciated! Thanks for your time.

-Jeff

 

is it 4x4 or 4x2? if it is 4x4 it would not have been a factory 460 enigne. it would have had a 300 six or 351m/400. count the valve cover bolts 7= 460 8=351m/400

 

Interesting... It's a 4x4, automatic. I'll have to get a picture of the engine and do a little counting. I'm already starting to learn some things... Thanks for the input.

 

That price is not bad especially if it's in good condition. Call the guy and offer him $1800. He'll say no. Then say Ok I'll give you $2100 if it's as nice as you say it is and Im gonna come see it. If he doesnt want to deal either he has a real jewel or he's stubborn. I know you dont want to drive 10 hours, but if you miss something important you might end up working on it 100 hours. Does your dad know anything about trucks(more than cosmetic?) How many miles on it and what shape is the body in?

 

I think it could be a early 79 or it's just a F-250. $2,500 seems alittle high, I'd make sure it'd be what I'd want before I'd even take a trip to inspect it or buy it. Get pics from the owner(rust spots, drive train, everything).

 

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Hey, i don't think 2500 is a bad price but try do a cash deal and you should have some wiggle room. I myself purchased a 78 250 that was 550 miles from where I live. The only advice I can offer you is don't let the seller know where you are coming from. If you go out there, and he knows your from far away and want the truck, he's got you on a full price because he knows your not going to go 10 hours and not buy the truck if its in good shape and you like it. If you can set up a scenario where you can walk from the deal at first if you can't get a lower price...them call him back in an hour after you walk and make another offer. worked for me.

also, I wouldn't trust anything anybody says completely about selling old trucks...in my experience, the three times that I have been through it, I always find something that I over looked...When I bought the 78, the owner said that it was a daily driver...well that was BS. After I bought it, no more than 20 miles down the road the solenoid went up..luckily, there was an autozone within walking distance. The universal joints in the drive shafts where also shot...look for that. When I finnally got it home after a new fuel pump and solenoid, i took the U-joints out of the drive shafts and the bearings that where supposed to be in there where nothing but powered and rust! worst I have seen . good luck and don't forget to check under the carpeting inside if it has any for rust through holes...also check up in the bed wells for rusting...good luck in you quest ! - chris

 

I don't know what you guys have in your neck of the woods but I'd jump all over that if it was anywhere near me. Supercab 4x4's are getting HARD to find around here, even harder to find in good shape and if it is an F350 I've seen 2 of them in the last 3 years here. You couldn't touch one in Spokane for under $5000 unless it's really beat to crap. The front axle alone is worth $1000 right there. Provided there are no big surprises I'd buy that truck in a heart beat.

Hey Jeff, I see you're in Montana. Any chance this truck is on the coast? If it's in Washington, Idaho or Oregon I'd suggest you visit us in the Northwest Chapter (link below in my signature) and post about it, perhaps we have someone close who could go take a quick look for you.

 

Thanks for all of the advice. Here in montana the late 70's fords 4x4 automatics seems to go for well over 3-4 thousand and I haven't seen a single extended cab yet for sale... Anyways, maybe I might try to convince my dad to go and take a look at the truck, it's down in colorado.

I really appreciate all of the insight.

-Jeff

 

Where in Colorado is it? I'm sure one of the guys in the Colorado chapter may be able to look at it for you. I may be able to as well. I'm in the South part of Denver so it just depends on where in Colorado it is. Just let us know!


Nate

 

Second that, us gearheads gotta stick together!
A close up look is pretty important here, the state uses de-icers on major highways and thoroughfares. If the truck has spent it's life way back in the hills, there is less probability of corrosives on the roadway.

Mike

 

Good to know, does anyone live near the town of eaton?

 

Just a couple miles North of Greeley, hmmm... A little over an hour drive from the Denver-metro area. The kind of adventure you save for a weekend, mostly farm country.

Go ahead and post in the Colorado chapter. I wouldn't mind the road trip, need to fix the Mrs. car before I start making plans. Fuel is another consideration. Road trip anyone?

Can you post a link to the listing?

 

I truly appreciate the thought of taking a trip to see the vehicle, but with the cost of gas I would want anyone to go out of their way. Here is a link to the vehicle, I've sent in an email to see if they may be able to send me more pictures of things like underneath and of the engine. Seeing as I'm just starting to look around, I don't want to just jump in and make the wrong choice...

Here's the site:

http://www.classicalgasstation.com/1671s.htm

 

That is a good question after seeing pics. I think the 4x4 description in the inventory list is a mistake.

This outfit seems awfull proud of it's inventory, I'll bet there is a lot of wiggle room in that price-if the truck suits you.

I might be wrong about the 2 wheel drive, let's see what some of the others say.

BTW, that is a whole lotta truck!!!