How rare?
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How rare?
I have been given the chance to get a 1979 F150 for next to nothing. It needs a new gas tank and oil pan, as well as some severe rust fixing. It is a single cab, how rare/desirable are these trucks? I know it is all about what I think or not, but as far as parts/availability?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Louisiana
The after market availability is at its peak and you could build a whole new truck as long as you had a frame and cab to start with.
What is next to nothing? I've seen running trucks go for next to nothing.
What does that truck have in it? engine, trans, axle, 2wd or 4wd, ect...
These trucks are pretty reliable, just bad on gas, depending on engine.
What is next to nothing? I've seen running trucks go for next to nothing.
What does that truck have in it? engine, trans, axle, 2wd or 4wd, ect...
These trucks are pretty reliable, just bad on gas, depending on engine.
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The guy selling it says it has a 351M, but I think that might be wrong. I can get it for $150 but I would have to haul it home due to the leaking gas tank and need for a new oil pan. I am not sure on the trans, axle, or drive. I am going to look at it sometime this week. Anything I need to look at that could pose a serious problem. I am planning on going through this truck from top to bottom and front to back as money and time allows.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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No, no, Don't buy it!
But... um... since you're not gonna buy it... maybe send me a private message with the address of the guy who currently owns it.
You know. So I can make sure I don't buy it, either.
Yeah. That's the ticket.
But... um... since you're not gonna buy it... maybe send me a private message with the address of the guy who currently owns it.
You know. So I can make sure I don't buy it, either.
Yeah. That's the ticket.
Posting Guru
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From: Northeast Nebraska
They made millions of these trucks so there arent too many "rare" ones. The cool thing about them is they are excellent trucks and you can get pretty much any part new for them. Id be most concerned about the rust on the truck. If the frame is rusted bad this truck may be best suited as a parts truck. Id also wonder why the oil pan is bad....did a rod go through it? As for the price you cant go wrong even if you only use the truck for parts.
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Posting Guru
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I am planning on rebuilding the engine anyways, so if a rod did get thrown through the pan no big deal. Other than the frame rust anything else to really keep an eye on? Any tranny/differential, suspension things that I should be aware of that might make it harder to do a restore on?
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do yourself a favor and spend some money and buy a unit in good shape.
u will be happier and u can drive and enjoy it.
u will be happier and u can drive and enjoy it.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: northeast, KY
for $150 i would definatly buy it...even if you aren't planning on restoring this truck, it could be a parts truck. You will always need parts, and once you get the other truck fixed up, just a couple of parts sold on ebay will give you your money back on it.
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From: Montana
I think that if you have some time, money, and the motivation (so it doesn't end up as a pile of junk in the back of your driveway), then go ahead and buy it. I personally haven't done much on my old truck but if you enjoy working on fixer-uppers and your gut says you really want this truck, go ahead (considering you can afford the MPG when you're done). My father's '70 F100 4x2 never gave him a major mechanical problem for the 20+ years he owned it, on the other hand, he treated it really well. It's your choice though, not somebody else's. However, it's good to get someone else's opinion.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Louisiana
For $150 I'd buy it, and worse case or cheapest case I would go to a junkyard and get a gas tank and a oil pan or the whole engine.
But if you want to spend the money and do it right, which it sounds like you do. Then you can't go wrong with one of these trucks. The rust is going to be the biggest issue, but if it's not to bad then it would be perfect to restore(fix like you want for a daily driver).
But if you want to spend the money and do it right, which it sounds like you do. Then you can't go wrong with one of these trucks. The rust is going to be the biggest issue, but if it's not to bad then it would be perfect to restore(fix like you want for a daily driver).
Posting Guru
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From: Northeast Nebraska
I wouldd plan on installing all new springs. My 79 F-150 had a broken main leaf spring so I got a leveling lift, which also replaced the rear blocks. When I removed the front coils I found out they were broken too. I wouldnt worry too much about the drive train in a 79. Ford used all heavy duty components. The C6 auto and NP435 4spd are bullet proof. Unlees its a full time 4wd you will have a gear driven NP205 Transfer case. A Ford 9" rear end and D44 front axle up fron are planty strong for a half ton and are good for many miles. Check everything for leaks and if its not leaking make sure its not empty! Thing wear out fast when not properly maintained. Look for signs that the truck has been abused ie seals that should have been replaced years ago.
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Found out today that it was just a plug for the oil pan, not the whole pan. As for the rest I couldn't find out since I got the wife of the guy selling it on the phone. How much rust would be considered too much for the body. I know for a fact that the wheel wells are rusting and there is some in the bed and possible some in the floor/cab corners.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: northeast, KY
all that stuff is replaceable...i've been going to LMC to get my stuff. they sell just about everything for these trucks. I had to get a whole other bed side for mine...somebody before i bought it tried to fix a spot with a gallon of bondo that needed replaced when he did it. i paid $500 for mine...but it has 68,000 original miles.