Too much rust?
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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Too much rust?
I'm in the market for a nice old Ford truck. I had looked at a '66 F-250, but someone snatched it up before I could seal the deal. Now I'm looking at a 1974 Longbed. It has the 300 cid inline 6, and runs great.
The only problem is rust. How much is considered "too much rust?" The bed is pretty much gone, and there is a rusted-through hole in the driver's floorboard. Then there is rust in the "usual places" - fenders, quarter panels, etc. The roof and hood are in tact, and have only surface rust.
The guy is asking $1,000, but said he'd take $600 or $700. Should I offer him less? I figure the engine alone is worth something, being that it does run. I really want an old Ford pickup, but don't want to jump at the first thing I see.
Here are some shots for your review:
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/1.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/2.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/3.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/4.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/5.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/6.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/7.JPG
(Edited to add: photo 3 is the floorpan).
Thanks for the opinions.
-SOCO
The only problem is rust. How much is considered "too much rust?" The bed is pretty much gone, and there is a rusted-through hole in the driver's floorboard. Then there is rust in the "usual places" - fenders, quarter panels, etc. The roof and hood are in tact, and have only surface rust.
The guy is asking $1,000, but said he'd take $600 or $700. Should I offer him less? I figure the engine alone is worth something, being that it does run. I really want an old Ford pickup, but don't want to jump at the first thing I see.
Here are some shots for your review:
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/1.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/2.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/3.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/4.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/5.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/6.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/7.JPG
(Edited to add: photo 3 is the floorpan).
Thanks for the opinions.
-SOCO
Last edited by soco; Feb 20, 2006 at 05:50 PM. Reason: Photo ID
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 32
From: southwest pa
actually, that truck doesnt look too bad. check in the ebay parts vehicle section. theres one truck on there goin for 15$. needs a motor and the front end put back together, but its in cali.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 261
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From: Columbus, Indiana
That is in pretty good shape, and much better shape than any of my trucks when I got them. I just replaced floor boards, cab mounts, and customized some firewall pieces and a little bit around the back of the cab. Total cost? Around $150. The cab was completely rotted from below the brake booster down to the back of the floor where the gas tank went in the cab. That is just the cab.
Rust isn't that big of a deal. Anyone who junks trucks like this one because it has some rust should seriously just buy a new truck or one already restored. These trucks aren't exactly multiplying in number anymore. Save the ones that are left, or sell it intact to someone that will.
Rust isn't that big of a deal. Anyone who junks trucks like this one because it has some rust should seriously just buy a new truck or one already restored. These trucks aren't exactly multiplying in number anymore. Save the ones that are left, or sell it intact to someone that will.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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Originally Posted by KubotaOrange76
get us some pics of the bedsides around the wheel wells
as well as the cab corners, bottoms of the doors and the front fenders
as well as the cab corners, bottoms of the doors and the front fenders
Does this help any?
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/8.JPG
http://bellsouthpwp.net/S/O/SOCO/9.JPG
-SOCO
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 287
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From: Northeast OH
aside from the cab floor that truck looks as good as than my '77 and way better than my '78. i'd grab it if you can fix the cab floor.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,148
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From: Seneca, SC
new floorboards cost on the order of $100 per side. The rest of it could be fixed with patch panels, or robbing some other parts from another truck. If that 300 is running smooth than it should get you home.
The real question is how good are you with a welder/grinder. If you're pretty good, then this isn't bad. If you need to learn, then start with what people won't see easily and work your way out. I'd do floorboards, doorjams, bed, then fenders. And if you all out can't weld or cut metal, then you may want to steer clear of this one, as there will be a need of patch panels. For some prices check out LMC trucks, and National Parts Depot.
The real question is how good are you with a welder/grinder. If you're pretty good, then this isn't bad. If you need to learn, then start with what people won't see easily and work your way out. I'd do floorboards, doorjams, bed, then fenders. And if you all out can't weld or cut metal, then you may want to steer clear of this one, as there will be a need of patch panels. For some prices check out LMC trucks, and National Parts Depot.
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Junior User
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Originally Posted by amish77
The real question is how good are you with a welder/grinder ...
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 359
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From: Saint Paul, MN
I see that you're down in GA. That same truck up here in Rust Country (MN) would sell for more than $1000. It's in better shape than my '76. It doesn't look too bad to me. If you decide to buy it, keep us posted on your project.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 32
From: southwest pa
yea, i would go for it. even if you have to farm out the repairs, it shouldnt be very pricey. those are very typical areas of rust that your looking at and should be easily fixed. have a good time with it and enjoy it because it's not a show truck and you'll be able to drive it instead of having to baby it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 4
From: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
I like it! basic truck, no frills and in my opinion, it's not that rusty. Floor boards are easy, you can buy a floor panel or just use sheet metal, no one will see it.
As mentioned that truck would fetch a good price in the rust belt, go for it!
As mentioned that truck would fetch a good price in the rust belt, go for it!
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,628
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From: Northeast Nebraska
Id give the guy 500 bucks for it tops since its a 2wd, non A/C cab and no power brakes. I would just drive it and use it to get around then keep it for a parts truck later on. You are better off finding something with more options for a fixerupper you plan on keeping for a while.The biggest thing to worry about is make sure the cab mounts are not rusted where they sit on the frame. If they are the cab will sink and the steering and shifter will bind.
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Well, it seems I waited too long. I just called, and the truck has been sold. I guess that's what I get for waiting too long to make a decision. At least now I know that would have been a good one, and know what to look for at the next venture. Thanks again for all of the adivce, and I'll check back in when I have my old Ford truck!
-SOCO
-SOCO
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
that sucks! I woulda grabbed that for up to $800. Who cares about 'options'? Easy to convert to power brakes, and aftermarket a/c under dash units are awesome these days (saw some of the latest creations at Daytona swap meet).
It looks like an easy fix; And hey, it runs!
I guess some of you guys are just used to rust free stuff... Not so easy for many people across the continent to find that way.
Mark
It looks like an easy fix; And hey, it runs!
I guess some of you guys are just used to rust free stuff... Not so easy for many people across the continent to find that way.
Mark
