Is this a lemon?
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New User
Joined: Jan 2001
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Is this a lemon?
I got a 78 F150 2wd, 351W, T18, and 9", rear end was center sectioned and new axles a few months ago, and the tranny looks rebuilt (can see ner red seals and no leaks) and the motor runs strong, but the problem is there is virtually no floorboard left, its from denver Colorado, so I expected a little rusy, but this is rediculus, I peeled away carpet and ouns boards screwd over the holes, looked under the truck before I got it, but it was "under coated" so I couldn't see the holes. I only paid $750 for it, and the guy had a receipt for the center section of $700 so I don't think I lost much. Can I salvage this with a new cab? Where can I get a cab with a uesable title? Tried the junk yards, but all they sayis to cut out the rust and cut up the good cabs they have to make a patch. Any ideas? I am ready to yank the motor, tranny, axle, Beams and junk the body and frame. Eric
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Is this a lemon?
Eric, The truck is officially 23 years old, and you don't know where it spent those years, or how well it was kept. You can purchase a different cab and install it. You don't have to worry at all about your title. There is a vin on the chasis rail right side top, about where the front axle crosses under. As long as that number matches, you are good to go. I wouldn't get overly worried if it didn't on a truck that old. Floors go bad in those trucks mainly because of the rubber mat used (they held moisture). If you keep looking you can find a good 73-79 cab and mount on your chassis and be happy. I would love to find that truck for what you have in it.
John
jowilker
Club FTE since 01 01
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.
John
jowilker
Club FTE since 01 01
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
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Is this a lemon?
I would be more suspicious if it didn't have any rust and it ONLY cost $750. Carpe dium and enjoy. At least you had boards on yours. I got mine for $700 and there were cardboard boxes shoved under the rubber mat!:-o
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 435
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From: Nebraska Farm
Is this a lemon?
It would surprise me more to find one without rust than what you got. You can buy new floorpans and weld in. I put fiberglass down to patch mine, both sides were completely gone. As long as the cab mount is solid, your good to go.
Dave,
79 F-150 4x4, 390 w/C6, Edelbrock carb, 33X12.50 never will be finished.
Dave,
79 F-150 4x4, 390 w/C6, Edelbrock carb, 33X12.50 never will be finished.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2000
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Is this a lemon?
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 22-Jan-01 AT 04:00 PM (EST)[/font][p]I guess I got lucky with my truck! I didn't have much rust on the floorpans, just some surface rust. This summer I am going to take the seat out, take care of the rust, and then use a paint-on bed liner inside the cab. Much cheaper than buying a new carpet for the truck and much stronger. Just a thought for after you replace the pans.
By the way, what would be the best way to remove surface rust? A wire wheel?
Matt
1974 F-250 4x4 Highboy
By the way, what would be the best way to remove surface rust? A wire wheel?
Matt
1974 F-250 4x4 Highboy
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 154
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From: Relocated to San Diego CA
Is this a lemon?
I had to replace my pass. floorboard. I bought the pan from jcwhitney, real cheap, and it did fit nicely. Borrowed my friend's die-grinder and mig-welder and I'm as happy as a pound.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2001
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Is this a lemon?
How far over towards the tranny do the JCWhitney panels go? I have also seen them for sale, and considered it for my 79, but unsure if it will replace all the rust. On a side note, the tail light assemblies were great that I got from JCWhitney. Eric
Senior User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 154
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From: Relocated to San Diego CA
Is this a lemon?
The panels from JCW only go from the edge of the door that the molding covers, to like 4 inches from the edge of the hump. It's not an exact repro, but it's good.
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