Restorations slowing now ?
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From: Kentucky
Restorations slowing now ?
I am seeing quite of few 70's Ford trucks for sale on used car lots, and in the truck trader mag around here now. I know I am feeling the hit in my wallet on ALL monthly bills as a result of the high gas prices, and having to re-alignment my financial priorities. ..
The sales of the old trucks picking up tells me I am not the only one changing their expense priorities. I see the ebayers are getting some real deals while the owners of these restored beauties are not getting 30% of what they invested in to their trucks. Is the continuing upward price of gas going to make these old trucks dinosaurs ?
The sales of the old trucks picking up tells me I am not the only one changing their expense priorities. I see the ebayers are getting some real deals while the owners of these restored beauties are not getting 30% of what they invested in to their trucks. Is the continuing upward price of gas going to make these old trucks dinosaurs ?
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The economy and gas prices do change priorities, There are a lot of newer trucks (not older) for sale down here and sadly, a lot of fishing boats. I just took an $80/month increase in health ins which will slow up some projects.
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It's easy to put too much $$ into some vehicles,I love the '73-79 body style,but I don't think they have quite "taken off" as far as collector value.I found 2 today pretty cheap,a '74 ranger lwb,2wd,360,auto P/S,P/B,solid truck,bad tailgate,one bedside needed some work-$750.Another-a'77 ranger lwb 2wd,302,auto,P/S,P/B,A/C 99% rust free,appeared to be original paint,still had the AM radio-$1650.I tried to sell my '77 Ranger XLT Lariat 150 w/460,auto & loads of new parts last year for $2500...no takers.These trucks just keep lasting and lasting so they are not that hard to find yet,maybe thats keeping prices down some.
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In my opinion there is a lot of difference between a collectible, a "classic" (very abused word) and just an old truck you might like. I believe most who restore a car/truck do not do it for the money, but for the pleasure they derive from doing it. I recently sold my last restore project, a 1960 Triumph TR3 roadster, that I had spent 4 years on. I got my asking price, but if you figure the hours I spent on it at minimum wage, it would show a loss. The chances of the very common 70's truck ever being worth the price of a complete rebuild is remote if you just consider the sale value of the truck, but it is hard to put a value on what you get from doing the job.
Dono
Dono
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From: Marion, VA
To be valuable, an antique or collectable vehicle has to be rare. It will be a long time before a 70s era Ford PU is rare enough to be truly valuable. Also, a restored or very nice old pickup is much more valuable when it is a short bed. A long bed is the same as a 4 door car. It doesn't matter how nice it is, it is worth much less than a 2 door. My 62 Ford Fairlane 500 would be worth 4 or 5 times as much as it is if it had 2 less doors.
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Absolutely beautifully restored and untouched 79 broncos are on ebay all the time, there is one on there now with a 3 day auction left. I have to respectfully disagree on the attraction of the shortbeds. To me,they look like a bobtailed dog, not all there. The big old 70's Ford pickups were built to haul loads, the sb's were the buyers answer for those wanting a pretty little truck to haul a push lawnmower sometimes. Kind of like the pu's now , all pretty with the little short rumble style pu box on them. This is just one OF's opinion tho 
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From: Marion, VA
Originally Posted by Greg 79 f150
I have to respectfully disagree on the attraction of the shortbeds. To me,they look like a bobtailed dog, not all there. The big old 70's Ford pickups were built to haul loads, the sb's were the buyers answer for those wanting a pretty little truck to haul a push lawnmower sometimes. Kind of like the pu's now , all pretty with the little short rumble style pu box on them. This is just one OF's opinion tho
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Pricing can vary- and the desireability of a box size depends on the model. The rule of thumb us a 1/2T will sell better as a short box. Just for giggles, though, price out a '67-'72 Chevy K20 4X4. I'm seeing restored versions priced in the $25-$45K range 
Ironically, Ford built a much better truck in this time period- meaning most of the General's production was reduced to rusting hulks long ago, and the rarity factor takes over. Mechanically inferior or not, the /67-/72 is the holy grail of Chevy truck enthusiasts because of the body style.
The big appeal that I see to a 70's Ford pickup is the simple, sturdy construction, the ease of modification, and the generic parts availability. It's possible to buy a solid, rust free example out here for $2-$3,000. Add another $3-$5,000 for a complete drivetrain overhaul/rebuild, and you have a solid workhorse for less than the cost of a decent downpayment on a new one.
Gas prices are going to relegate many of these trucks to the "toy" catagory, though, instead of being used as daily driver's. that has to affect the resale value.
Ironically, Ford built a much better truck in this time period- meaning most of the General's production was reduced to rusting hulks long ago, and the rarity factor takes over. Mechanically inferior or not, the /67-/72 is the holy grail of Chevy truck enthusiasts because of the body style.The big appeal that I see to a 70's Ford pickup is the simple, sturdy construction, the ease of modification, and the generic parts availability. It's possible to buy a solid, rust free example out here for $2-$3,000. Add another $3-$5,000 for a complete drivetrain overhaul/rebuild, and you have a solid workhorse for less than the cost of a decent downpayment on a new one.
Gas prices are going to relegate many of these trucks to the "toy" catagory, though, instead of being used as daily driver's. that has to affect the resale value.
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From: Kentucky
Originally Posted by osbornk
I prefer a long bed also but go to an auction and see for yourself what sells and for how much. A four door car or station wagon is more practical than a 2 door also but that doesn't matter to a collector and the prices reflect it.
PB , you are right on about making them toys. Mine only moves on pretty sunny days 3-4 days a month. Sort of a waste I know, should sell it but would be giving it away . Might as well keep it around to remind of my foolishness in restoring one and I wont be wanting another one
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Last edited by Greg 79 f150; May 14, 2006 at 05:13 PM.
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Greg- I'm not sure how foolish it was. If you think about it, the old truck will still be making runs to the local U-Pull-It long after that shiny Prius becomes a permanent resident.