Should I?
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Elder User
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From: Darien
Should I?
I'm looking at a 85 F150. It is a 4x4 stepside with a 351HO automatic. All original except for it is lifted. Box needs resto and other than the hood the rest of the body is shot. The truck has never been beat ( I know this truck pretty well), but the years have been unkind and needs all 110% of TLC with bonus bucks. I liked this truck back in the glory days. I can get it for nothing, but the cost will be substancial bring it back. Just because I can, should I? It scores high on the I never see one scale, it has all the right stuff per the vintage and I like it. It is things like this is why I'm not married. Delema over a rotted out old truck.
Posting Guru
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From: Maine
Can you afford it? (Without undue sacrafice...) Figure it will cost twice your high estimate for repairs.
Is the body salvagable? The frame?
If you can do or afford to have done what it needs, have someplace to store it, and want it, why the heck not? But you need to sit back and seriously assess whether or not this is the case before you decide. (I had to pass on a 1976 F-150 last year for $400 because I didn't have the time to do the work myself, nor the money to have it done. Darn near killed me to pass it up, but it was the right choice.)
Is the body salvagable? The frame?
If you can do or afford to have done what it needs, have someplace to store it, and want it, why the heck not? But you need to sit back and seriously assess whether or not this is the case before you decide. (I had to pass on a 1976 F-150 last year for $400 because I didn't have the time to do the work myself, nor the money to have it done. Darn near killed me to pass it up, but it was the right choice.)
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: North of Normal
Originally Posted by Krochus
I make a point of NEVER buying a 4x4 of any kind that has been lifted. I know how they get treated round here. 9 times out of 10 lifted=abused.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Parkesburg PA
If it runs, the frame is good, the lift was done right, you have a place to keep it and you have the time / money to fix it then why not. You said you like the truck, so go for it.
My 70 Chevelle was a garage rat for almost 10 years before I got to it, but I always wanted one. It ran and moved under it's own power which it a huge plus. Ever try and push a car by yourself?
I would think the biggest obsticle is do you have a place to keep it. Next would be do you have a place to work on it.
That's my $0.02...
My 70 Chevelle was a garage rat for almost 10 years before I got to it, but I always wanted one. It ran and moved under it's own power which it a huge plus. Ever try and push a car by yourself?
I would think the biggest obsticle is do you have a place to keep it. Next would be do you have a place to work on it.
That's my $0.02...
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From: North of Normal
Originally Posted by lariat79sc
I'm looking at a 85 F150. It is a 4x4 stepside with a 351HO automatic. All original except for it is lifted. Box needs resto and other than the hood the rest of the body is shot. The truck has never been beat ( I know this truck pretty well), but the years have been unkind and needs all 110% of TLC with bonus bucks. I liked this truck back in the glory days. I can get it for nothing, but the cost will be substancial bring it back. Just because I can, should I? It scores high on the I never see one scale, it has all the right stuff per the vintage and I like it. It is things like this is why I'm not married. Delema over a rotted out old truck.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Alma Arkansas
Originally Posted by Old Tired Rebel
Hey Krochus are you apart of B-Bodies? Welcome to FTE
So Roadking
I take it you hang out round these parts?
Last edited by Krochus; Sep 29, 2006 at 08:50 PM.
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Post Fiend
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From: North of Normal
Originally Posted by Krochus
In the flesh. I haven't announced my buying a (gasp) Ford yet to the fellers over at b-body yet. After my OD green paint job tomorrow I'm going to post some pics and "come out of the closet" so to speak.
I take it you hang out round those parts?
I take it you hang out round those parts?
this thread..
Last edited by SuperSnake; Sep 29, 2006 at 08:53 PM.
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Elder User
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From: Darien
I make it a point not to buy anything from a kid. The lift means very little in this case. The body looks ok at first glance, but most of it is shot. It don't run now, but it might?
I'd rebuild the motor anyway. I'd bet it all could be done for a reasonable cost. 80-86 vintage is a dime a dozen in the bone yards. I have the tools, the time, and the shop to do it in. I'm going on a fact finding missing to the bone yard to see what is out there and how much it might cost me in the morning. If it can be done for under 5k then it might be a go.
I'd rebuild the motor anyway. I'd bet it all could be done for a reasonable cost. 80-86 vintage is a dime a dozen in the bone yards. I have the tools, the time, and the shop to do it in. I'm going on a fact finding missing to the bone yard to see what is out there and how much it might cost me in the morning. If it can be done for under 5k then it might be a go.
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