thinking about a summer project
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
thinking about a summer project
Kinda thinking I want to pick up a cheap project for this summer. Maybe something to screw with this year and get driveable, then redo better in a few years when I've got more money. Here's what I'm thinking:
-mid-'70's to mid-'80s Ford pickup with a straight six, manual trans, and 4x4. I'd like it to end up with a flatbed, eventually. More of a hauling/pulling rig, but it would be nice to go offroad a bit (hauling firewood out of the woods, anyway).
-late '80s Crown Vic, which would need a T5 swapped in right off the bat, and then built as a reasonably fast, smooth highway cruiser. Also would want to be able to tow a small trailer with it.
-I've got a motorcycle that I might put together and learn how to ride.
Thoughts on any of the above?
-mid-'70's to mid-'80s Ford pickup with a straight six, manual trans, and 4x4. I'd like it to end up with a flatbed, eventually. More of a hauling/pulling rig, but it would be nice to go offroad a bit (hauling firewood out of the woods, anyway).
-late '80s Crown Vic, which would need a T5 swapped in right off the bat, and then built as a reasonably fast, smooth highway cruiser. Also would want to be able to tow a small trailer with it.
-I've got a motorcycle that I might put together and learn how to ride.
Thoughts on any of the above?
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Yeah, that is awful tempting. But I'm not going to sell my Ranger, so that would leave me owning two pickups. Not that that is a bad thing, but I do like to (and tend to) drive long distances somewhat regularly, and the Ranger isn't the best for that anymore, and neither would an old Ford truck be that great for it.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Yeah, only thing with that is that I'm really more comfortable with four wheels under me than two. I guess that could change with practice, but I don't want to die in the process. Bikes scare me.
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,992
Likes: 2
From: Lancaster, MA
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
I'm sort of on the fence about whether they scare me enough that I should stay off 'em, or whether it's just 'cause they're dangerous.
Besides, I already own the thing, and I have a friend who'd help get it all together...
But being scared is why I'm kinda leaning toward a car or truck, instead of the cheapest and easiest option...
Besides, I already own the thing, and I have a friend who'd help get it all together...
But being scared is why I'm kinda leaning toward a car or truck, instead of the cheapest and easiest option...
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
No. The Ranger stays as is. One day, it may get a 302, but certainly not 'til it crosses a quarter million miles, and I've gotten a real job where I can afford to drive something nice that will do everything I need it to.
Besides, if I play with that, I wouldn't have anything to drive to work, and then I wouldn't be able to do any projects at all...
Besides, if I play with that, I wouldn't have anything to drive to work, and then I wouldn't be able to do any projects at all...
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
An interesting idea.... Not sure I want to be driving a 300 I-6 at 100 mph, though, which I'd want from the Vic, nor pulling my Ranger on a flatbed with a Vic, which I'd want to do with the truck.
I got my financial aid offer yesterday, and it doesn't look good. My father got married last year, and so now his wife's income is added to his to figure what the federal gov't expects him (and me) to pay, and there went most of my loans and grants. A summer project might not be in the cards this year.
I got my financial aid offer yesterday, and it doesn't look good. My father got married last year, and so now his wife's income is added to his to figure what the federal gov't expects him (and me) to pay, and there went most of my loans and grants. A summer project might not be in the cards this year.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
Go with the bike... I rode a few dirtbikes when I was a kid but not much, then I bought an old school Honda CX500 street bike last April and started riding. I get 50+ mpg and its way nicer to be outside riding. I don't hardly drive my truck at all, mostly because I have a company car to drive now and I don't have to pay for gas at all. 
its $2.85 here and going up steadily.
its $2.85 here and going up steadily.