Hey all! It would appear from some of the posts I have read, that there are as many knowledgable Ford guys on this forum as there are in the PS diesel forum I also frequent ('95 Supercab longbed 5 speed powerstroke). I thought I would post here because I have recently come into posession of a '72 F250 Ranger XLT 2wd. The lady I married just two years ago got it for me for Valentine's Day. I am excited because I had a '72 F100 in high school and of course had just about the most fun of my entire life the years I owned it. In a moment of what can only be called youthful stupidity (as opposed to the adult variety), I sold the truck not too long after starting college. This truck I now own has 124K original on it, was ordered out of Natchitoches, Louisianna (I have the sales agreement, order broadcast etc.) and as far as I know, in original unmolested condition. I have decoded the VIN and found it was ordered with a Dana 60 equipped with the limited slip, 300 CID 6 cyl., Borg Warner T18 4 speed as well as power front disc brakes. All for a grand total (in 1972) of $3782.68+113.48 (LA sales tax)+14.50 (license,title and safety insp.)= $3910.66. Being only 5 years old, I can't remember if this was a significant amount back then, but I know my Dad didn't have a brand new truck sitting in his driveway back then. Now, the questions I have. Looking through the interior, I found, under the springs in the seatback, the build sheet for this truck. It is in pretty fragile shape but could be taken out and laminated or put in a protector and placed in the file with the rest of the truck's paperwork. I am going to be driving this truck two or three days a week. What is the best thing to do with the build sheet? I know some Chevy guys will just about kill to get ahold of the build sheets on some of the muscle cars. Is it that huge of a deal? Of course I guess it depends on how rare the options are on the car you're dealing with. The second question I have is whether anyone here knows a good site to see production numbers of truck with certain options which would make them rare. Like how many trucks had the heavy rear end with the inline 6? I may in the future (if this truck is in no way unique) set this truck up for one of my sons. Big block, power steering, mini tubs, 4 link rear etc. but would like to do a little research and not destroy anything worth more stock than fixed up with a few modern conveiniences. Alright, enough for now. Thanks for reading and your input. Looking forward to reading this forum as well as the powerstroke one in the future.

 

Congrats on the new Bump.

The build sheet? Don't think it's worth a whole lot in the truck world, unlike high dollar car restorations. It's a neat thing to have, but not sure anyone will be asking for it. I suppose it's a long bed truck? Not as desirable as a shortbed, but I like long beds myself. I know the shortbed chevy guys think their trucks are gold.

As for build numbers and rarity? There are places online you can go to decipher codes, but not sure there are any places with actual build numbers. Nobody really cares that much about these old trucks, yet, to do that kind of research.

As for your truck, it's not all that rare or desirable persay. Being a 6cyl stick with minimal options, there isn't anything rare about it. If it had one of the unique factory options(like underhood generator) or the like, then it would be a good thing to not cut up. Beyond that, it's only worth what someone will give you for it. I personally don't like to cut stuff up, so leaving it "stock" is my preference. Do with it what you please. Make it into whatever makes you happy, that's the only person you have to please.

Have fun with it, and be sure to post PICTURES!!!!!

 

I don't think Ford kept good production records at least as far as numbers are concerned with these trucks. They were built at a time when pickups were evolving from a utilitarian workhorse to a go anywhere do anything vehicle. They could be ordered with packaged options or even 1 option of a package. It made for some long days for parts counter people.

I've never seen or heard of one with a 6 cylinder and a Ranger XLT package before. Please post some pics.

 

1972 F250 Styleside Pickup: 187,348 were assembled, this includes all the various trim lines, 2 and 4WD's.

Ford kept excellent records, but has nothing available anymore, except the production figures.

Ford was going to throw ALL the records away in the late 1980's, a fellow in Phoenix AZ heard about it, obtained it all for peanuts.

For specifics, contact martiauto.com who charges $$ or $$$ depending on what you want to know.
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Clay: Long days? LOL...the days weren't long enough!

This retired Ford parts counter person never had problem with any of these trucks.

After 12 years, I can still walk around any 1953/96, reel off every part number, decode the VIN and Warranty Plate info, tell you what all the accessories were, what the problems were, and other worthless trivia.

And...I don't need a parts catalog or any cheat sheets to do this.

I cared about my job, unlike most of the parts personnel you'll find behind parts counters, who were/are only there for a paycheck.

btw: The various packages were available regardless of the engine size in most cases...including Camper Specials (C/S). The standard engine in C/S's was the 300 I-6 from 1965 thru 1979.

 

Oh man do I know it. There are about 20 people in the parts department at the Peterbilt dealer where I work. The parts manager and 3 or 4 others actually care. The rest just put in time.

It's kind of sad that I can rattle off Caterpillar and Cummins part numbers faster than some of the counter guys can even start to look them up.

 

Okay, pics are in my profile now for anyone who wants a peek.

 

NICE truck!! Wow.....that wife of yours is a KEEPER!! Truck looks super clean and rust free(getting very rare). It looks like it will give you many years of service. Congrats.

 

I tried to view his gallery. All I keep getting is a page telling me to buy a Dodge.

 

I found them .. the pics are not in a gallery.

Click on the user name, then View Public Profile.

When that comes up...look to the far right where it sez albums.

There they are.

 

Thanks Bill.

 

Redcat......I did the same thing, til I reread his post and saw "profile"(not gallery). Found it then.

BTW, what's the deal with the "buy dodge" link anway? Kinda strange for a FORD site to link to a Dodge page?

 

Advertising dollars I suspect.

 

Bingo!

FTE is owned by Internet Brands, and is one of 100 websites they own.

Go visit, for example, a Toyota forum, there will be ads for GM products.

You might even see a user type a reference to FTE in their post.

That's how I found FTE, off the Toyota forum!

No, I don't own one and never have, I was just researching some info.