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Freshman User
Joined: May 2010
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From: Knox TN
new here
I'm from Knox TN and new to the forum. I am thinking of getting a F100 to piddle with and restore. Not showroom but to a solid dependendable driver.
I am thinking of a 65-66 or 72 yr model. This will be my first type of project like this and I am green so I will be doing some things myself and letting others do some. My question is, any advice on what to look at in these model trucks - any major red flags or more desireable engine trans combo. thanks for the input.
Leader
I am thinking of a 65-66 or 72 yr model. This will be my first type of project like this and I am green so I will be doing some things myself and letting others do some. My question is, any advice on what to look at in these model trucks - any major red flags or more desireable engine trans combo. thanks for the input.
Leader
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Leader, First thing, do not rush, take your time look at some trucks, kick some tires.
If you are able look west for a good rust free truck, don't fight the rust, it's a seasoned fighter.
I can tell you what having too much cash in your pocket one day can bring. Wish I had passed it by. But it's mine now.
John
If you are able look west for a good rust free truck, don't fight the rust, it's a seasoned fighter.
I can tell you what having too much cash in your pocket one day can bring. Wish I had passed it by. But it's mine now.
John
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Rust = enemy
I would make sure you get a good look at whatever truck you are thinking of buying. How handy are you? Make sure you don't bite of more than you can chew but for the most part these trucks are pretty easy to work on. I would also lean towards picking up a truck with a C6 transmission vs. a C4. Good luck finding the right truck!
I would make sure you get a good look at whatever truck you are thinking of buying. How handy are you? Make sure you don't bite of more than you can chew but for the most part these trucks are pretty easy to work on. I would also lean towards picking up a truck with a C6 transmission vs. a C4. Good luck finding the right truck!
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
Since you are "green" - I would get something that is mechanically sound instead of cosmetic (excluding rust). You will get frustrated if you get stranded or it won't start, etc and it will take the fun out of it for you. They are very easy to work on and all parts are readily available. One thing is make sure you save some cash for GAS - they love it. These were built when America loved steel and iron. You'll save money on insurance and no payments, so it might be a wash! 
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 117
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From: Portland, OR
I've always prefered the 4 speed manual. I'm sure it's debatable, but they are stouter and will last longer. Very simple design and other than input/output seals not much can go wrong on the NP435. I don't get why anybody would want an automatic transmission in a truck that is meant to be used as a truck.
Look for rust in the rear cab corners. Also see if you can pry up a corner of the carpet or rubber mat and see how bad the floor pans are - especially along the outer seams near the kick panel. Try to also look for rust along the seams of the firewall. A bed with some rust in the side seam is OK but avoid major pitting, etc. Look for excessive rust under and along the sides of the hood.
I'm also partial to the V8's that came in these trucks 360 and 390's. ('72 era). They are torque monsters. Look for the obvious things like smoke from the tailpipe and visually inspect the coolant. Listen for any unusual knocks or misses. The less modifications to the truck the better.
Good luck.
Look for rust in the rear cab corners. Also see if you can pry up a corner of the carpet or rubber mat and see how bad the floor pans are - especially along the outer seams near the kick panel. Try to also look for rust along the seams of the firewall. A bed with some rust in the side seam is OK but avoid major pitting, etc. Look for excessive rust under and along the sides of the hood.
I'm also partial to the V8's that came in these trucks 360 and 390's. ('72 era). They are torque monsters. Look for the obvious things like smoke from the tailpipe and visually inspect the coolant. Listen for any unusual knocks or misses. The less modifications to the truck the better.
Good luck.
Last edited by jackslater; May 12, 2010 at 06:46 PM. Reason: typo
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Knox TN
Since you are "green" - I would get something that is mechanically sound instead of cosmetic (excluding rust). You will get frustrated if you get stranded or it won't start, etc and it will take the fun out of it for you. They are very easy to work on and all parts are readily available. One thing is make sure you save some cash for GAS - they love it. These were built when America loved steel and iron. You'll save money on insurance and no payments, so it might be a wash!
Leader
