1973 Ford F100 new truck
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Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Santa Barbara
1973 Ford F100 new truck
I bought a Ford 1973 F100 Custom. it's a manual truck with granny gear, auto brakes, manual steering. It drives really nice, but has a bit of rust. Debating on whether or not I should fully restore or just sell the truck to someone that needs the parts. Lots of $$$ has been put into getting this thing running and it's a lot of fun to drive.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
I have a '73 that had tons of rust in it, so much that a cab swap was the better alternative. From what I see yours is no where near as bad as mine was.
This is a link to my build thread, I'm now in year 8 of a "planned" 5 year project
. In it I try my hand at body work, including floor pan and cab corner replacement. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...with-pics.htmlHonestly, from my viewpoint, I would try my hand at the bodywork. Once you get into it, it isn't complicated or hard, just time consuming.
For right now, I would hold off on the paint and body work. It's not a bad looking truck as-is. Do the little things to make it a dependable, safe driver first.
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From: Santa Barbara
There is a lot of surface rust in the bed, with a few more "almost" cancer spots. Cab is fine inside, including floor. It's a good driver now, so I just drive on weekends. I'm just waiting on the body stuff for now. I'd really like to get it where the rust is gone and not getting worse. It doesn't need to look pristine, but every quote I get looks at this as a restore. I'm not a body work guy and I don't have the space, so it will have to be sourced out. Only thing unsafe about driving it is the steering is a little wonky, but I've had that tightened up as much as possible. I've talked with a number of people and cars this age seem to always have some give. Thank you for the responses.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
In my build thread I discuss having a "pro" do the paint and body but ultimately decide to tackle it myself (still not done, BTW). The best professional shop I located gave me a quote of $6000 for the paint and body work. That was for a really, really nice paint job.
Paint jobs have become incredibly expensive now days, not only because labor is expensive and body work is labor intensive but the cost of supplies (paint, primer, sealer, etc,) has become incredibly expensive. It's very common for the supplies to run over $2,000 for a paint job.
Paint jobs have become incredibly expensive now days, not only because labor is expensive and body work is labor intensive but the cost of supplies (paint, primer, sealer, etc,) has become incredibly expensive. It's very common for the supplies to run over $2,000 for a paint job.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
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Yeah, that cab isn't too far gone. The worst part is the roof rust. How is the interior panel above the windshield? If it's OK, I'd remove the windshield and weld in some patches. You could cut out the rust yourself, and cut out patches yourself, and take it somewhere for them to be welded in. If the floors are good, then that makes it more worth saving.
I've not seen many cowls rust like that one, but it can be fixed too. Almost looks like the battery was mounted back near there or something. My hood has rust over the battery.
I've not seen many cowls rust like that one, but it can be fixed too. Almost looks like the battery was mounted back near there or something. My hood has rust over the battery.
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From: Santa Barbara
1973 F100 cab
The auto shop said it might be easier to just get a new cab for the 1973 F100. Know of any place to get a new one with no rust?
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
I bought my cab on Ebay, and the rest of the truck came with it 
.
Keep an eye on Craigslist in your area, look at the classifieds, look at Ebay. If you're driving around and see one sitting, stop and ask, you never know. Check the for sale section right here on FTE.
Be patient. I looked for about six months before I found the one I got.
.Keep an eye on Craigslist in your area, look at the classifieds, look at Ebay. If you're driving around and see one sitting, stop and ask, you never know. Check the for sale section right here on FTE.
Be patient. I looked for about six months before I found the one I got.
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