I bought a 74 F100 a few months back. Long story short I’ve been told now is the time to replace the engine (which is a 400).




My plan for the truck is to:
- Upgrade the engine
- Install AC (I live in AZ)
- Replace Tires
- Fix the body work and get it professionally painted

The guy I bought the truck from put ALOT of time into customizing the grill, flatbed, exhaust, and interior.

I’ve seen a handful of these classic/custom trucks (in good restored condition) on classiccars.com and classics.autotrader.com selling for $15,000 - $27,000.

Alot of these trucks that sell for a premium either have the 390 or 351.

There’s a local shop here in Phoenix that sells a completely rebuilt 351C for $1,300 + another $1,200 if you don’t have a like for like core ($2,500 total).

They also sell my 400 completely rebuilt for $1,200 + $600 core (which I’d be able to get back since it’s a like for like exchange).

I really want to make a little bit of money on this truck when I sell it. Especially if I get it fully restored.

But I don’t want to spend another $5k-$7k only to find the truck is worth $5,000.

QUESTION 1.
Is it worth spending the extra $1,200 for the 351C along with the other upgrades? Does it make the truck that much more desirable?

QUESTION 2.
Is it delusional to think fully restored I could find a buyer that is willing to pay $15,000 - $27,000 if the truck looks and runs incredibly well?

Here's some photos of the truck.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ujvjds4c2...LuZNrbEha?dl=0

 

If you spend $15,000 on the truck, you most likely won't be able to sell it for $10,000. The 351C is not desirable for these trucks, and they never came with them.

I know a a completely restored F100 two wheel drive short bed that has been for sale for three years at $9500 and it is as close to a perfect truck as I have ever seen.

 

For Dentsides or any classics I think the "return on investment" on major upgrades is the enjoyment of using the truck.

A decently restored Dent is desirable and salable so you can sell if need arises... just don't expect to make profit on the deal.

Also agree, keep the 400... stock rebuild/reman or upgrade it as budget and preference allows. The 400 can be built into a very strong performer.

 

I think you will spend some serious coin on that truck to get it "fully restored" to original condition. I doubt you'll get that kind of money for truck thats been customized to the extent of yours. A 351C, which never came from the factory in these trucks, won't make it more appealing to a buyer who's looking for a restored vehicle.

Add the A/C and paint it. Then enjoy it. Don't mean to burst your bubble. It's only my opinion. Good Luck!

 

I,m pretty sure none of theses trucks came with 390s. 351 clevelands are not really desirable as replacements either.

 

Yes they did come with 390's. No they did not come.e with 351C.

 

No, you will not see a return on that plan

 

And changing to the Cleveland member of the family would most likely (like maybe 100%?) mean a change in the bell housing (if manual trans) or the whole trans (if automatic) because the bolt patterns are different.
I'm in the "keep the 400" crowd. So no, the more expensive Cleveland is not worth it.

Paul

 

There's absolutely no way that truck, with any motor, would sell for much above a couple Grand. Not many people are looking for the "custom" work that's been put into that thing. Firewall been hacked to delete heater, motor painted up odd, unique front grille and flatbed....doesnt matter if that thing had a heavily built 460 in it. The money expensed into it if you plan to flip it will definitely not be returned.

 

Psst.

Also a 400 is a cleveland duh! U already have one!

 

This is going to sound harsh in a forum post without the context of tone. (Friendly, joking but with a ring of truth)

"The only thing that is going to help resale value of that truck is if the price of scrap steel goes up"

Don't spend a dime on that thing thinking its going to make it worth more to somebody else. Spend every penny you have to make it what you want and have fun in the process.

 

I remember when I was restoring a Triumph getting quoted "between ten and fifteen thousand" for the paint job when the car was only worth $4000. It may be worth remembering that what people ASK and what they GET are two very different numbers. Occasionally you will find idiots but more likely, anyone willing to pay serious money will want a 100% original vehicle or will have to be the 'right' buyer for the modifications. A flat bed is a working truck more than a show truck. You are caught in the middle - even with paint a modified flat bed is probably not a good money draw, unless maybe you could find someone who wanted a restomod (for instance maybe an engine with serious horsepower) - but you are also trying to invest almost no money. I concur with keeping the 400, by the way. "Ain't no replacement for displacement"