This adventure started two years ago when I decided I wanted a classic truck. I sold my Honda XR650L and started the hunt. After what seemed like forever searching on my poor man budget, I finally decided to purchase this 1976 F100 2x4 LWB with a 302. I have zero mechanical abilities, but the desire to learn and teach my 10 year old son at the same time.

I made the 40 mile trip to the neighboring county to check out my new truck and test drive her. I crawled all around and under this truck and found more than a little rust, but remember this is PA which is in the rust belt. I have been searching for two years and was getting tired of looking at Craig's list every day. So instead of running away I decided to move on to the test drive. The last time I drove a 3 on the tree I was 16 and I'm now 50. The huge steering wheel and working that column shifter really brought me back to my youth. This is where I got really stupid and bought the truck.

The elderly man I bought the truck from was the second owner and has owned the truck since 1983. Always garage kept but did drive it in the snow, this is why we have rust. The 302 engine is soaked in oil and crud under and above, I should have ran away but didn't.

The test drive went without any problems so we did the paper work at the notary. He then took all my money, shook my hand, and I was on my way. Not too far down the road from his house I started to have trouble getting the truck from first into second It was embarrassing every time I had to come to a stop with traffic behind me because it failed to drop into second Anyhow I finally made it home sweet home. I now have a classic truck that I both love and hate, hopefully I will be able to fix the shifter issue and regain confidence in this old truck.

Thanks for reading my story, standby for pictures and questions from this newbie.

 

My 1976 F100 with the elderly fella that sold it to me 😁

 

It looks well cared for from here. More pictures!

 

I feel this way about every one of my vehicles. Unlike many on here I wrench out of necessity not because I enjoy it particularly. The sense of accomplishment really is it's own reward, though, and I've never had a better collection of vehicles in my lifetime. Just remember to walk away from it when it pisses you off too awful much, it will be waiting for you right where you left it.

Oh, and nice truck!

 

Anybody efficient at decoding care to try to decode my door vin plate?

 

Also a quick question, a Explorer and a Custom are two separate trucks. There is not a Custom Explorer right?

 

As far as I can tell from the door tag:

F10: F100
G: 302 2bbl
C: Ontario Assembly Plant
B29273: 1976

133 inch wheelbase,
Color D: 'Blue Metallic'
Type F101: F100 2wd
Body MB4: Blue vinyl and blue cloth
Trans 3: 3 spd
Axle 12J: probably a 3.70?????

Maybe another member can clarify if this is correct, im no expert there's a ton of 73-79 VIN 'decoders' with a rundown of the numbers. A web search will pop up a few, make sure to check out the 'READ FIRST' threads, lots of good info and tips and tricks to get you started. The truck looks great and really clean in pictures, I like the colors. Hows the interior? Inside the bed? Hopefully that cap has been on there for awhile and the inside of the bed looks good. Id say a nice find

 

Thanks so much ClassicKidNick for decoding my vin. The interior is pretty good the last owner had the seat and dash pad redone. The topper has been on at least since 1983 so the bed under the plastic bed liner looks great, even climbing under the bed I don't see any holes. But there is plenty of rust around the truck. bottom of both doors and the kicker panel or is it the bottom rocker on both sides are ugly.

 

I found the answer to this question, there is several different explorer packages that can be added to the custom base truck.

 

Atleast it looks good with 20/20 vision.. 20 ft away at 20mph! Id say it looks really decent for having rust, fooled me. What are your plans for it?

 

Not to much of the rust is really visible if you do a walk around. but if you open the door or climb under the truck there is a lot of hidden ugly.

I want to take it back to a plain Jane truck. The topper, running boards, visor and everything else the last owner added is history. I need to try to fix the shifting issue I'm having going from first to second. Also, give it a tune up and fix what ever else I can while I drive and enjoy this old truck.

 

Great looking truck and story!

Congrats on your purchase.

 

BeauFORD,
Where are you in PA? I'm originally from Burgettstown 15021 (original name of the town was Francis Mine), it's an old coal mining area. Nice looking rig, same color of my late Father's 77.

 

I'm on the other side of the state from Burgettstown, way far away.

 

I think my seat is the best part of my truck, it was done very well.