Hey gang!


I've got a bit of an urgent question I'm wondering if ya'll can talk me out of, or into if be. I've got myself a 2012 F-150 XLT 4X4. On my drive today, I noticed a truck that literally made me whip my head around.

It's a 1977 F-250 Ranger with 43,000 miles on it, and a 351 Cleveland under the hood. The truck was purchased new in 1977 and the owner died a few months back, resulting in the neighbor buying and selling the truck. The truck is a 2WD and is rust-free from what I could tell. It seemed pretty odd that it's free of rust due to the fact that I'm in rural Michigan.

I love it. And I mean love it. The guy is asking $1,700 bucks and I am so tempted to grab it. Says it runs just fine. I'm going to give him a call tomorrow.

Any opinions? What do ya'll think? Worth it? Is it bad that it's been sitting for a while? Anything to look for?

Never done this before, so I really do appreciate any help!





Chris

 

grab it... its parts are worth more than what it is now... paint looks original, but the passenger front fender looks to be a slightly different shade indicating body work.

 

looks all original, how's the undercarriage look?

whats your plans for it? Restore it? Drive it? Collection etc?

 

Truthfully, I don't have much thought into it. Just a spur of the moment deal. Didn't even get under her since I thought it was just cool to look at. Only after I saw her in my rearview did I think I should buy it and how much I really did like it. I'd probably just keep her to drive for the hell of it. I've got a 2012 F-150 4X4 and a 2011 5.0 Mustang so older vehicles aren't really my thing even though I'm not stupid towards them. I'd love an old beater just for the hell of it and because it looks so damn cool. Always wanted a 77' or 78' but like I said, I'm not an expert. And don't want to toss money away.

I'm welcoming all opinions and I thank you guys for yours already! How is he price wise?

Thanks again

Chris

 

from what ive read, no personal experience. the 351 is a solid power plant.

is it auto or stick?
4x4?

price isnt bad, especially if the interior is in good shape. If the interior is ratted and broken you're gonna have a hard time finding parts you need.

 

I remember when those where brand new on the lot...

Carbureted and probably still has actual point ignition.. That was right around the time 'electronic ignition' started to hit the streets...

My Dad still has his 1971 F250 'Custom' he bought brand new in 1970.. It's got the old 390/C6 in it, but I love that truck! It'll be mine eventually!

Anyway, if you want an old work horse truck with some nostalgia to it, go for it.. If you want a work truck, but expect to not have to tune it all the time, you might want to pass.. (ie, plugs and points all the time, carb adjustments, etc..)

I'd get it if I had a place to park it....

Nice find none the less!

Mitch

 

Interior is mint. Literally looks like it's never been touched. That's what really struck me. Even has the two rear hubcaps laying in the bed of the truck.

Anways, I think ya'll have just sealed the deal for me. If all goes well tomorrow driving it, I might have to hook the trailer up to the ol' EcoBoost and bring her on home!


Thanks again you guys, the power of this forum is ridiculous!

Chris

 

imo the 351C the best of the 3. You can make insane power out of them for what they are. My dad had a 95 250 with a 351 Windsor and a 1988 American Skier with a 351 Windsor. Both were solid motors. 351s were some of the best motors ford made.

 

Pat, it looks to be a 2wd, no front lock outs, and it sits like a 2wd would.

 

I assume this is a done deal by now? If not buy it, you won't run into another one in that kind of shape again.

 

If it is all original it wouldn't be a 351 Clevland rather a 351 M. looks like a heck of adeal though.

 

Well gang,

Here's the deal. I met the owner, who showed up in a gold Cadillac DeVille on gold wire wheels, I kid you not. Did a big walk around of the truck, got under it, etc. Drove the truck for a few minutes, drove just as a truck of that age would. Pulled to the left due a low front tire. Everything on the truck worked properly. The only thing I noticed was a hole in the passenger floor board, and a trim piece inside was rotted. The interior was very clean, and the bench seat looks brand new. I know when I look at it, I'm looking at a farmers pride and joy. I notice the Harley front plate and I know that man loved his truck. Kinda' cool.

We talked money. Told me he wouldn't take a penny less than $1,700. We agreed on $1,525 and I left him with a $50 deposit. I told him I would meet him Saturday morning. Have access to a trailer now, and two new front tires since the current front two are dry-rotted.

I called a friend who has owned several F-series around that era. He was definitely impressed. He said the truck was in outstanding condition. Couldn't believe how clean the frame was and said he thinks it's a Southern truck. Although it has sat in a barn with a bunch of harvesters all its life. The only rust is a few tiny spots above the drivers wheel well.

SO HERE IS MY QUESTION What do you guys think? Buy it? I've never done anything like this and I'm scared out of my mind. I honestly don't think I'd have enough time to enjoy it like I thought I would with my work schedule. If I pick it up for $1,500, what do you think I could get out of it? Would it sell or sit forever?

I wouldn't have even pursued this truck if it wasn't for all of your help, so I really do appreciate it. If anyone can help out a scared and frazzled member, I'd appreciate it

Chris

 

Thinking on the nostalgia side of it, yes, it's a great buy and I'd love to have it!

You could probably give it a tune up, clean it up, put some decent used tires on it and flip it for a profit.

If I had space to store it, I'd buy it to keep it.. But, I don't, so that's why my dad still has the '71.... It's stored in a garage, so it's not going to rot away!

If you do the above stuff to it and just want to drive it around, that'll work good too.. It won't get very good mpg's, but I'll bet you get a lot of "thumbs up" while you drive it!

Remember, it's all mechanical in terms of it's running gear and the engine.. Those things need tune ups about every 12,000 miles!

They are generally pretty 'cold blooded' beasts too.. Dad's has to warm up for about 5 minutes before you can drive it... Otherwise, it just stalls out... (needs some carb work I'm sure..)

Anyway, pop some 16" steel chrome spokes on it and some decent rubber and it'll really make it a sharp looking truck!

See, I'm already thinking of things to do that truck!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Mitch

 

Thanks a lot for your input Mitch! I really do appreciate it. Unfortunately, I do not think that keeping it will be practical for me. I'm considering just buying it and selling it IF I can get the worth of the truck or more for it.

How do I know what I could get for it? I can't find any for sale really, and I have no idea about what these go for. Everyone has told me to jump on it, but I have no clue if it's practical to jump on it if I'm going to resell it.

I'm sorry, just freakin' out a bit. I don't want to pass on it and find out I could have made a few hundred bucks off it. But then again, I don't want to buy the thing and lose money..

Thanks again guys, I appreciate all of the help.

Chris

 

Here's a few pictures I took of it today.











Chris