1981 F100--Houston Area
 

As of this Saturday I am the owner of a 1981 F100. My young know it all nephew bought it from his buddy with the grand plans of fixing it up and keeping it. He is very good with his hands and what he doesn't know about cars/engines he can usually pick up quickly. That being said, he took the engine apart somewhat and then there it sat in front of my mothers house. For months and months. I'm guessing a neighbor got tired of it being there and called the city. We had to move it or get rid of it. So I gave him $400 and now it's sitting on a pad in my back yard wondering what it's future might be.
I am by no means a mechanic, but I am fairly mechanically inclined and can learn what I need to do to keep it running, but not how to put this engine back together or where I would need to start to replace it. If I could learn how to do this myself that would be amazing.
I would like to keep this truck. It's in great condition. The body has no damage at all and there is only rust on the bumper and in the bed of the truck. So if anyone can point me in the right direction of a experienced mechanic in the Houston area that won't try to rob me blind, or where to start looking for an engine I would greatly appreciate it.


Thanks!!!

What's your budget for it?

Wanting to keep it original?

Open to the idea of putting a more modern powerful engine in it?

Hey Patman,


I wouldn't say that I have a set budget for it. I by no means want to dump crazy amounts of money into it, but I spend what I need to, to get the job done. I'd like to keep it original, but if I have to put a new/newer engine in it I'm open to that.


This truck is an investment, one I hope to love.


Diana

Do you know what engine the truck originally had in it?

4.9L I6
5.0L V8
5.8L V8

5.0 v8

Those are pretty plentiful, shouldn't be too hard to find one

Look on Craigslist or call local salvage yards