Today I was helping a friend pull his motor out of a k30. In their yard was 2 Dentside trucks. One was a 76 F100 and the other is a 77 f100. Both are 4x4 short beds. The 77 had a new motor when it was parked 15-25 years ago. The valve cover says 400 cid. The 76 has a 360. Both trucks are autos. Being a Chevy guy, I don’t know the values on these rigs. I will say I’ve never seen a short bed dentside in person. With A Chevy I’d have no concern with buying one that’s sat for 25-15 years. They always fire up with minimal work. So, I shook his hand for $1500 for both trucks. I plan on swapping the front axle, and drive train out of the 77 into the 76. Because the 76 is a full time 4x4 and the 77 is a part time. I’d rather have the part time. The body on the 77 is pretty well shot. What do you guys think about these things starting up after so long? Especially the 360. I’ve never heard a nice thing about the 360. Always heard they’re a disposable motor.

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What?!?!?! 360 being disposable motors?!?!?! 360 and any FE for that matter are great motors in my opinion and many others. Yes, they have their problems but good luck finding an engine without any common issues. What probably happened is someone never took care of that motor. Keep up with the maintenance and them engines will last a long time. I've seen a few that made it past 200,000 miles and always fire up first try. Besides when it was cold you could pump the gas twice, turn the key, and my 360 would turn right over.

As for starting those engines after sitting so long do the normal procedure before starting them. Get on the crank and make sure she's free, check fluids, rig up a gas can AND DO NOT USE THE FUEL TANK because of the nasty **** in that tank, fresh battery, check for spark, inspect some wiring, and if all goes well turn her over. Might not hurt to get some lubricant in those cylinders as they're probably a little crusty.

Overall very nice trucks. Congrats on your purchases and welcome to the dentside family!

 

Appreciate it. yes, if they sit for more than a year or two I always disconnect the tanks. I usally pop the spark plugs out and put some oil in. Rotate it by hand, and make sure it has oil pressure before firing it up.

Tanks for the advice. Hopefully I can get them back on the road!

 

You probably did well because SWB 4X4s are in demand. However, the value of these rigs is more a function of the condition of the sheet metal than the power train, suspension etc. Rebuilding an engine is far easier and, therefore , less expensive than restoring a rusted out body.

 

Sounds like a fun deal to me if you're game for the work involved which it sounds like you are!!! Can't wait to see what you do with them