Hi,

I'm pretty much a n00b to these older Ford trucks - my only experience being with my 460-equipped '78 E350 class-C - but I love the look of the '70s Ford pickups (esp the 'highboy') and have been weighing my options. I would be using the truck primarily for recreation here in Colorado - runs to the hardware store, plowing in the winter (needs 4x4), occasional wheelin', and maybe hauling my dirtbikes in the summer. I do no want to spend more than $3,500 on the initial purchase, but the cheaper the better (assuming the condition is good). For sure I don't want a rust bucket.

Here's what's currently on craigslist in this area. Considering the prices and brief description / specs, do you guys think any of these are worth a look?

http://denver.craigslist.org/car/255390088.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/253711464.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/250258132.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/250168376.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/248558313.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/243104660.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/243473610.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/240327515.html

Another question I had is what kind of gas mileage do people realistically see out of these trucks. Is a consistent 12mpg attainable?

Thanks for your input!

 

I like that gray 77 personally.. and yes 12 is attainable but you can get higher with the right setup.. just make sure you have your carb dialed in as well as timing. Dont get me wrong Im not saying to expect really good but you could get in the range of 15-16 realisticly.
-Chris
PS
Welcome to FTE its a great site!

 

1st choice would be the gray 77
2nd choice would be the green 78

 

i'd get the bottom one, being a short box and all.

 

it says in the bottom ad " I just put sidepipes on it they sound great" sidepipes and they to me would mean 2 i only see one but i may be wrong

 

Thanks. This seems like a great resource - tons of information.

I have emailed the owners of several of those trucks I listed - awaiting responses.

 

I like the 3rd from the bottom the best. I'd get a long bed if you plan on hauling motorcycles. I have three bikes and the sport bikes fit barely in a short bed...the cruisers need a long bed. As far as traction goes for plowing the longer wheelbase should also give you better traction and these trucks all have pretty good turning radiuses no matter which one you choose. That front bumper is killler on the 3rd from bottom too!! Wish I had one like that on my F150.

 

You have to tell us what the main purose for getting a truck is.

What will you be using it for ?

 

From my original post:

"I would be using the truck primarily for recreation here in Colorado - runs to the hardware store, plowing in the winter (needs 4x4), occasional wheelin', and maybe hauling my dirtbikes in the summer."

 

The 1977 listed right at the bottom, is an Explorer Limited Edition, if you are interested in that one, or crazy about Explorers like, Dennis and I are. But I would check it over real carefully. Some of those mods don't sound too kosher.

The Grey 77 looks decent. But looking at the Photos, there is something in my mind that says there is something wrong, but cant quite place what it could be. I would also take a good look at it.

Then the Green 1978. One of my favortie Ford Colors actually. And it looks to be in pretty good condition. There does seem to be rust at the fenders. It's hard to tell if this is only surface rust, or cancer. But worth a inspection IMO.

The Blue 1973, the pictures are too dark to get any real detail out of it.

Then the red 1976 there is some weirdness with one of the photos for me. Like it's been photoshoped or something.

The ones without Photos I personally wouldnt bother going and looking at really.


this is my two cents.

 

Thanks for the feedback. That green '78 looks like it might be a nice truck for the money, although my personal preference is a manual tranny. I could live with an auto if it was otherwise a good deal.

The Grey '77 and Red '76 are pushing the limits of what I can spend but I might try to get a look at the '77. The Highboy configuration and mud terrains are going to be a major plus in the snow.

I heard back from the guy with the Grey '71 which nobody commented on. The '71 390 seems like a plus, but I'm assuming this truck would have drum front brakes, and would it even have p/s ? Here's what the owner responded with:

I think his asking price is too high at $2,500 though.

 

I have to go with the first one only because it looks exactly like mine when my grandad bought it Way back when.however you dont know wha its packing under the hood.

 

I personally like the grey one with the 460 but that money isn't worth it...maybe $3000 if its not rotting out...If you could see what the green one's shape is, maybe it would be worth trying to talk him down to $1500.

 

Pace, here's a few other F250
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/254213790.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/250680240.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/249611784.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/245499395.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/241767061.html

I like the 78 Ford 250 4wd 429CJ - $1500, need pictures.
Some of the trucks you listed have Hi boy's, the hi boy model is a F250 4x4 1977.5 and later models.

 

I like this one.

http://denver.craigslist.org/car/250168376.html

When you are talking to these guys that claim rare engines,ask them to give you ALL castings numbers off the heads & block so you can verify it.