need help with buying a f100

fomoco3628 · 24-03-2008, 05:24 PM

hi i need help with buy a 1970s f100. I never brought an old car before so what kind of stuff should i be lookin for. Like where to look for rust, what to look for under the bonnet etc. I have a budget of 8000 so i know i won't get a truck without some rust just need help with gettin decent one. any replys will be appreciated.
cheers
sean

xalent · 24-03-2008, 05:34 PM

Rust at bottom of back of cab, broken front shocker mounts, rust around 1/4 Vent windows
Look for a Cleveland 351 under the bonnet

Try to find one that doesn't look bent in the middle
On gas with tanks underneath
Should be able to pick up a decent one for 8 grand

You looking for a 4wd?

fomoco3628 · 24-03-2008, 05:48 PM

nah just 2wd. I just went and looked at one.1979 f100 custom ,351 on gas, new front shocks, new kingpins(what are these?)they said it drives well. looked pretty tidy inside but could see some bubbles under paint which i'm guessin was rust. It $5500.Might go back and have a better look now that i know what to look for.
thanks for the reply
sean

OLDFORDNUT · 24-03-2008, 07:06 PM

im happy to go with you and check it out for rust ,also get a better price,

AWD Chaser · 24-03-2008, 09:51 PM

Got a mate selling a Burgandy F100 custom, with 351 (on Straight Fuel), 750 deamon carbi, massive rims and rims, imaculate body - no rust - chrome sports bars, tray tarp, etc....

http://carpoint.com.au/used-car/FORD...sn5408179.aspx

Would prob take $12000

Definatly worth the extra little bit of money....

Nostalgia · 24-03-2008, 10:09 PM

Mid 70s Effys also rust out bad in the front of the bonnet. Be sure to check this area as bonnets are getting pretty hard to find. Kia Chaser your mate has a really nice one there.

vanman_75 · 24-03-2008, 10:20 PM

look out for an emerald green 1 , i think its still in the bay, ray honfay built the motor ,i think , it was damm quick and pretty just an idea as what a nice 1 is thats all .

mad cow · 24-03-2008, 10:24 PM

also look for rust in the firewall in the engine bay. the front calipers rattled from the factory, grilles & surrounds are getting hard to get. for your budget you should pick up a really good one. try and get an XLT as they had all the nice chrome work etc.

dave351cid · 25-03-2008, 12:00 AM

thats a neat looking truck your mates selling "kia chaser"

rust in the firewall / bonnet and back of cab as mentioned before. also check for cracks in the inner gaurds around where they bolt to the cab and around the bonnet hinges.
apart from these few issues they are good tuff compfy trucks

a 351 clevo on gas would be the power plant of choice, plenty of power and pretty economical . the early models with the american/ canadian 240? and 300? cid straight 6s were a bit thirsty. my father had a mid `70s 2x4 F100 with a aust pre crossflow 250 in it and it was a great run about.

might be worth checking the inland towns to try and get away from the rust.

.

montyv8 · 25-03-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fomoco3628

new kingpins(what are these?)

they hold the stub axles to the I-beams (suspension arms)
with regard to rust in the firewall, have a look at the underside of the seam in the firewall, as they can go pretty bad under there.
As for the grilles, lights etc, all that can be bought aftermarket.

fomoco3628 · 30-03-2008, 01:57 AM

just put a deposit on the one i mentioned above. did have some rust but fixable. Should do well for a work car. I will put up some pics when i get it next week. thanks for all the help

cheers
sean

Mickxr8 · 28-04-2008, 12:21 AM

in australia we call them utes (hehe) agreed rust is a problem.also check for cracks in chassis behind cab. dont buy later than 1980 coz theyre made in mexico out of cool drink cans. we have 2 78 f100s .one 351 one us 300 cuber on gas. the 300 will out pull the 351 anyday. ( ps 300 has same bolt pattern as v8 )