Your Opinion - 1966 Ford F250

[Austin12600 10]

I'm looking at buying a 1966 Ford f250, 4x4, manual transmission, custom cab, with a 352 V8. The guy is asking $2,000. You can see from the pictures there is minimal rust, and it's in half decent condition. I'm only 16, so I'm obviously not too experienced. I was just wondering your opinion of whether or not this is a good deal...

What do you think? My intentions with it would be to fix it up a bit, drive it around, and eventually sell it.

Also, what exactly does "Custom Cab" mean?

For more images:

1966 f250 pictures by austin12600 - Photobucket

[Bill Stoneberg 1,117]

Can you afford it ?/ Not only can you afford to buy it for 2,000 but can you afford the care and feeding of it afterwards.

You might be lucky to get 10 - 15 mpg, less if you drive with a heavy foot. This is a 3/4 ton which means it is really going to ride like a truck. Bouncy and stiff, you will feel every bump.

It is a 4 X 4 too which while it has its advantages, it also means twice the stuff to break. And it will get you get farther away before you get stuck. Dont ask me how I know this.

Can you afford insurance ? Have you checked with your parents insurance carrier to see what it will cost ? Can you drive a manual transmission and will you want to drive one for a couple of years ? Are you mechanically inclined and are you willing to invest the time and money fixing something that breaks ? It weill be expensive taking it to the mechanic.

If you are serious, you may want to get a mechanic to look it over for you. Nothing worse then spending hard earned or saved money on something that will keep you broke all the time fixing it.

Just some things to think about from someone who has been where you were when I was younger. Good luck with your decision.

[MCHinson 3,824]

Welcome to the AACA Discussion Forum. Good to see that you are interested in old vehicles and have found this site. If you like the truck, and it runs well, I would think that it may very well be worth that. If you are looking at it as an investment, don't buy it for that reason. If you really want to buy an old 4X4 Truck to drive, then it may be exactly what you need.

If I remember correctly, custom cab is simply the name that Ford used for their standard pickup bodies in that era. The 4X4 trucks are a little different from the 2 wheel drive ones. The box on the 4X4 truck is the style of box that was used on the 1961-1963 2 wheel drive trucks, but I think that it is the correct one for the 1966 4X4 trucks. Also, the 4 spoke steering wheel is a 4X4 only part. Getting parts for the 4X4 truck will be a bit more of a challenge than the same year 2 wheel drive truck, as the 4X4 parts are a little bit rarer.

Dennis Carpenter Reproductions will be a good source for parts for this truck if you do buy it and need things for it. Here is a link to the Carpenter site:

Dennis Carpenter Ford Car, F-100 Pickup Truck, 8N, 9N Tractor and Cushman Scooter Restoration Parts

[Austin12600 10]

Can you afford it ?/ Not only can you afford to buy it for 2,000 but can you afford the care and feeding of it afterwards.

You might be lucky to get 10 - 15 mpg, less if you drive with a heavy foot. This is a 3/4 ton which means it is really going to ride like a truck. Bouncy and stiff, you will feel every bump.

It is a 4 X 4 too which while it has its advantages, it also means twice the stuff to break. And it will get you get farther away before you get stuck. Dont ask me how I know this.

Can you afford insurance ? Have you checked with your parents insurance carrier to see what it will cost ? Can you drive a manual transmission and will you want to drive one for a couple of years ? Are you mechanically inclined and are you willing to invest the time and money fixing something that breaks ? It weill be expensive taking it to the mechanic.

If you are serious, you may want to get a mechanic to look it over for you. Nothing worse then spending hard earned or saved money on something that will keep you broke all the time fixing it.

Just some things to think about from someone who has been where you were when I was younger. Good luck with your decision.

I realize the work this truck entails. That's part of the reason I'd like to get an old car, though. I want to learn how to fix them/etc, and old cars are very simple.

More importantly, like you mentioned, I'm wondering if I can afford it. This truck is in the Blue Book for $5,000. I'm wondering what I'd be able to resell it for, if I fixed it up a bit, and maybe gave it a new paint job... Knowing that would give me a better idea of whether or not I could afford it.

[MCHinson 3,824]

My best advice is buy it is you want it, don't buy thinking that you plan to sell it for a profit. That almost never happens with an antique vehicle. Fixing it up usually costs much more than what you will later be able to sell it for.

[Austin12600 10]

My best advice is buy it is you want it, don't buy thinking that you plan to sell it for a profit. That almost never happens with an antique vehicle. Fixing it up usually costs much more than what you will later be able to sell it for.

I understand. Thanks for your help. I think I'm going to try and do a little more research

[Roger Walling 579]

Nada PRICE is $5,850 for a low value. $15,700 for an excellent one.

Sometimes the low value is too much but at 1/3 of that price, $2000 seems to be a bargain.

All of the above mentioned thoughts should be considered but you have to start somewhere.

It looks like it is in decent shape.

I would go for it! (but this is advice from someone that just bought a 56 F750 for my next toy, not a daily driver)

[R W Burgess 265]

Also, what exactly does "Custom Cab" mean?

For more images:

1966 f250 pictures by austin12600 - Photobucket

Custom Cab was a moniker for a little extra bright work, generally a chrome grill and maybe some extra bright work on the interior pieces.

Wayne

[Shop Rat 6]

If you will share where you live we can maybe hook you up with a local AACA Region or Chapter where you could meet folks that might be willing to go look at the truck with you.

[Austin12600 10]

If you will share where you live we can maybe hook you up with a local AACA Region or Chapter where you could meet folks that might be willing to go look at the truck with you.

That'd be great, but it's a little bit of a complicated situation. I live in Hershey, PA. However, the truck is in Greensboro, NC. They guy selling it lives right next to my uncle's house, in Greensboro. I go there to visit him often, and that's the only reason why I know about it...

[poci1957 235]

Hello Austin, if a bare bones old pickup is what you want it looks like a good buy to me. I agree with Matt Hinson about the potential for profit, but at this price your downside is pretty limited as long as you don't have to do a major overhaul.

Looking at an old car in general and an old truck in particular the two biggest problems are rust and owner modifications and this looks to be excellent in both those areas. The mechanicals are indeed simple and parts availability is excellent through mail order and probably OK locally through NAPA. Good luck and keep us posted, Todd.

[36chev 0]

One of the first trucks (besides a 1946 Dodge farm truck) I drove was a 1966 Ford 1 ton (F350?) 2 wheel drive. Very good durable truck. Hard to tell from your pictures--but it doesn't look to have rust out in the fenders--that is where the 66 my Dad had developed rust. It looks like good potential...

[Shop Rat 6]

Here is the list of Regions/Chapters for North Carolina. I looked at an on-line map and it seems that High Point might be one of the closest groups to where the truck is. Take a look at the list and see what you think. There is contact information for each group.

NORTH CAROLINA

Alamance Region

President - Talmage Johnson

PO Box 426

Mebane NC 27302

Deep River Region

President - Ronnie Larkins

2401 Krista Kim Dr

High Point NC 27265

Foothills Region

President - Richard Bolick

4091 County Home Road

Conover NC 28613

Great Smoky Mountains Region

President - W Boyd

2 Mt Olive Ter

Asheville NC 28804

Great Smoky Mountains Region - Little Detroit Chapter

President - Charles Shelton

PO Box 236

Bostic NC 28018

Hornets Nest Region

President - John Boles

9307-H Monroe Rd

Charlotte NC 28270

Mid-Carolinas Antique Drivers Region

President - Eric Marsh

575 Paulownia Dr

China Grove NC 28023

Mountaineer Region

President - Pam Ferguson

95 Underwood Cove Rd

Waynesville NC 28786

North Carolina Region

President - Randal Stone

B07 275

Bridgeton NC 28519

North Carolina Region - Cape Fear Chapter

President - Gary Henderson

902 Beacon St

Hampstead NC 28443-2104

North Carolina Region - Catawba Valley Chapter

President - David Clark

1920 32nd St NE

Hickory NC 28601-3232

North Carolina Region - Coastal Plains Chapter

President - Willie Wallace

4001 S Elm St

Greenville NC 27858

North Carolina Region - East Carolina Chapter

President - Jeffrey Mashburn

4896 Mc Arthur Rd

Broadway NC 27505

North Carolina Region - First Capital Chapter

President - Zachary Simons

1581 Davis Field Rd

Pollocksville NC 28573

North Carolina Region - Furnitureland Chapter

President - Jack Harris

2038 N Clodfelter Rd

High Point NC 27265

North Carolina Region - General Greene Chapter

President - Don Reece

6202 Oak Bur Ct

Pleasant Garden NC 27313-9540

North Carolina Region - Morehead City Chapter

President - Gerald Porterfield

161 Hunting Bay Dr

Cape Carteret NC 28584

North Carolina Region - New River Chapter

President - Fran Oakes

102 Converse Dr

Jacksonville NC 28546-7512

North Carolina Region - North Central Chapter

President - Forrest Cozart

191 Graham Day Rd

Roxboro NC 27574

North Carolina Region - Old Salem Chapter

President - John Ronchetti

1025 Pine Knolls Road

Kernersville NC 27284

North Carolina Region - Sandhills Chapter

President - Wade Weatherly

215 Melrose Dr

Pinehurst NC 28374

North Carolina Region - San-Lee Chapter

President - Robert Buzinski

460 Buckroe Dr

Sanford NC 27330

North Carolina Region - Southeastern NC Chapter

President - Danny Radcliff

422 Albritton Rd

Mt Olive NC 28365

North Carolina Region - Three Rivers Chapter

President - Paul Gover

1071 Grogan Rd

Stoneville NC 27048

North Carolina Region - Triangle Chapter

President - Chester Butcher

600 Occoneechee Dr

Fuquay-Varina NC 27526

Zooland Region

President - Joe Taillon

1533 Creekside Dr

Randleman NC 27317-7737

Edited September 16, 2010 by Shop Rat (see edit history)

[MCHinson 3,824]

Novaman, is relatively close to there. Perhaps David will chime in with an offer to take a look at it with you the next time you are down. I am a few hours away, but if nobody else can help, let me know and I can look at it with you. I have some experience with 61-66 Ford Trucks as I previously owned a 1964 and went through a few parts trucks as well.

[Earl B. 16]

I would say one of the following regions is the one to contact...B

General Greene Chapter

President - Don Reece

6202 Oak Bur Ct

Pleasant Garden NC 27313-9540

Deep River Region

President - Ronnie Larkins

2401 Krista Kim Dr

High Point NC 27265

Edited September 16, 2010 by Earl B. (see edit history)

[Restorer32 1,938]

My son's first vehicle was a '77 Ford 3/4 Ton 4 Wheel Drive with a big engine and he had an absolute BALL with it and I was secure in the knowledge that, Heaven fordid, he got into an accident he would likely fare better than the other vehicle. I say if you really like the truck buy it and enjoy it. Down the road you'll never regret your decision.

[Jim Rohn 5]

buy it, see if you can get it for less

that truck is worth WAY more than that as it sits ....

don't let anyone know where it is or you will find that someone else has bought it out from under you

the sure thing $$$$ profit brings out the flipper in people ...

If it runs and drives as well as it looks, this is a no brainer

have fun with it, learn how to do stuff with it and I am CERTAIN you will be able to double your money, the Custom Cab 4 wheel drive is a rare vehicle, very few were made with the Deluxe stuff this one has, it is quite the find, go for it

Edited September 16, 2010 by Jim Rohn (see edit history)

[Dave@Moon 13]

Also, what exactly does "Custom Cab" mean?

From the 1966 chapter in The Standard Catalog of Light Duty Ford Trucks 1905-2002:

Custom Cab package includes striped upholstery with bolster and vinyl facings, a chrome horn ring, a cigar lighter, a left hand arm rest, a right hand sun visor, extra insulation, a bright metal grille and headlight assembly, bright metal windshield reveal moldings, matched locks on both doors, Custom Cab plaques, and bright hubcaps.

[Dave@Moon 13]

If you're planning on driving this truck as your primary vehicle, pay attention to how this truck was used recently. It could look exactly the same, but if it's been sitting without use for years or being driven every day will make a big difference in how reliable it will be in the short run.

Judging by the heater hoses in the photo I think it's a safe bet that this truck has been sitting for a long time. I think you can figure on replacing everything on the car made of rubber (EVERYTHING!), as well as (of course) all the fluids. The brake lines in particular will need to be thoroughly flushed, and quite likely will need to be replaced. The other components may need replacement or refurbishment as well.

Also the 10-15 mpg figure for a 352 4WD is a bit optimistic. Depending on the gearing, I'd be very happy to get 12 mpg out of this truck under any circumstances. 8 mpg in city driving would not be uncommon.

However if you're considering restoring this truck as a show/hobby vehicle that will not get very many miles (<2500/yr.), most of this doesn't matter and this looks to be an excellent opportunity.:cool:

Edited September 16, 2010 by Dave@Moon (see edit history)

[Guest BJM]

I owned and drove daily a 1966 Ford F250 Custom Cab 2wd. That truck you have I believe is a 1965.

However, since mine was a 2wd Ford may have equipped 4X4 versions differently but I think it's a 1965 in the photos.

My Custom Cab had heavy chrome "Custom Cab" badges on the doors I think and also had a Twin I Beam badge.

My Custom Cab had aluminum grille as opossed to painted, it had an aluminum trim piece running front to back - this truck does not.

On the inside the 66 Custom Cab had vinyl on the doors and what most of us consider "engine turned" aluminum inserts around the gauge package and my gauge package had everything. This one does not. The 66 F series had a long ribbon gauge not a round one. No door pockets.

My F250 was a 352 with 4 speed, granny low. It had no power steering and no power brakes and remember these still have a kingpin front suspension.

You will get your exercise steering and driving this beast. I did.

I got 15 mpg but kept my foot out of it and it was 2wd. I had "modern" tires up front and Bridgestone Duelers ont he rear. These are 16 inch tires and wheels. Without a highway style radial tire on the front you better have guns for forearms or you won't be able to steer.

That rear tailgate and taillamp set up is aftermarket. I am not saying it was not put on by the dealership and I can see it says FORD on the tailgate but is not close to what mine was and mine had long rectangular taillamps noot round.

I think's a 65 and may be a custom cab 65 but in 66 Custom Cab was a huge step up from grocery getter 66 F series in terms of trim.

Do not buy this truck. It's a lot of work to drive. Kind of neat but youwould be more likely to get in an accident with this truck then one with modern conveniences such as PS and PB and dual master cylinder.

Your reaction times on this truck will be 3 times as long as a more modern truck. As soon as you press the brakes for an emergency stop you will lock them up. Emergency maneuvers are not possible and the focus and concentration it takes to drive this in modern traffic conditions is unreal.

Drivers will be flipping you the bird as you slowly get away from a stop. Top speed will be 60 mph and your ears will ring from the noise level. I don't know about you but I kind of want to enjoy my driving time.

I drove my truck for about 2 years and loved it but it was alot of work. I now own a 71 Chevy 3/4 ton Custom Camper with PS, PB, factory disc brakes A/C and 4 speed manual. It is safe, easy to drive, goes over bumps with a solid feel. Radio, etc, high vantage point.

I might buy an 1966 F250 2 wheel drive but only to restore and show, not to drive much at all. These are great looking trucks. In my opinion, the best looking Ford truck ever so your post caught my eye. Remember, automatic transmissions and power steering were still high cost, rarely seen options on F series trucks in 1966, your truck here is "typical" of what to expect from used F series circa 1965-66.

Edited September 16, 2010 by BJM (see edit history)

[MCHinson 3,824]

Jake,

I will have to pull out a parts book, but I think it is a 1966. The secret is that it is 4X4. The 4X4's were different than the two wheel drive models. It has a 1966 grill, but a lot of the 1961s to 1965s grills have been changed to 1966 grills since that is the only one that is available in reproduction.

The box looks correct (the earlier style that carried over later on the 4X4s) but I think it has some extra aftermarket reflectors mounted over the taillights.

[Austin12600 10]

@Dave Nice eyes! You're correct. The man who is selling it to me is next to blind. He stopped driving it about 5 years ago, because his eyes got too bad. It's been moved around the drive way, but nothing on the road, for the last 5 years. How hard/how many man hours do you think it would be to replace all the rubber?

@BJM I'm positive it's a 1966. The guy has all the original manuals that came with it.

My uncle took me in to see Steve Moskowitz, this afternoon. He said it's a steal, and I might be able to double my money, on it. According to him, having 4x4 makes this truck more rare. And from the research I've done online, I've seen way more 4x2s than 4x4s. Also, automatics seem to be more common, than manuals.

I realize these trucks are a lot more dangerous than the more modern trucks. As a matter of fact, my dad already gave me a lecture on the master cylinder, and how it's much safer to have dual lines.

[Dave@Moon 13]

@Dave Nice eyes! You're correct. The man who is selling it to me is next to blind. He stopped driving it about 5 years ago, because his eyes got too bad. It's been moved around the drive way, but nothing on the road, for the last 5 years. How hard/how many man hours do you think it would be to replace all the rubber?

The coolant hoses would be relatively easy, a couple of hours or so. The brake work might take a full afternoon to replace all the hoses, master cylinder, and wheel cylinders if everything goes right. It won't, and you'd probably do good to get new metal lines and a power brake booster too. Figure 2 days hard work for that. The tires will have to go too of course.

[CarlLaFong 460]

Do not buy this truck. It's a lot of work to drive. Kind of neat but youwould be more likely to get in an accident with this truck then one with modern conveniences such as PS and PB and dual master cylinder.

Your reaction times on this truck will be 3 times as long as a more modern truck. As soon as you press the brakes for an emergency stop you will lock them up. Emergency maneuvers are not possible and the focus and concentration it takes to drive this in modern traffic conditions is unreal.

Drivers will be flipping you the bird as you slowly get away from a stop. Top speed will be 60 mph and your ears will ring from the noise level. I don't know about you but I kind of want to enjoy my driving time.

So, all of the vehicles on the road without all of the modern bells and whistles are unsafe and should not be driven. You should work for the government and try to ban all of these deathtraps that we all love.

Here's a heads up for you, your reaction time is exactly the same sitting on your couch as it would be in a top fuel dragster. Vehicle choice has no bearing on reaction time.

[Guest BJM]

John

Those are real world experiences with my 66 F250. It was a bear to drive daily. I have 5 old cars for the hobby and have owned well over 120 cars in the past 12 years from the 20's through 90's. I organized and completed a Buick Club aftertour for pre war division Buicks.

I'm not saying this truck could not be restored and shown at club events. But it was built 45 years ago and can not keep up comfortably with modern commuter traffic. I am just providing my knolwedge and experience. I remember driving the truck to work and back 20 miles round trip. I took it to pick up an engine in Minnesota and body parts in Wisconsin - very dependable.

But you drive with an additional, shall we say, alertness and after a long day of driving you can be pretty stressed out. I was a mechanic when I owned it and the last thing I wanted to do when I got off work after a hot day in the garage was climb into my F250 and drive the non PS truck.

I traded it in on a new F150. The 66 had it's place and I have fond memories but do not recommend it for modern stop and go traffic.

[Austin12600 10]

@BJM I understand what you're saying, with everything. It's not a practical vehicle, and compared to the safeness and efficiency of today's vehicles...well, it's not even close. However, I'm not necessarily buying it for that reason. I'm buying it as a learning experience, and something to have fun with. If I don't enjoy it, and don't have fun with it, then I'll simply resell it. I plan on reselling it, anyways. According to a lot of the people I've talked to, 4x4 back then is rather rare, and this truck is worth a lot more than $2,000, as it sits. I'll learn my lesson, just like you learned yours.

I'm 16, and home schooled. I don't need this truck to commute to school, or anything like that. I just want it as a project, and something to have fun with. And some of the people I've talked to, say I'll be able to double my money on it. So why wouldn't I buy it?

[Dave@Moon 13]

@BJM I'm buying it as a learning experience, and something to have fun with.

In that case I think you have your answer, and you are a very fortunate young man.

One last bit of advise...opportunities like this for a good project that interests you are a lot more rare than you might think. Jump on this thing before someone else takes it!:cool:

[Shop Rat 6]

And some of the people I've talked to, say I'll be able to double my money on it. So why wouldn't I buy it?

Please don't go into this with the attitude that someone told you that you will be able to double your money. It is not their hard earned money, or gifts from others that you have saved, that is being invested. Go into it as you said, because you want to learn and you want a project. Many, many folks have purchased vehicles thinking that they could turn a little profit but lost money in the end. Some had fun, some learned a lot and some wish they hadn't bought what turned out to be a money pit.

Know all you can, with help from folks that have been in the hobby for years before you plunk down that cash. Parts are not always available and when they are many times they sure are not cheap. Ask anyone that has an antique vehicle. And it isn't just the cost, it's the upkeep down the road.

[Austin12600 10]

Please don't go into this with the attitude that someone told you that you will be able to double your money.

I understand that. It was one of the directors of AACA that told me that, so I'm pretty sure he knows what he's talking about. Like I said before, though; I don't plan on restoring it 100%. Just the stuff it needs, like tires, etc. All your opinions have helped greatly, and I really appreciate it.

[rocketraider 275]

There's plenty of good knowledgeable folks in the General Greene Chapter who can offer advice or a detailed inspection. Plus in Hershey you're just about in AACA Central.

You have to consider that 4WD trucks were very uncommon back then and usually led hard lives as power company service trucks or forestry service trucks- trucks that had to go into some ungodly places. I'm trying to see any evidence of a Duke Power or Carolina Power & Light decal on the doors. I know Duke was using beige trucks back then and I think CP&L too, though CP&L was using light blue trucks by the time I hired on in 79.

Body on this one looks pretty good though, and if the mechanicals run out OK, except for the 4WD it's really not that much different from a regular F150-F250. I think Ford was doing their 4WD in-house by that time.

I'm not sure on that pickup bed. It's 57-63, but I thought all the 64-66 Stylesides carried the 64-66 bed styling. A lot of 4WD trucks were Flareside, so I wonder if it's been changed over sometime.

If you're willing to put the time, money and effort into it, I say go for it. There's worse things a 16-year-old could do than fool with an old truck.

[Austin12600 10]

There's plenty of good knowledgeable folks in the General Greene Chapter who can offer advice or a detailed inspection. Plus in Hershey you're just about in AACA Central.

I went to the AACA HQ yesterday, to ask them about it... Like I said, the guy there said if it runs as good as it looks, it's a steal.

[MCHinson 3,824]

I'm not sure on that pickup bed. It's 57-63, but I thought all the 64-66 Stylesides carried the 64-66 bed styling. A lot of 4WD trucks were Flareside, so I wonder if it's been changed over sometime.

The 4X4 carried the earlier style box as late as 1966. I don't know why, because they were ugly compared to the "normal" 66 style box. Perhaps it has more rear tire clearance than the later style box. The front fenders are also different from the 2 wheel drive fenders. They look the same to the casual observer, but if you put a four wheel drive front fender beside a two wheel drive front fender, you will see a significant difference in the wheel opening size.

When I owned a 1964 F100, I parted out at least 4 1961-1966 F series trucks and learned a bit about the differences.

[Roger Walling 579]

Austin,

One of lifes greatest pleasures is doing something that others say you can't do.

[windjamer 5]

RIGHT ON RODGER!!

[Guest BJM]

@BJM I understand what you're saying, with everything. According to a lot of the people I've talked to, 4x4 back then is rather rare

I'm 16, and home schooled. I don't need this truck to commute to school, or anything like that. I just want it as a project, and something to have fun with. And some of the people I've talked to, say I'll be able to double my money on it. So why wouldn't I buy it?

Yes, you have clarified reason so I would not hesitate to buy it as an "old car/truck project". I would like to have a 66 F250 4x2 myself but only to restore and show.

[Guest BJM]

The 4X4 carried the earlier style box as late as 1966. I don't know why, because they were ugly compared to the "normal" 66 style box.

I am going to go with Matt on this one I just don't know them well enough. But the 66 F150/F250 Custom Cab was a very good looking American execution on the pick up truck. I thought the 67's were a step down style wise.

Good luck and let us know when you get it. If I was going to get a 66 it would be the F250 because of the 16 inch wheels. The brakes offer a greater swept area then the F100's.

[CarlLaFong 460]

John

Those are real world experiences with my 66 F250. It was a bear to drive daily. I have 5 old cars for the hobby and have owned well over 120 cars in the past 12 years from the 20's through 90's. I organized and completed a Buick Club aftertour for pre war division Buicks.

But you drive with an additional, shall we say, alertness and after a long day of driving you can be pretty stressed out. I was a mechanic when I owned it and the last thing I wanted to do when I got off work after a hot day in the garage was climb into my F250 and drive the non PS truck.

I traded it in on a new F150. The 66 had it's place and I have fond memories but do not recommend it for modern stop and go traffic.

I, too, have experience in a 65 F-150 Custom Cab, Camper Special. Granted, it was a half ton and it was 2WD. I put many, many miles on it in Los Angeles traffic. I was also a 352 (I upgraded it later to a 390) and a 4 speed. It was a bit cumbersome with manual steering and brakes, but I never felt unsafe, never got into a situation where I was not able to avoid disaster or was never, overly fatigued after a day behind the wheel. The national speed limit in 65 was 65. Still is. The kid is interested in an old truck to tinker with and, perhaps, get involved in the hobby. What would we suggest he buy? A Model "T"? Too old and unsafe. An "A"? Better but still unable to cope with today's roads and drivers. The government has already become our Mommys and Daddys, controlling every aspect of our lives with seat belts, helmets, side markers, third brakelights, don't smoke, don't do this, don't do that. Criminy!

Buy the truck. It's a hell of a good deal. Tinker with it, drive it, thrash it if you must (be safe) and enjoy it for what it is. If it turns out to be not what you expected, sell it, remember it fondly and move on to something else. The most important part is to have fun, pay attention to your, real, Mom and Dad and ignore the busy bodies who can't stand to see anyone enjoying their life. I'm 62 years old and ride a 385 horsepower motorcycle. The greenies and the worry warts hate it. That only makes me smile more:p

[poci1957 235]

Please don't go into this with the attitude that someone told you that you will be able to double your money. It is not their hard earned money, or gifts from others that you have saved, that is being invested. Go into it as you said, because you want to learn and you want a project. Many, many folks have purchased vehicles thinking that they could turn a little profit but lost money in the end. Some had fun, some learned a lot and some wish they hadn't bought what turned out to be a money pit.

Hey Austin, take another look at the paragraph above, that is the wisdom of experience talking. I agree this is a good buy and said so early in your post, but thinking about the possibility of making a buck is far less important than committing (I said committing) to a project that YOU LIKE! Old car people love to talk about money and resale values but I would estimate that 60-70% of all old cars resold represent a net loss in the end. If you buy a car, spend a little on it and own it for a few years and break even you are probably ahead of the game, so you better get one you would enjoy keeping for a while. No get rich quick here, but lots of opportunities for learning new skills, hope it works out in your favor, Todd C

[1937hd45 2,768]

BUY IT! That is a great deal, you should be able to flip it for a few bucks. Good luck to you.

[rocketraider 275]

This should cinch it for you. Hemmings Classic Car came today, and in it is a small feature on a guy in Raleigh NC who has a (drum roll) 1961 F250 4x4. It's a Flareside with a 292 engine.

I've emailed a link to this thread to Richard Lentinello at HCC. Maybe he'll be gracious enough to put you in contact with Robert Gault in Raleigh- AFTER you buy this truck of course, no point in letting someone else know where it is, right?