Jonnyuma
Well-Known Member
Just me putting a current dilemma in writing... sometimes it helps to clarify things so please bear w me.
My other "old car" is a 76 F150 4x4. It's unique in that it's a fairly rare and all original Flareside (step side). It's been parked at my buddy's place for a year while I've had the engine out and in that time a LOT of people have commented on it. My bud runs a business so he has a lot of good ol boys coming through pretty much every day.
The other day he called and told me that this one particular guy is serious... he wants to buy it, I talked to him on the phone the other day.
On one hand, I love that truck and the likelihood of finding a replacement that's as original is pretty small: Factory paint, good floors, solid rockers, very little rust... just a small bit on the rear fenders, and patch panels are available for that. Fact is, it was an impulse buy: I saw it for sale (I was actually looking for a Dodge), and I felt like I had to have it... I've loved the 70s Ford trucks since I was a kid watching them tearassing around in the Baja 1000.
OTOH, it's costing me money to keep it insured and tagged, even while I can't drive it. When I think about what I need/want to do to get it back on the road (not even "restored") I see dollar signs: headers and exhaust will need replacement (eventually). Brakes are beyond due. Original brass radiator has a crack or two. Bushings, body mounts, bed wood, carpet, headliner... blah blah blah.
He's willing to give me a fair price... slightly more than I paid, in fact. I'm into it for an extra $1000 for wheels and tires (I had to get rid of the stupid 80s aluminum wheels that were on it... I replaced em w steelies and OEM caps. Also 33" BFGs). But considering the engine is out and now it's in "project" status I can't be too demanding on price. I also just found out that, at some point since my last visit, something happened and now one of my 42 yr old rear fenders is wrecked. I asked, "How bad is it?"
My buddy says, "I'll have to get you a new one".
Yeah... good luck. They kinda don't make those anymore.
I assumed a level of risk parking it out there at his shop so I guess I take the instant depreciation hit. No hard feelings, old buddy but... dam.
I've been holding off working on the Lebaron in order to sock money away for the truck, but if the truck goes away it would free up some funds for the M... maybe some new wheels and suspension mods. Maybe even a roller 5.9 Magnum, trans, and rear end swap.
I think I know what I'm gonna do... what do you think?
My other "old car" is a 76 F150 4x4. It's unique in that it's a fairly rare and all original Flareside (step side). It's been parked at my buddy's place for a year while I've had the engine out and in that time a LOT of people have commented on it. My bud runs a business so he has a lot of good ol boys coming through pretty much every day.
The other day he called and told me that this one particular guy is serious... he wants to buy it, I talked to him on the phone the other day.
On one hand, I love that truck and the likelihood of finding a replacement that's as original is pretty small: Factory paint, good floors, solid rockers, very little rust... just a small bit on the rear fenders, and patch panels are available for that. Fact is, it was an impulse buy: I saw it for sale (I was actually looking for a Dodge), and I felt like I had to have it... I've loved the 70s Ford trucks since I was a kid watching them tearassing around in the Baja 1000.
OTOH, it's costing me money to keep it insured and tagged, even while I can't drive it. When I think about what I need/want to do to get it back on the road (not even "restored") I see dollar signs: headers and exhaust will need replacement (eventually). Brakes are beyond due. Original brass radiator has a crack or two. Bushings, body mounts, bed wood, carpet, headliner... blah blah blah.
He's willing to give me a fair price... slightly more than I paid, in fact. I'm into it for an extra $1000 for wheels and tires (I had to get rid of the stupid 80s aluminum wheels that were on it... I replaced em w steelies and OEM caps. Also 33" BFGs). But considering the engine is out and now it's in "project" status I can't be too demanding on price. I also just found out that, at some point since my last visit, something happened and now one of my 42 yr old rear fenders is wrecked. I asked, "How bad is it?"
My buddy says, "I'll have to get you a new one".
Yeah... good luck. They kinda don't make those anymore.
I assumed a level of risk parking it out there at his shop so I guess I take the instant depreciation hit. No hard feelings, old buddy but... dam.
I've been holding off working on the Lebaron in order to sock money away for the truck, but if the truck goes away it would free up some funds for the M... maybe some new wheels and suspension mods. Maybe even a roller 5.9 Magnum, trans, and rear end swap.
I think I know what I'm gonna do... what do you think?
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