I need a pickup. I've narrowed it down to two choices, both Fords.First candidate: '93 F150, extended cab, 6' bed, 300/automatic. Beautiful body. everything seems to work but A/C.Second candidate: '72 F100, "custom" trim, 6' bed, 302/3-speed. Pretty unmolested except hubcaps are missing and it's been converted to a crappy floor shift. It's also a bit of a rustbucket. The box is great but the cab floor has been repaired and the underhood (inner fenders, etc.) sheetmetal and hood need to be replaced, as well as the lower door skins. Seems to have zippy mechanical issues other than brakes however, and I have a drum brake rebuild down to a science (I've been helping a friend of mine resurrect "barn cars" for years.)Both trucks have current VA inspections and drive reasonably well; the '72 actually felt a little tighter than the '93, but both show signs of use. The '72 also has manual drum brakes and no P/S although it's not a HUGE issue for me, I know that the brakes were not working correctly when I test drove it so comments on their effectiveness when working well would be appreciated. The only vehicles with 4-wheel drums that I have real experience driving are Studebaker cars, and those are apparently some of the best from what I've heard, so I don't know how the Ford truck brakes stack up.I am really undecided... while this would be a no-brainer for most people, I am drawn to that cute little '72. My rationale is that it's old enough to be a "classic" so repro parts are readily available and cheap, as are maintenance parts like water pumps, fuel pumps, etc. plus it's dead nuts simple and also is easy to upgrade with things like maybe a modern 5-speed and some European headlights (I like seeing at night.) Plus the darn thing just has more CHARACTER than a generic '93 blahmobile. The smaller size is a plus for me as I have limited driveway space.Am I nuts for even considering the '72? Questions, comments, concerns?nate

Yes, I am afraid that you are nuts.As a person that suffers from the same disease you do(old-car-gotta-have-it-its) I would say to remember the original goal.Get something reliable because you have enough projects with the carsyou already have. If the '72 was pristine I would think about it fora while but you will end up dumping all your money in time in an ol'rust bucket and when you get done you will have a lonely Studebakerand an ol' rust bucket with some new parts.Get the '93 and save the car time and budget for something great likethe Studebaker. Steve B.

Another one that fits your requirements but probably asking more than you want to spend.... for giggles I searched DC CL for "1972" and got this match: CHEVROLET CHEYENNE CAMPER SPECIAL CLASSIC TRUCK - $2500And this: GMC Pick Up 2500 Series - $2000Switched to "1973" got this: Ford Bronco Sport - $2500looks a bit rusty though..."1974" yielded: "1971" got: ford F-100 with a nice body but doesn't run. And lastly: Chevy Truck Project Truck - $1200

Saw this and thought of you poor guys up North with no good rust-freetrucks.'ve bought two cars through this auction company and have had greatexperiences.Peace,Harry

Am I insane?

Mar 20, 2007 23 Replies

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Brent P 19 years ago

Another one that fits your requirements but probably asking more than you want to spend....

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Just for giggles I searched DC CL for "1972" and got this match:

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CHEVROLET CHEYENNE CAMPER SPECIAL CLASSIC TRUCK - $2500 And this:

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GMC Pick Up 2500 Series - $2000 Switched to "1973"

got this:

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Ford Bronco Sport - $2500looks a bit rusty though... "1974" yielded:

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"1971" got:

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ford F-100 with a nice body but doesn't run. And lastly:

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Chevy Truck Project Truck - $1200

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Nate Nagel 19 years ago

I like the Camper Special... that must be newly listed; I didn't see it last week. Clinton is a bit of a hike, though, but it is a 3/4 ton... (i.e. "real truck") that body style is my favorite to look at of all the Chevys, I didn't like the 73-up nearly as well.

nate

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Harry Smith 19 years ago

Saw this and thought of you poor guys up North with no good rust-free trucks.

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I've bought two cars through this auction company and have had great experiences.

Peace, Harry

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Nate Nagel 19 years ago

yeah, rub it in :(

nate

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