If I get an old Ford F-150, do I have to resign?

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

But this idea of using a ran-when-parked pickup is a case of it being a bird in the hand. I don't want to actually have to LOOK for something.

If you went out looking for a full sized pickup, you'd have to resign. If you suddenly need a TV and an old pickup falls into your lap, that's different.

[freebeard]

I've bought[en?] three vehicles out of farmer's fields, a 1959 Rambler station wagon, 1956 sunroof Beetle and the 1971 Superbeetle. They're the best. My first three were off dealer's lots (bullet-nose Studebaker, 1946 Ford four-door and 1952 Plymouth convertible). The last two were mechanic's loaners I'd driven 10 years prior, the Dasher and the XFi.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

If you went out looking for a full sized pickup, you'd have to resign.

Full-size trucks are not so bad when effectively used for what they're intended, and some of them actually look good while retaining some functionality.

If you suddenly need a TV and an old pickup falls into your lap, that's different.

What about getting a smaller (and cheaper) TV if that leaves more money to be spent on an old truck for a restomod (possibly efficiency-oriented)?

[wdb]

I can rent a pickup from Enterprise locally. Dunno towing capacity, rules/regulations regarding using it for towing, and so on, but I'd think it is worth a look at local car rental agencies.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by wdb

but I'd think it is worth a look at local car rental agencies

At least in my country, I have never seen any rental truck with a receiver hitch.

[Planecrazy]

So here's my opinion (as somebody who's mulling over getting a pickup, too): If the old pickup has been sitting as long as it has, chances are it will need at least several thousand dollars worth of "general maintenance/upgrades" to make it safe for the purpose you're planning to use it for. It seems more logical to find a U-haul/rental company (or other company that uses pickups in their businesses) that is selling a "well used" pickup from their fleet for similar money.

The advantages are: It is an active runner, it has received all it's periodic maintenance on time as part of the fleet, it hasn't been sitting so long that the tires are out of date (regardless of tread) and the engine/tranny seals have dried out and will need replacement, it may already have upgraded brakes for the "severe duty" it was purchased for as a rental vehicle ... and so on.

Any premium you pay for a newer, "well used" fleet vehicle will likely wind up being less than you'll have to invest in the "farm find." It'll also probably get better mileage than the older truck you're looking at.

Good Luck!

[lee]

I used to own out of state apts. could not find a decent priced diesel pickup. Ended up finding a 1972 280 euro mercedes for the tow bill (375). Put a hitch ball on it and connected a single axle trailer, loaded up rolls of heavy carpet , and set out from arkansas to new mexico. Car pulled it fine! trailer got out of control, jackknifed three miles into trip , at 35 mph. found out from Tow driver, the trailer had ...12,000 pounds on it . Your truck will do FINE.

[MetroMPG]

35 MPH jackknife! My first thought was suspension failure. But 12k lbs behind an old 280 will do it too.



--



Since I started this thread, I still haven't connected with my buddy to find out if the field truck is even still there.



However, here's a new development that wasn't under consideration before: My brother's next-door neighbour just bought a full-size pickup. He used to own one that we'd borrowed in the past in exchange for gas & beer. Win-win??

[freebeard]

They're talking about you over there ==> https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthre...unt-39335.html


https://atxcarpics.com/1956-chevrole...adillac-bumper

I know where there is a 1958 GMC COE truck setting in a fence row. I asked my brother to check if it's still there. Then all that's needed is a Cadillac bumper.

When I was driving a roofing truss delivery truck (10 ton truck, 5 ton trailer) I was driving up the South Hills in Eugene when the COE cab tilted back enough that the gearshift wouldn't quite reach first gear. So I was in neutral when the brakes failed. I held the steering for a second, then I decided to spin it and jackknifed backward down the hill.

The trailer tore up some bark mulch on the left side and I drove through someone's garden on the right side. When I got to the bottom of the hill I found a pay phone (remember?) and called the boss to tell him I was taking the rest of the day off ...and someone else could retrieve his truck.

[electric_ride]

I love the fact it is so rough for two reasons . 1. If you bang it up WHO CARES.LOL 2. If you decide to make it nice again it is so rough you can start at zero and make it more aerodynamic and add light weight rims and you have moved ahead . As well as if it is a manual trans you could always make it electric powered.