1971 Ford F250 4x4 project

[RSlater]

I've had a 1971 F250 4x4 Highboy in my possession for the last 10 years. I inherited it from my wife's grandfather, who was the original owner. At some point, the original 360 V8 was replaced with a 428. Recently, I pulled the motor (due to numerous issues) and discovered the block/heads were worn beyond repair, so I found a 390 block/head combo to reinstall. I was able to reuse the 428 crank, so I now have a new 410 Ford motor under the hood. I went through the transmission/clutch/transfer case/differentials at the same time. The drivetrain is working well, and the 410 purrs with upgrades throughout, including electronic ignition, Edelbrock intake and carb, and headers.



However, I'm questioning the rational for moving forward with the paint/bodywork estimate I just got. The truck still has the original turquoise blue paint and overall the body is in great condition (it's been garaged pretty much its whole life), but I'm staring at a $1600 bill to fill some holes for old mirror mounts, bug shield, some surface rust, and some minor dings. No major damage other than one rust spot at the lower-rear of the driver's side front quarter panel. Even the bumpers are still straight!



Overall, I'm hesitant to continue sinking money into this truck without having a general idea of the truck's value when I'm done, as I don't want to keep it much longer; I rarely drive it since I enjoy my Megacab, and I'd like some garage space back. Not really looking for a guaranteed number, but I'm wondering what I've got and how far I should go with it.



The truck is a '71 F250 4x4 Custom (long-bed) with a 410 Ford motor, 4-speed manual transmission (with granny first gear). It's got 4. 10 gears, with a Dana 60 limited slip in the rear and a Dana 44 in the front. Leaf spring suspension both ends. Manual steering and brakes (4-wheel drums). Perhaps a rarity, it also has Factory Air Conditioning.



I'm going to try and post some pics in the next few days to give a better perspective on the truck's condition, but I'd certainly appreciate some additional insights. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Grizzly]

I've had a 1971 F250 4x4 Highboy in my possession for the last 10 years. I inherited it from my wife's grandfather, who was the original owner. At some point, the original 360 V8 was replaced with a 428. Recently, I pulled the motor (due to numerous issues) and discovered the block/heads were worn beyond repair, so I found a 390 block/head combo to reinstall. I was able to reuse the 428 crank, so I now have a new 410 Ford motor under the hood. I went through the transmission/clutch/transfer case/differentials at the same time. The drivetrain is working well, and the 410 purrs with upgrades throughout, including electronic ignition, Edelbrock intake and carb, and headers.



However, I'm questioning the rational for moving forward with the paint/bodywork estimate I just got. The truck still has the original turquoise blue paint and overall the body is in great condition (it's been garaged pretty much its whole life), but I'm staring at a $1600 bill to fill some holes for old mirror mounts, bug shield, some surface rust, and some minor dings. No major damage other than one rust spot at the lower-rear of the driver's side front quarter panel. Even the bumpers are still straight!



Overall, I'm hesitant to continue sinking money into this truck without having a general idea of the truck's value when I'm done, as I don't want to keep it much longer; I rarely drive it since I enjoy my Megacab, and I'd like some garage space back. Not really looking for a guaranteed number, but I'm wondering what I've got and how far I should go with it.



The truck is a '71 F250 4x4 Custom (long-bed) with a 410 Ford motor, 4-speed manual transmission (with granny first gear). It's got 4. 10 gears, with a Dana 60 limited slip in the rear and a Dana 44 in the front. Leaf spring suspension both ends. Manual steering and brakes (4-wheel drums). Perhaps a rarity, it also has Factory Air Conditioning.



I'm going to try and post some pics in the next few days to give a better perspective on the truck's condition, but I'd certainly appreciate some additional insights. Thanks in advance for any help!

I had a 71 F250 with a 390 and 4 speed stick, which I custom ordered new. At 103K I had to have the engine rebuilt, at 121K I had to have a new engine installed. At 129K I had major engine problems again. At this point I gave the truck away. In the mean time I replaced the alternator 3 times, the starter 4 times, fuel pump 5 times, power steering pump once, water pump 3 times, AC once, total exhaust 2 times, carburetor rebuilt 2 times. Many numerous problems with that sorry excuse for a truck. I worked on it almost every week end or it was in the shop.



That Furd was the worst vehicle I've ever had. If I were you I'd get rid of it and never look back.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

If the truck is as nice as you say and the drivetrain is sound then I don't think $1600 to essentially make it 100% would be money wasted. But if you had some connections maybe someone could help with the bodywork and maybe save you some $$.

Personally after seeing so many late 70s Fords done up it would be refreshing to see an older one (early 70s Ford trucks look WAY better to me than the late 70s-early 80s versions).

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[PToombs]

If you're set on getting rid of it, don't paint it. Save the money, and people are more likely to pay more for it in the current original condition. They can see what good shape it's in, as opposed to pretty paint that might be hiding bondo and rust.

Sorry I can't help you on what it's worth.

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

NADA has a section for classic vehicles. You can go there to get an idea of what it's worth. It might be worth more than you think. I'm with Vaughn. I like the late 60's, early 70's models.





Here's my '67.



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[RSlater]

I appreciate the feedback from everyone here; the support of the TDR has always been top-notch.



Grizz - I still have mixed memories of my first car - a 1964 Dodge 440 hardtop with a hot rodded 383 under the hood and a push-button automatic. I probably should have kept it since it was a pretty unique vehicle, but it always seemed to require my attention for something and parts were hard to find. Maybe that's why I've enjoyed my Dodge diesels so much - I can play with them usually at my leisure instead of when it's least convenient.



Anyway, based on further reflection, the input of the folks here, and the encouragement of my father-in-law, it looks like tackling the bodywork will be another family project, so I guess I'll be continuing the process of improving the truck step by step. I've never really had a flare for paint/bodywork, but I've got the time and the facilities so here we go...



I'll definitely get some pics for some before/after shots.



Jim - the '67 looks great, and the rest of your rigs (in your sig) sound very impressive too!



Once again, thanks to all of you for the insights, and I will certainly check the NADA classic section to help determine the value of this '71. The story continues...



Russ

 

[GHarman]

Do a search on the internet and see what prices are being asked for similar rigs. I had a '72 F-250, 4X4 and sold it after 22 years for the same price I paid for it ($3500 in November, 1971)! However, that did not reimburse me for rebuilding the engine and drivetrain. That Truck was a rock climbin' fool. It wont manuver in tight places but would outclimb a jeep! Parts got to difficult to find, especially for the Dana-24 T-case. Hubs, U-joints and Trunions/bearings were all original at 175,000 miles. Hope you get a Great Price for your rig! GregH

 

[Matt400]

I am with PToombs on the paint, someone who is interested in this particular model will appreciate the oportunity to see it before its all covered up.

Can't help you on the price though cause it depends so much on the buyer.

I did a frame up on a 68 Ford, chase truck style that I traded for a car that was worth 6K. Later I bought a 72 Ford F100 with a 428 and dabbled with that for a few years then sold for 2500. I see it plowing snow still today!

 

[Grizzly]

I appreciate the feedback from everyone here; the support of the TDR has always been top-notch.



Grizz - I still have mixed memories of my first car - a 1964 Dodge 440 hardtop with a hot rodded 383 under the hood and a push-button automatic. I probably should have kept it since it was a pretty unique vehicle, but it always seemed to require my attention for something and parts were hard to find. Maybe that's why I've enjoyed my Dodge diesels so much - I can play with them usually at my leisure instead of when it's least convenient.

Anyway, based on further reflection, the input of the folks here, and the encouragement of my father-in-law, it looks like tackling the bodywork will be another family project, so I guess I'll be continuing the process of improving the truck step by step. I've never really had a flare for paint/bodywork, but I've got the time and the facilities so here we go...



I'll definitely get some pics for some before/after shots.

Russ

I do wish you all the luck and success with your project. Do post pictures.

 

[jgoff]

72 /P2150007. JPG/Users/esthergoff/Desktop/72 forge/P2150019. you could always do what i did and drop a 5. 9 cummins in it john g

 

[Crazy Horse]

Gosh darn that's a good looking 250 Vaughn. No one has made trucks like that since 76, and I think Ford did it best. Here's one of my old 74.