So I know this guy...

[FordGuy100]

Well, he is a little down on his luck, and needs to let go of his truck. I'm just wondering what I should offer. I have looked at craigslist, and it seems $1500 is about right. Think thats appropriate?

Truck is a 1988 Ford F350, CC SRW (converted from dually) 2wd. 7.3 with a healthy fuel system, plus rebuilt ZF-5 speed. The thing leaks oil, and uses coolant (yikes....but no oil/coolant mixture?) needs a new powersteering pump, and has something wrong with the brakes (you get one use out of the brakes, when you apply pressure you hear a hiss type sound, and if you release the peddle and try to brake, nothing really. That first brake hold well though). Milage unknown. AC works though .

I've personally driven it and its a fairly nice truck that needs some work. The body isnt nice, but it isnt bad either. Interior is ok, different front seat that isnt bolted down all the way so it kinda rocks back and forth . Farm truck.

What say you guys? I would rather put the miles on this truck than mine (My truck was given to me with 113K, now almost 150K )

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

$1500 sounds pretty fair if it's nice. I get worried when I hear the "it was a dually" and "it's a 'nice' farm truck". I am a big fan of buying a super nice truck for around $2500, as it's a small premium in the overall life/payment/satisfaction of buying a used car.

Don't get me wrong: I don't want a perfect truck as I actually use mine, but I do think that a clean rig is generally the sign of a well maintained rig.

I'm sure that last comment will offend somebody, but JMHO/.02 worth.

 

[FordGuy100]

He has owned it for the past 4 years I think. I know he maintains it well, but as far as the problems, he hasnt used it much in the last couple years which I think contributed to the fact that he didnt fix them. Why fix a powersteering pump if you drive it once a month type of thing.

It was a dually. They bought it with a dually rear with a SRW bed. Something goofy there. I wouldnt call it nice, but it runs and drives decent...and will take the milage off my truck.

I'd just like the help the guy and his family out. I would probably have to put a couple hundred in parts in it, but its inspection is up to date, so its not like it would need to be done anytime soon.

 

[david85]

Man be careful. Using coolant is a big red flag for me and I wouldn't spend $1500 on what is essentially a parts truck. If what you say is true, then the only part that might be a sure bet is the transmission and thats not worth $1500. You might offend him if you offer lower but what are his feelings really worth to you?

 

[FordGuy100]

True. That was a big question for me too. I was thinking head gasket or something. I would really need to give it a once over to make sure.

 

[Diesel JD]

I think it's probably a Big C victim. I think you should definitely look at this as an opportunity to help your friend if you have the money and the inclination...not to get another truck to drive. So here's how I would break it down....
The engine= Scrap value, around here that's $6.50-7.00 per hundred lbs of mixed iron/steel/tin 7x11= $77.00
Brand new fuel system that works, but used and unknown history worth $500.00 on a good day
ZF5 assy...works but unknown condition worth maybe 300 bucks since it's a 2WD tranny. You could use it for your truck but it would be expensive....divorced xfer case etc.
How's the AC? If the compressor is good you might can steal that for your truck, that might be worth a good deal to you
Scrap value for the rest of the truck + interior goodies you can take for yourself or sell to the collective... unknown value
Other odds and ends you can sell or give away to us....unknown value.

It could be worth it but the big question is....what's your time worth to you? Do you have the time or inclination to cannibalize one of these trucks for parts and a place to do it without getting into trouble? If you wind up breaking even or losing money on this deal will it hurt your finances? Will you be angry/resent the current owner? Hope you figure out what you want to do.

 

[88beast]

1500 aint bad id say 1000 for the work needed and the rust issues im assuming it has "body aint bad"

 

[FordGuy100]

It's a Texas/ new Mexico truck, not much if any rust. I will keep you guys updated

 

[Fordsandguns]

Justin if you get the truck and decide to part it out, I'm interested in the seat if the right color and in decent shape. I could use other stuff too but I'm too tired to think of all of them right now.

 

[RLDSL]

Justin, I know you haven't been in TX for long, but a truck like that in TX has a value of scrap, if that. Decent pickups grow on trees in TX, good running beaters, a dime a dozen. Ones where the engine is most likely toast like that one, usually wind up out behind a barn because good runners are cheap and plentiful.

 

[FordGuy100]

Justin, I know you haven't been in TX for long, but a truck like that in TX has a value of scrap, if that. Decent pickups grow on trees in TX, good running beaters, a dime a dozen. Ones where the engine is most likely toast like that one, usually wind up out behind a barn because good runners are cheap and plentiful.

I know it. The motor definatly worrys me about this truck...except it fires up nice. No smoke other than black. It leaks, and its either leaking coolant or burning it I dont know.

We shall see what happens.