good deal?

[Jake R]

Im trading a guy a browning shotgun and 150 dollars for a 78. Heres the info.

It was his daily driver and he kept the drivetrain up well-- new brakes, new rear end, new driveshaft, etc.. About three years ago he decided to get something newer with a/c for his daily driver, and he let this one sit most of the time. The inspection ran out on it in November of 2006. About a year and a half ago he needed to get rid of it and the guy Im buying it from just never did anything with it.

It has rust on the body: Doors, tailgate, rear fenders, rear of door jamb. The window in the tailgate does not work. Drivetrain is pretty tight except that the brake line split in one place, and the parking brake cables are seized (so no brakes at all).

The current owner started it often enough to keep it running, but not often enough to keep from having to hit it with ether and jump the battery. The carb has a fresh rebuild not too long ago because it gummed up from old fuel. It has a 3" body lift and worn 33" tires, a 4 barrel carb.(edlbrock, edelbrok intake, and glaspack mufflers (dual exuast new from headers back) Aftermarket headers There is also a locking dif. not installed.

It has good power, shifts good, and motor sounds good. Since it has a broken brake line I can't test drive it, but the guy said the guy drove it daily.

Think if i do brake lines, tires, and some paint I would have a good deal? The motors a 351m by the way. I have experience in engine work, but not too much body work. Ive always thought this model was the coolest ford made.

 

[fordsohc46]

whats the gun worth about 800? if so 950 isnt bad deal needs some work but with a little tlc you should have a beast.

 

[Yardape]

I think its an excellent deal. I would do it in a second as long as the shotgun wasnt a family heirloom or something.

 

[Jake R]

Just a shotgun I have. Its nice, but nothing I can't live without. Whats the deal with the stud wrenches on the valve covers? I've seen them before but never have know their purpose other than looks.

 

[Bronc76]

I think that is an excellent deal. most of the work sounds like you can do yourself. the studs on valve covers i think are for show, (had them on mine, got rid of them, wouldnt stay tight). ford didnt produce but two years of that body style, you can always purchase another browning!

 

[Broncobill78]

Yup, that's a good deal. I'd do it. The wrenches on the valve covers are just there as a quick/easy removal thing, sort of like knock-off rims.

You're going to have a lot of work to do on it but these are basically very sound & tough trucks. A complete restoration will be a huge undertaking but nothing that you can't accomplish on your own in the driveway. It'll just take you time & money but nothing that you should have to pay anyone else to do for you. If you're looking at it for more of a 2nd vehicle or a woods/trail truck then it's an even better deal.

 

[Jake R]

It will be for weekend driving and hunting. If the engine turns out to be worth a damn which I think it may, I would take it to OBX.

Heres a 78 that is still running at work

 

[Justshootme84]

The hold-downs on the valve covers are supposed to help keep the gasket from leaking, so you don't get alot of smoke when the oil drips on the headers. Sometimes they help, but more oftgen it's a poor-quality cork gasket being used instead of a good rubber/metal one.

Just from the pics, i'd ay it's worth $800-$1000 if it'll start and you don't hear any engine knocks.

If you have to repair the brakes, consider upgrading to F-350 parts for better stopping power.

I would also remvoe the body lift and repair the steering. JSM84