I found this one on E-bay and spent some time on the phone with the seller discussing it, and had him send me a ton of pictures, especially of the underside, so I could make sure there was no hidden rust issues...my biggest concern. (While I was watching this E-bay listing in the last remaining minutes, I suddenly lost my damn internet connection...and had to submit my last-second bid with my Android cell phone!) This is a 1975 F-250 Ranger XLT Supercab Camper Special. It's got a factory 460/auto, PS, PDB, factory cruise control (only trucks with a 460 got cruise in '75, which was the first year for factory cruise control), in-bed tool box and dual fuel tanks. The truck has 80K original miles, but they're mostly highway miles...and since this truck has always been an inside truck, it's got no rust issues whatsoever! The typical rust problems with dentsides in the front cab mounts, rear cab corners, driprail area, etc. are non-existent on this one. It's got a small dent below the right taillight, but I can live with that.
Here are the pics posted of it in the E-bay listing:
It's got an Explorer hood emblem, but I'm not sure if it's original...I'll have to do some research...but I have my doubts. According to the '75 factory Explorer brochure, an Explorer would've had emblems on the bed and glovebox lid, and this truck has neither.
There ARE a few minor issues, but things which can be easily remedied.
- There are cracks in the steering wheel, but I've got an NOS wheel to use. The horn button strip needs some attention...it appears to have come off and they weren't able to fix it correctly. I'd like to keep the original (pre-'78) cruise button setup, but that will mean a long search for an horn strip that works with these '75-'77 buttons.
- I don't like the rear drop bumper...I'd prefer the regular step-type bumper, and I can get a nice one at the local U-Pull-It. And I'll have to add a bolt-on receiver hitch.
- The auxiliary fuel tank filler neck is missing, though the tank is still there. Again, another U-Pull-It part.
My wife and I have been discussing this over the past few days, and have decided that we'll be driving up to Wisconsin (about 500 miles) to pick it up over the extended July 4th weekend.
I'll be sure to post some more pics and info once it arrives.Also, on a sidenote, I just purchased a half-dozen more vintage factory brochures...which incidentally are Supercab-related...and will be scanning and posting those to the Factory Literature Library when they arrive.
