Should I Sell

[Subzero]

I never imagined I'd do this but the thought has entered my mind to sell my bumpside 68' F100 . The truck needs more work after all and its such a nice truck that I think it deserves to be kept in a garage or such and sell it to someone who has more money/time for it. I love how simple this old truck is and how easy it is to work on, not to mention all the complements and looks I get while driving. was planning on useing it to take me to school and back daily (14 miles round trip) and to work or wherever else I go which takes a lot of gas ( I got 11 mpg average last time I checked so I can't really afford too much driving). I went to a car shop that only does old cars and trucks and discovered more issues such as an exhaust leak, gas tank leak ( on the top of the tank: someone put bolts in the top and put silicon around them), floor repair ( I already knew this one) and a possible cowell leak ( I think that's what its called). I can fix a few problems myself but the estimated cost to get everything I want would be around $5 to $6 grand. He also recommend an undercoating as I will need to drive year round rain, snow or shine so the truck does not rust anymore. I keep mine parked out on the curb so it will be exposed to all weather. I would rather see the truck go to someone who will show it and garage it to use as a fun vehicle, not to use as a daily driver. There is also safety issues that I'm concerned about since I will be doing a lot of driving in busy areas that I cant do much about. The only one that bothers me is not having a head rest to keep my head from hitting the rear glass in a crash. I could put another seat in but ive heard this takes more leg room away and I need the seat all the way back. I have enjoyed every minute of driving the truck and really don't want to sell the truck but I think both of our best interests would benefit if it might be sold and possibly garage kept. I would still get a truck again but it would be a late 90s early 2000 one. I could probably get around what I have in the truck on CL minus a few hundred. I just feel as though I will be "ruining" a true survivor truck that all the previous owners have taken such good care of when I use it for a daily driver and leave it outside. What are your thoughts on what should I do and are my reasons good or am I just overthinking things too much? I have not made a decision yet and ultimately I will have to decide but I thought I'd see what other think. I tried to be as clear as possible but ill be happy to give more info on things if needed.This cite has been very helpful since I the first post I made when I bought it so thank you all again for all of your help.

[ford4x4fun]

5 to 6k seams a little over the top. Maybe if you bought brand new parts but still.

Where is the exhaust leak? Do you know know anyone that can weld?
I am sure someone on this site has an extra gas tank?
I am not for sure what you mean by cowell leak, but if it is the radiator a good one is 250 dollars or so?

Floor pans I haven't had that done but it seams to me someone is trying to take you to the cleaners!

[Subzero]

Well to get it to be a good normal driver wouldn't be hard or take much money but I'd want to do more rust preventative repairs over the surface rust and line-x the bed so it does not get scratched when I use it. I will have to post the " to do list" and see what should be prioritized and what can wait. That guy probably is overpriced but even a $2000 repair I can't afford now. The leak is not in the radiator but its right where the water drains from the windshield into the vents behind the hood. Last time I drove in the rain I noticed water drops hitting my foot from under the dash. I haven't taken the truck out in the rain again since so I don't know if it was windshield leak related.

[Subzero]

The exhaust leak is right by the engine and I'm sure more will follow with the condition of the pipes. They are not stainless so it would seem to be best if a new one was put on that was so no more rust.

[TNIceWolf]

These trucks dont command or bring the high prices associated with collector cars as a general rule. They are after all work related vehicles and in the same class as a forklift or something like that. And with the economy the way it is at the moment.........absolutely nothing except food and basic services is selling for than what its worth. Trucks just dont sell for as much as cars. Mainly because trucks are worked and cars are enjoyed.I have a good deal of money wrapped up in my 1 ton and I would be amazed to get 900 for it. Its to the point that selling it to china as scrap is the best option.

[sargentrs]

First and foremost, it's a truck and should be treated as one. I expect to have around $7000 in mine by the time I'm done, including a slightly modded engine, disc brakes, frame tank, a/c and a bunch of other bells and whistles, new paint and interior. The most I've spent in one shot is $300 for a whole parts donor truck. The rest has been $30-$100 at a time. Yeah, it's going to take about 4 years but even when it's done I'm going to use it like a truck. I'll haul firewood, sand and mulch and drive it in the rain and dust. I say keep it, do what you can a little at a time and enjoy it till it lays down and dies. Then give it a junk yard heart transplant and drive it some more. You won't find another vehicle easier to work on or cheaper to fix.

[chicof100]

Well Subzero, from what I'm reading it sounds like your trying to convince others why you want to sell it. This is my opinion and my opinion only. Old ford trucks are good ol work trucks. They were around in simpler times, gas prices well under a buck a gallon. Today's gas prices make these trucks less desirable to the younger crowd.
However younger people are buying these trucks because they can buy them fairly cheap. The simplicity of working on these are based upon first impressions. Pop open the hood, see a motor a few wires and damn look at all the room. Many young guys/gals buy these trucks without thinking it through. Just because you can by a truck for a couple hundred and up, does not mean that parts for these are cheap. Nor is body work and so on.
Younger and also less informed people will buy these trucks for the reasons I stated, then a short time later they have trouble getting the truck into gear, or the door is harder to open and close. Never once do they realize the cab mounts are rotting away causing the cab to sag. Once someone gets a feel for the cost to do the repairs the right way, they bail.
If you don't have the time, space or cash to deal with an older truck, sell it. Don't worry about who buys it next, weather they give it a good home or not, it won't be your problem. My opinion, sell it. When you can afford it, later in life, try again. These trucks are not for everyone, only the chosen few.

[Whateverman]

First and foremost, it's a truck and should be treated as one............I say keep it, do what you can a little at a time and enjoy it till it lays down and dies. Then give it a junk yard heart transplant and drive it some more. You won't find another vehicle easier to work on or cheaper to fix.

[hazelnut]

You'll need to learn how to fix simple problems one day, Why not now ? Save money and have money enuff to take that pretty blonde out on the town
Exhaust leak: Sounds like a dounut gasket is leaking. $30 to replace yourself. Its a pain in the rear but not to bad if your spray the bolts with PB Blaster everyday for a week before trying to fix.
Gas tank leaking: Ask in the "Parts Wanted" section to see if anyone around you has on they will sell you at a decent price.
Cowl area leaking : Get some magnetic sheet and cut to size and cover the greeting on the cowl area. This will stop 95% of the rain coming in until you can figure out what need to be done for a permanet fix. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=ma ... l&_sacat=0
Floor pan : Post some pictures of them in the "Body& Paint section and im sure you will get the best advice to fix them.

These trucks are about as simple as you will ever find, And people here will help you with any question you have along the way fixing it.

[Clunker]

I learned my lesson with project vehicles many years ago. Priority number one is to make sure you have reliable efficient transportation (not a project vehicle). After that, feel free to spend a few hundred bucks on a great old truck that you can put a few more hundred dollars into as you can afford it. As long as you have your other car, there isn't ever an emergency to repair the truck, but if the truck is your only vehicle, you'll be paying a lot for gas and having unplanned expenses along the way. Just my two cents.

[Subzero]

Although all the points were good for both ways, I think its best if I sell it. Clunker has a good point- a project car isn't a good daily driver. I found a newer truck I like and of course its a Ford (F150). I sure will get another F100 down the road ( I will try to find one mine again or one like it) once I have a better founation to work off of. I will miss having a vehicle that is so unique and fun. It will be hard to watch it sell as this was my dream truck and my first car but atleast I know its for the best. I will be sure to drop in from time to time on here to see what everyones up to. Thanks for the ride,
Subzero