Got my F100 today

[DDAN1130]

Well I got my 69 F100 4x4 delivered today. Its my first Ebay buy and I don't think I'll be doing another one in the future. Lets put it this way, camera's do wonders... On the bright side, I have a past time now of; making it steer (not just worn, but missing bushings, as well as worn tie rod) and stop, not leak (cracked radiator, oil pan gasket, front seal on T-case) get legal lighting to include turn signals, get speedometer and other gauges working and i'm sure I'll find more. It may sound a little negative but I really do like the truck and am a proud owner of another 69 F series. Just reinforced my distrust of dealers.

[chad67]

Welcome to Fordification! I have had good and bad experiences with Ebay. I don't know if I could ever buy a car or truck on there. A buddy sold an older Chevy 4X4 on Ebay and the guy flew in to drive it 1,000 miles home. He had basically rebuilt the truck from the ground up, and the guy made it home with no problems. What amazed me was that the guy never popped the hood before he left! My buddy asked him if he was going to check it out before he left, and the guy said, "Nah, it looks like you did a good job." Amazing.

[DDAN1130]

yeah I don't think i'll do it again. Honestly when my wife said "hey i really like that truck, you should get it" i had no choice but to jump on it. Like I said, it's a good truck, just needs a little more than I anticipated.

[Calfdemon]

from SoCal... As for buying vehicles on eBay, I have bought but only within driving distance that I can put my eyes on the vehicle first hand. I don't know that I would ever buy a vehicle without at least getting eyes of someone I trust on it. But that is because of hearing stories from people like you. So thanks for sharing as it helps other not make the same mistake.

[DDAN1130]

absolutely! I never figured I would either and doubt that i will again. Don't get me wrong, it's not a POS. Just a few things that I would have noticed and took count of when buying. I don't regret the purchase overall.

[red_67f100]

Been there.... except I did buy my f100 in person. Both me and my brother looked at it in close detail and saw no major flaws at the moment and so we did the deal. Slowly as I inspected my truck even more a week later, I noticed welds on the bed floor/chassis and realized that it used to be a long bed and PO converted it to a short bed. I had to fix a lot of the wiring because it was extremely wrong. It had incorrect gas tank, wrong placement of fuel pump, no key, shaved door handles and locks, crooked hood and hinges, no rear bumper brackets, an ugly paint job gone wrong,it has a bad stall converter,questionable hoses,and just recently found another weld in the front part of the chassis meaning its a salvage truck. The previous owner didn't mention any of these defects but I don't regret buying this truck because I have toughed it out and got most of those issues fixed on it already. I can proudly say that I have brought this old truck back to life.

[Craigerf100]

Pics?

It's not just ebay. I traded a fairlane for my truck over a year ago. I'm still finding some shady things the previous owner did or didn't do. When i first saw it I had to have it. But yes pics do wonders it some how hides flaws and makes paint look mint

[68RGR]

I have purchased two trucks from eBay and a parts truck from Craigslist. All were done using photos and THE TELEPHONE.

The first one went OK. However, the steering was way loose and the brakes needed help. Otherwise, as described and as revealed.

The second one was actually the best buy - A complete parts truck for under $700. Seller was young but sent lots of photos and answered all of my questions. Only downside was I never got the key . . .

The third one was on eBay but didn't sell. So, technically not an eBay purchase but the mechanics are the same. Get photos - lots of photos - ask questions on top of questions. This truck arrived as photographed and as described.

Overall, I have been pleased with these "long distance" purchases. Yes, I have been fortunate to have good results. I have found that talking one-on-one to the seller will generally reveal most issues if you are patient, careful and take the time to think about these conversations both before and after. It's a good idea to have a list and go through each item. Then, ask the seller if you can call him back to follow-up. Think about not only what the seller says but how he says it. One thing I like to ask is: If you were going to keep the truck and drive it often, what things would you do to make it as reliable as possible? Another way to ask it is: You said this truck is a 7 out of 10 mechanically. What would it take to make it a 10?

Most people are basically honest. But, it might be that you have to find the right questions in order to get them there!

[Madman]

When I bought-my 70 F250 4x4, I drove all the way from Colorado to East Nevada to look at it before finalizing...you can never replace an eyes on inspection. I figured it is better to spend $400 to look at it in person then to pay who knows how much and feel like you made a potential mistake....my

[yabadaba]

Well my 69 F100 was 4,400 miles with the Atlantic Ocean in between, so there was no way I was going to view in person before parting with the $$$. Just got to take it on faith!

In fact, it still is 4,400 miles away due to a real lengthy delay in getting transportation to port arranged and I want it here now

[Camper Special]

Been there done that!
you will either learn to love it, or not... but be patient... it may not be as bad as it seems in a month or two. And, the more you fix stuff the more you get attached
Kinda like a wife

for other future buyers, it is all about the persons integrety and character. use your instinct...(some call it "the force") it was given to you for this type of transaction. sorry if I sound like a Dad

I have bought 2 trucks on ebay... one was super fantastic, the other not so good
I have bought 2 trucks on craigslist, both of which I did a road trip to inspect and drive. there is no substitute for that

[thin41]

Congrats on your F100 - I was bless and bought my 69 F250 on Ebay from Oregon and I'm in the midwest - the truck was exactly as described, but because of the shipping hassle, I too would never to an Ebay buy again, unless I could pick it up.

I have some things to do to it, but as described.

Good luck on the restore - I'm in the process

[DDAN1130]

so the initial shock has died down and the wife has been suspiciously supportive of the whole thing. The seller offered a full refund and to pay to have it shipped back or was willing to kick some cash back (said he didn't know about the problems). I took the rebate and have been pretty happy with the outcome. It's good to come by good sellers.

[Ranchero50]

[DDAN1130]

ill post some more when I get it out of the garage... it was an ebay buy so anyone who was looking around probably saw it.