Help a newb prepare for his first purchase

[Watasha]

I am going to be looking at a 67 F-250 high boy this week. It is the original owners wife and possibly son. It has less than 60k on the odometer and according to them its in great condition. I'm told it has a 360 but some reading I have done tells me it should be a 352? It has a manual transmission. Are there any problem areas I should focus one when looking at this truck? It may not be ready for a test drive on the first trip, its not been used much since the old man passed away. I will post up some pics when I can. I may ask for some advice on what to offer for it after I can show you some pictures. Thanks for any pointers on on what to look at when I head there this week!

[Craigerf100]

Mainly the cab mounts and core support. Those are the 2 main structural rust spots for these trucks.

Here's a bit of info about core supports
http://www.fordification.com/tech/radsupport.htm

[fastEdsel]

Cab mounts for sure, and a "high boy?!!" What's that? Is it a 4X4? If it has the original engine it will be a 352 and depending on the time it was manufactured the engine will be a gold color. After 1967 when the '68s came along they had the 360 engines and they were Ford blue. Good luck, welcome to the forum.

[Stealth69]

Another thing is electrical, if it looks like a rats nest expect to install a new harness. Luckily these trucks don't have much electrical.

[red_67f100]

I would look at the chassis for any signs of frame damage or alterations. And I would also look out for how good it is mechanically as well as how straight and rust free the body is in.

[Watasha]

It's a 4x4. Not sure if they actually called them high boys in 67? Everything I know so far is second hand, so time will tell. I hoping to see it tonight or Tuesday night. How can I find out the year? Is there a tag on the door jamb? Vin #?

[Ranchero50]

67's have a lot of different parts vs. the '68 and up trucks. Reference: http://www.fordification.com/tech/67-72ID_01.htm

New Jersey location? If so then conditions drives price. Are the bodylines straight or do they droop at the cab? Front cab mounts, basic rust in the cab floor, rear corners firewall, cowl area or roof drip edges along with the hood perimeter being the most common areas. The core support and inner fenders are the hood hinges rust out as well. Don't worry so much about the mechanical bits. If the body is sound and the price is reasonable, buy it.

[Watasha]

Truck is in MN, so if it is indeed as described its very rare for this part of the country. Salt does a number on vehicles here. The owner has stated she "wants 10k but might take 9". If the truck is clean is it worth that kind of cash? I can buy a decent 75 Ford high boy for half that price.

[Ranchero50]

Ah, for sale vs. selling.

I don't know, for that cost the truck would need to be fully restored and in very nice shape.

[Watasha]

That was my first thought. Its supposed to be very nice, but that's undetermined yet. Being a 67 with that low of miles makes it desirable, but $10,000? I will post picks and hopefully come up with a fair offer. It they don't accept it I will move on.

[Ranchero50]

Being that it will be your first, I would not risk the investment...

Heck, you might pop the hood and get attacked by the vicious hood latch or realize these trucks rid like mid '60's trucks and that you don't like them. A big guy has trouble with the steering wheel. A short guy can't reach anything in the engine bay. A little guy has trouble without power steering and don't get me started on wandering drum brakes.

Seriously, I'd find something for under a grand to get to know before you spend good money on your dream truck.

[Watasha]

Just got off the phone with owners nephew. Its a 68, 360, 4 barrel, headers, no power steering and I assume no power brakes. He immediately stated its about to go online and she will be asking $12,500. Now I'm not sure if the 40 mile trip is worth it? I was hoping to look it over and offer a fair price. Oh and almost forgot, it hasn't been started in 4 years........

[Ranchero50]

Skip it or at least come back to it in a couple months when reality kicks them in the rear. The economy just isn't doing that good right now. Sounds like they have been watching too much Fast-N-Loud...

[BigMike]

For reference, I bought my 68 in similar condition to what they describe, similar mileage, etc, and I paid less than 2k. For a museum piece in perfect shape it would be one thing, but for a former workin' truck I doubt I'd pay that kind of money.

I don't think it will sell quickly for that price. You have time to think after you see it. Post pictures & we can kibbitz

[Watasha]

It's been a while since I gave an update. I have been looking at "newer" trucks and have not found anything that I wanted to purchase. I spoke with the nephew of the owner of the 68 again this evening and plan on driving up to see it on Saturday. I will take pictures and give the best description I can. Thanks!