stowbilly96

I haven't gotten the truck home yet. Or out of the grass for that matter. I've seen it once and I'm getting it for free, so I've got some questions.
Rot. I'm in Ohio, and I believe she's been sitting in the dirt for at least 10 years. My question is, how bad could the frame be? How solid are these frames, and is it likely that it'll be shot? The floorboard is rotted about a fist sized hole on the drivers side next to the switch for the high beams.
I don't want to get my hopes up to find that it's a lost cause, and I won't be picking it up for a couple weeks. I'd just like to rest my mind a little on it, this is my dream truck and I don't want to get screwed over before I've got it home. Thanks to anyone who might have an idea!

Triton54HD

if you are getting it for free...you are not going to get screwed over. to me looks like a lot of work, but well worth it in the end if you are willing to put the work into it.

stowbilly96

time and work isn't an issue for me, I have no deadline and am going to take this on in my free time while I'm in college. And my parents and girlfriend don't think I'll be able to save it, which is a hell of a motivation to prove them all wrong because when I first saw this all I saw was potential.

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

I presume you want an honest opinion .....
While anything is possible, some projects make more sense than others. That truck is in really rough shape.
Unless it has some really special sentimental value, you would be way, way further ahead to pay for one that's a more solid platform to start with.
Restorations take a lot of time and money even if you're doing all the work yourself.
From what I can see you will have 2000 into that truck in no time and still not even be close to getting it to the condition that a truck that you pay 2000 for will be in (with a long, long way still to go).
I'm not saying you can't accomplish it, just that it would make a whole lot more sense to pay even 1000 for a truck that isn't so far gone and start restoring from there.
You'd be surprised what you can find for 1000 -1500 if you're patient and spend some real time looking. Then go back and look at the one in the field.
Your parents and g/f said you couldn't do it but I doubt if they meant it as a challenge to your ability. Don't let your pride get in the way of making a sound, sensible decision.
That's the advice I'd give to one of my kids anyway. Take it for what it's worth.

stowbilly96

Thanks. I'm working a minimum wage part time job and going to college, so I'd rather pay more over the long run than less right now. I can't go out and buy one for $1000-1500 now, but I can afford to piece it together a little bit at a time. I get that it's a big chunk of money and a lot of work, but I'm up for the challenge.

504'd

If you're getting it for free, awesome. If you can get it rolling you can always sell it if it becomes too overwhelming. Although if you're getting a salvage title, that value will be quite diminished.
Good luck!

stowbilly96

Has original title, found it in the glove box. And keys. I'm getting it transferred in a couple weeks then getting her home

504'd

That's awesome. Huge bonus imo.

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

I hear you. Just wanted to point out that that particular truck might have passed it's "best before" date.
You'll have your work cut out for you, but if you're determined to make it happen then let us know if you need any advice along the way. And keep us posted , pics and all, we'll be interested to see how it's going.

stowbilly96

I was pretty damn excited when I found it.

And I'll definitely keep you guys posted. It all depends on the shape the frame is in when I get it out of the dirt. The cab isn't as bad as it looks, but the bed is messed up. I'm probably going to use it for sheet metal, I know a guy who had several beds that are fixable, and he specializes in Ford trucks.