I'm going out to the country. There's '92 f150 5.0 engine w 119k sitting in the yard. It hasnt been driven for about 2 yrs. Lady was restoring it but her fiance died and she doesnt want anything to do with it anymore. New gas tank and it's primed to be painted. ... It currently needs a battery but she says if I bring a battery out to try it, she'll start right up. It's mine for 1500 bucks. Anything else I should bring with me on this expedition? Obviously some gas and I'll probably need to change the oil too... how bout spark plugs? Anything else? Am I crazy?

Thanks-
Matt

 

Basic tune-up stuff is usually a good idea on something that's been sitting that long. Fluids, filters, plugs, etc. Maybe seafoam it. You won't know exactly what you need until she starts up or not.

 

My truck sat for a little over a year and I did a complete tune-up and she runs great

 

rather than driving an hour out of my way in the middle of nowhere... purchasing spark plugs, oil, gas, filters and a battery (approx $200-$300??) and bringing my tools along I will need... how about I offer her 1000 and pay the 200 bucks to have it towed to my house. I've seen the truck in person one time. Everything is there on the truck. Engine looks good, interior is in very good condition. frame has surface rust but nothing out of the ordinary for a 1992... owner says engine runs fine and doesnt need anything else at this point but a paint job. How bout it? Because even if I do go out there with all my supplies (spending my 300) and the truck runs good, I will still need to get it towed back (costing me another 200). Worse case scenario- she lied and the engine is busted and I'm out 1000, but parting one of these things out would get me back at least half that right? The wheels on the thing are brand new goodyears! I'm about to just give myself an early bday present and do it...

 

I hope that this doesn't make me a horrible person....I think that you have a good idea offering her $1000 for it and have it towed back. It's obviously a roll of the dice, but like you said, you could probably make at least a few hundred back if it's a pile of monkey s---. If she's in the situation that you describe, then she will take any reasonable offer to not have to be reminded of her fiance by looking at it.

 

x2

I wouldn't buy anything for it until I owned it.

 

So I picked up my skirt and bought this beater for 1000 without seeing it start up. 92 f150 5.0 engine with 115k. Installed the battery and the electronics work fine. Changed the oil, air filter, antifreeze, added some gas and turn the key... ... and I get what sounds like a starter trying to turn over but no luck. I'll swap out the spark plugs tomorrow as it started to rain here. They look rusted in the wells pretty good. Just PB blaster on them? The body is primed for paint and is in good condition but the frame has some significant surface rust I'll be attacking shortly. Also replaced the flat tire... Any advice on how I can get this old girl to fire up is much appreciated. Thanks yall-
Matt

 

Just curious, how do you plan to handle the surface rust? Mine has a little and I am curious as to the best way to remove it and what can be done to prevent its return.

Thanks

 

just a big'ol strong wire brush to break it down and remove it. It's gonna take some time but I've got all summer. I've heard I should even take the truck bed off to get the entire frame. I also bought some of that spray that goes on the frame once it is clean to prevent it from coming back. Anybody concur? Is there a better way?

 

An angle grinder with a wire wheel is much easier and quicker than A wire brush for removing surface rust.