Cutless009

I currently have two trucks and I am having a hard time deciding which one to put money into next.

1988 F-150 XLT Lariat Regular Cab w/ 8' Bed, 4.9L I6, and Manual Transmission
Big Bertha has around 45K original miles but it has sat in the sun most of it's life and it was a northern vehicle until recently. That being said there is a ton of paint fade, quite a bit of rust, and the frame really needs to be treated in order to preserve her before she gets beyond saving.

She is a sentimental truck, and while honestly not worth the money it would take to get her looking at a good long life again, I intend to do just that. She's a good work truck, and all of the mechanics are good on her. Right now she has a leaking fuel filter, some kind of problem in the front end that keeps locking up the steering, and she needs at least one new motor mount (I'm pretty sure both are shot).

She is bone stock and has never been modified.


2005 F-150 FX4 Super Crew w/ 5.4l 3v
Black Betty has 89,650 miles on her and has recently been repaired to good working order (thank God for warranties). She is my daily driver and runs well. The 5.5' bed is not as functional as Big Bertha's 8' bed, but she is more comfortable to drive and since I serve as the driver for lunch most days at work it gives people plenty of room to ride, even if five of us go.

The only things wrong with her are she needs one of her COPs replaced, and new boots all around. She also has some dings in the paint, some of which have just started to rust and should be easy to repair.

Currently the only modifications Black Betty has is a 2.5" lift in the front and some 20x9 +20mm American Racing Ribelle wheels.



The Question
Now the purpose of this thread is, which truck should I put my money into first? I have a decent chunk of change to throw at one of these trucks, but I am not currently capable of doing any work myself due to a recent back injury.

If I put the money toward Big Bertha (1988) she will get:

• Mechanical Repairs (Steering, Fuel Filter, Engine Mounts, AC Service)
• New Headlights (Hazed over, no light)
• New Tail Lights (Hazed over, nearly invisible even at night)
• New Plate Lights (vanity)
• New Chrome Grill (vanity)
• New Stainless Steel Mirrors (vanity)
• Driven On A Regular Basis (second daily driver)

If I put the money toward Black Betty (2005), she will get:

• A Lift (I am currently undecided)
• A Tuner
• A Bed Liner
• A Tonneu Cover

I'm so torn as to which one to throw the money at right now. I really love both trucks equally. Anyone have any suggestions?



Big Bertha



Black Betty

lewissa81

I say split the money. Save Big Bertha's frame and get the steering fixed. That way she'll still be around when you're back on your feet. Use what's left to fix Black Betty.

WIF-150

My vote is the 05, thats a nice looking truck. But I do have a soft spot for the 4.9 5 speed manual combo. Grew up with those and they are great motors, always liked straight six motors.

djfllmn

iTrader: (1)

i say split the difference between the two

Cutless009

Splitting between the two leaves me with two half-way trucks. I'd rather get one done all the way.

Any other thoughts from the other great guys on the forum?

Bossgame

I say build up that 88. I love to see an old truck still kicking. Your 05 looks really nice. Bring that old girl back to life. That's what I would do at least!

Manuellabour247

Save the 88. 4.9's seem to be rare around where I'm at. While I prefer the newer body style to the 80's, I can't see letting a reliable truck waste away from rust. Bring the old girl back to life and let her shine.

Cutless009

I think I agree with you guys. I think Big Bertha deserves a new lease on life. I'll start with the mechanical fixes and go from there. I was kind of leaning that way myself, but hearing that other people would start there as well has really tipped it for me. Thanks guys.

Bossgame

Good choice man.

Cutless009

Well the old bird is in the shop. Nervously waiting to hear what he mechanic says the damage is going to be to get her road worthy again. I'm hoping the frame isn't rusted too much and I have enough budget left over to get the underside done at least. Body damage can be repaired, but if the frame is rusted through she'll be a goner!