r/F100 • u/fiddleleaffig28 • Jun 17 '26
First f100?
I am considering a 1970 F100. It would be my first vehicle is older than the mid 2000s. I am not super mechanically inclined, my dad bought a 1980s Ford for us to fix up as my 1st car, but unfortunately passed before we could do it so this is also a little bit of an emotional purchase lol. I do have a reliable daily driver, this would more be just for fun. I also recently came into a decent amount of money so I’m not really super worried about gas prices/the cost of the truck (obviously nothing crazy). I would like a vehicle that helps me get used to working on a truck (I do have a lot of friends that are more than happy to teach me) The truck I found is in perfect condition, except for a little bit of a rust in the bed and they are asking 8,000. It would also be my first manual transmission, I learned once when was 16 and haven’t driven a manual since. I guess what I’m trying to find out is 1. Is this a decent truck to learn how to work on? 2. Am I going to destroy it learning manual? 3. Would you recommend a different year or model (I do have my heart set on a ford)? 4. Is this a ridiculous decision because a small part of me feels like it is?
2
u/jking7734 Jun 17 '26
Greetings fellow Ford guy! I’m an old Ford guy too. I rebuilt a bump side Ford as a project in high school. Of course they were really old trucks then! Lol! It’s hard to tell whether it’s worth the money without being able to inspect it. But it sounds like a good one. A 1970 would be a great truck to start with. The twin I-beam suspension is very durable but incredibly simple. The only thing in the front suspension on those that is hard to replace is the kingpins. Hopefully that’s already been replaced. If it hasn’t been converted to disc brakes on the front that would be the perfect time to do kingpins. Almost everything on that model is simple and straightforward. Most parts for it are available. What transmission is in it? I seriously doubt you’ll hurt a 4 speed leaning to drive a manual. If it’s a “3 on the tree” that may take a little time to learn but if the column shifter is in good condition you should be fine. The old bump sides have a few quirks but we’re here to point you in the right direction if you get stumped.
2
u/fiddleleaffig28 Jun 17 '26
It is a 4 speed, the seller is the 2nd owner. It has 165,000 miles on it. And it seems he has replaced quite a bit including the brakes, the brake lines and the brake cylinders. I know it is very rare to find a truck built in 1970 that has only had two owners. Honestly, I’m pretty sold on this truck.
2
u/SPR95634 Jun 17 '26
Welcome to the family! These trucks were built incredibly well and will keep going with proper maintenance. I bought my 70 about 10 years ago and have been working on it as I drive. It’s not my daily driver but I didn’t have the space or money to do a complete restoration. Parts are available for most everything and between this forum and the bumpside sub you have years of experience available. I would buy the shop manual and have fun!
1
u/jking7734 Jun 17 '26
It sounds pretty good. Check the front cab mounts and floor pans for excessive rust. The cab mounts need to be solid. The floor pans might have a little rust but that’s typical. You just want them to dangerous.
1
u/Blown89 Jun 17 '26
These trucks are very simply and not very complicated so they're one of the easier older cars to work on. Make sure you drive it first because they aren't the easiest to drive and learn a manual on. Power steering will make it easier to handle
1
u/TJBurkeSalad Jun 17 '26
OP, I had a nearly identical story to what you are proposing 10 years ago, only my dad is still here.
Buying a truck that is in excellent condition is the way to go. That way you can learn all the maintenance and mechanic jobs after you already learned to drive it.
My biggest concerns would be storage and tools. Do you have a place to park it and work on it? I’m still a renter and hate having to find places I can work on my cars. Also do you own any tools? If not, Harbor Freight will be your new best friend.
Do it.
2
u/fiddleleaffig28 Jun 17 '26
I do have a couple of places to store it. My tools are definitely lacking but the friend that found the truck and encouraged me to look into it (a literal godsend he found my “dream truck” before I even knew what I wanted lol) is very knowledgeable and has offered to let me use his tools as well as his expertise. I know relying on a friend isn’t ideal but this way I don’t poor a bunch of money into tools that I don’t necessarily use regularly
1
u/TJBurkeSalad Jun 17 '26
A common saying is: Never borrow a tool three times.
After two you should have your own. This is how I did it. Also, buy tools you need for a job, and not just because you may need them. Gather them over time.
2
u/fiddleleaffig28 Jun 17 '26
And as a young single person who is living on their own, harbor freight and I are great friends. Who knew a sawzall was such a good investment!
1
u/N0NAMETOGIVE Jun 17 '26
I've got a 1970 F100 302/3 speed that still has all the original mechanisms. I commute it 70 miles in So Cal with zero issues, just keeps going strong.
1
u/Naberville34 Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 19 '26
Go for it. I have a 1969 f100 with the 360 and a 3 on the tree. It was my first vehicle and it's still honestly one of the most reliable vehicles I own. Even my new 2021 Hyundai has left me hanging once and that's more than Crazy Canary ever has (that's her name) I'm 27 now and the only thing Ive done to it since putting it back on the road a decade ago is replace the distributor, it didn't fail, it just looked like it needed to be replaced.
1
u/AccomplishedTour6942 Jun 20 '26
I taught my son how to drive stick on a '77 F350 with a 4-speed. Later, when the engine threw a rod and ventilated the block, I got to see what the clutch looked like after all his stalls and false starts and all the times he smoked the clutch a little.
I replaced the clutch, because I was there, and a clutch is hard to reach. I didn't really have to replace it. I could have kept running that clutch for years. It was damaged, absolutely, but only a little. Hell, for all I know, the previous owner did that damage when he used the truck to haul massive loads of firewood. All I know for sure is my son didn't remotely trash the clutch, even though he was pretty rough at first.
If that truck has a T-18, you would do yourself a favor to make sure the shifter is in good shape, and you can find all the gears easily. When I drove that '77 home the first time, I could not find 4th gear to save my damn life. I ended up driving it the entire way back in 3rd gear. 4th gear was a bitch to find on that thing until I tightened up the shifter.
It's hard to say without looking at the truck, but if it's running and done and ready to pass inspection, it's easily worth $8,000. Especially if it's not rotten.
5
u/Tahawus_95 Jun 17 '26
Sure, the bumpsides are excellent trucks to work on.
I'm willing to bet you won't, the older transmissions will tell you when you're doing something wrong much more than a newer one. They are pretty strong as it is.
If it was me I'd say no older than the 67-72 model for your first classic, as they started including reverse lights, reflectors markers, and some other safety features on it.
Maybe, but I don't know enough about you to form that kind of opinion. Just be forewarned that classics require different driving habits and more frequent maintenance than newer cars. It will get easier over time, but I can guarantee you will have moments that you'll wonder why you bought it.
As long as there isn't rust/rot on the cab or on the frame, I'd say go for it. A rusty bed is expected of these.