looking at a 79 f150 stepside 4x4. been sitting for about 3 years. 351 mod. auto, motor redone about 20000 miles ago but been sitting. interior needs redone, tires and other little things. body fair not much rust but bed is wood and has to be replaced. anything special to look for. what do you think would be a fair price for this project?

 

Is this a shortbed flareside? If so this would be a pretty rare find.

Sounds like a good start on a project. What are you willing to spend?

 

I had a similar truck, same engine, 4 spd. except it was longbed and not stepside. I have replaced rusted out sections of brake lines on nearly every truck I've owned, something to check for safety, and not hard to fix with a double flare took kit and sections of line from the auto parts store. They are great trucks, I would never have parted with mine had I not needed a Supercab to haul the family.
$1,000 - $1,500 would probably be fair.

 

Rust problems to look for.

Inner fenders where the hood hinges are.
Rad support at frame mount
front and rear cab mounts
Inner rockers (they are not available and would have to be made from scratch)
drip rail (the piece of metal that sticks out from the top of the cab right above the windshield) This is also not available and easiest way to properly fix is a with a good donor cab.

How long has it sat? 2 months? 6 months? 2 years?
See if motor turns over by hand first than change oil check plugs check/replace all other fluids than try to start. If it has sat to long fuel might be gummed up in carb and would need a rebuild.

Great truck and hope it all works out.

 

great info i hope to look at it tonight. yes it's a stepside.been sitting for about 3 years.

 

went and looked at it. it does need work.but sloid old truck. rockers are good as is the inner fenders , doors, just one crack and rusty spot on the passenger finder. tail gate has to be repaired. floor pan rusted out but replaced with new metal, a few dents on the passenger side nothing to bad, going today to see if i can get it started, 351 mod auto, different rearend and he says it will nlt go in 4x4 because of that? if i can i will put up pics later.

 

Maybe he has mismatched gear ratios in his axles?

I'd be hesitant

 

Do not quote me on this but if it is just a gear mismatch you should be able to drive forward or reverse straight on dirt with little problems. Turning is where the gear mismatch really comes into play.

Again I could be totally wrong here but that has always been my mindset.

 

thats what i was thinking it should at least go into 4x4 but not pull right. was still going to try for it but the guy changed his mind, wants more for it, still have not hear it run or move! so right now it doesn't look like i will get it. just keep looking.

 

um the mismatched gear ratios are front and rear, not spyder gear mismatch. So in 4x4 the front would turn faster or slower than the front and it would tear the weakest link apart. Maybe the transfer case or differentials