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Wanna go back in time


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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Dec 18, 2015, 2:35 AM

Post #26 of 45 (1667 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

Links to pics only please. Let the museum which I didn't click on to see if it worked at all go for the time. Links almost always are ads too contracting any here that pay for the site - when it doubt, don't just relay the info.
Back to your objective and fun to talk antique for me but this spot only what really applies to vehicles and yes Bake-Lite was used in vehicles as well but not ones you are going to be dealing with so far.
We once were at choosing a model year that seemed best. It's been mentioned already for trucks. Choose a company. Just IMO so called Asian trucks were particularly subject to rust horrors - any can they seemed more vulnerable.
The truck world to me and think you would be the "Big Three" as we might call it. I'd personally choose GM or Certain Fords over Dodge/Mopar but what counts most now well used is the condition when you find what you like. I'd look for and do less alloys and plastics in engine or underhood items as much as possible till you move way up in model years.
Late 80s, early 90s still need to pick and choose drivetrains you can like. Don't expect tons of power on any no matter the engines by now looking for durability and dependability. IMO always as I can't say what you plain like if it was new, but would lean towards 1/2 ton, fewest toys a tougher hunt as the super plain trucks are more likely to have been purchase new to work with and the loaded up ones (plenty of those) more for folks who needed a truck but didn't really want to drive it a lot without the toys - PW, PDL, Cruise control, sound systems, leather (personally I don't like) but doesn't really last as well over time and think good vinyl was phasing out.
6 or 8 cyl engine by preference good and not so good of either. IMO automatic trans and non 4X4. Reason is manual shifts are in the way for a center passenger and if driven by someone not real good at them harder on the vehicle. 4X4 is great but complicates the vehicle and for driving alone if conditions are that lousy drive something else that day. Trucks plain suk in slippery conditions being too light in the rear without purposely adding weight and you will if you want to drive it in snow and ice or hills with that too are a nightmare. You should want real mud/snow tires to take off for off season.
Start choosing what you can and can't tolerate for you and see what is out there,


T



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Dec 18, 2015, 3:15 AM

Post #27 of 45 (1662 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

I bet there is a couple people here that have used one of these. I know I have.







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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Dec 18, 2015, 4:30 AM

Post #28 of 45 (1654 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

Hey - Those designers were a picked up by AMC for their neat ideas!...........

T


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Dec 18, 2015, 4:55 AM

Post #29 of 45 (1648 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

It was Chrysler products that used that system.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Discretesignals
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Dec 18, 2015, 5:19 AM

Post #30 of 45 (1641 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

Had one just like this one. It can be made to look really nice IMO. I've always been a truck kind of person. Trucks seems to hold up fairly well if you take care of them. To me fuel injection is so much more user friendly then carbs, but to each his own.






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(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Dec 18, 2015, 5:21 AM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Dec 18, 2015, 5:59 AM

Post #31 of 45 (1629 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

That exact truck should do well just use if used easier wheels or cheaper plain steel. Yes, injection even early took wild headaches out of later carbs were all junk and mostly impossible plus very costly.
Keep in mind as well that if used the fuel we buy is always going to change. Carbed anything isn't going to like it up to ruin them.
******************
HT - Yes I knew it was a Mopar great shifter idea. Didn't most fail under warranty just 12,000 miles and also put some on steering wheels?
Buick only I think put reverse on automatics last after low gear which was a surprise as they were the only ones!
Old you could pull ignition key out while running by design so you could open the trunk or any reason? Fine but not with any other failure or a person bumping shifter into gear.
Plenty of real dumb idea got out there.


OP - You didn't own you fav and mine too '66 Bird long enough to know where it failed. Wipers were hydraulic and if PS belt even got wet from a puddle wipers quit right then too. No steering, can't see at the same time even with a good belt properly tensioned. It just directed road sprayed puddle water at the belts - guess a shield would solve that I never did added one and just put up with it.
Vaccuum actuated locks and trunk releases and rear package shelf vents even wipers on a few into later 60s even for wipers.
Where are you going find the motor or parts now for that?


Go truck,


T


oldschool
User

Dec 18, 2015, 7:44 AM

Post #32 of 45 (1624 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

 

Thats kinda wild where the 66 T-Bird could lose wipers and power steering in the rain ! I had mine for about one year. Would have kept it except moved to Hawaii.

Yes a truck sounds good....durability and dependability works for me.

Stickshift is rough on my old shoulder injury so Automatic is best for me. Smaller is OK so 1/2 ton sounds good.

I would look for a 6 cyl or smaller 8 cyl since fuel economy is more important than power, as my driving is mainly just going around town. I may never need 4x4 but if it is already there, its OK with me. Can be good to have FWD in winter snow..

I've been away from new England for decades, but I do remember boosting traction by loading the trunk or bed with weights, and yeah I do recall seeing those rusted out asian trucks.

Good to know those things regarding about carbs vs fuel injection and fuel quality....thanks all !

Havent seen a push button shifter in a long time...heh.

What year (or years series) is that F-150 in the pic D S posted?

Thanks again !!!!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Dec 18, 2015, 9:05 AM

Post #33 of 45 (1618 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

OK - Forget the T-Bird stuff.
Truck & Year - Let DS say as I'm not sure - many appeared similar for a while.
Again:
* 1/2 ton plain rides better and easier.
* Truck at all will have parts much longer than cars. Lots longer to even Chinese made body parts common to rust out.
* Engines? Don't expect excellent fuel economy on any so you want durable or should. IDK - I've like the small block V8s. Ford might have hung on to a strong "straight six 4.9L" wasn't bad IMO. If any huge blocks like in C.I.D. like 460 (Fords) - 454 (GMs) you are just wasting gas unless a lot older.
* Traction? Hey, no 2WD pickups are good when no load. Your call if you go for this and I own one empty that really suks when in 2X4 open bed bitch is it fills with snow then a block of ice slams around. Get a cover that you can easily remove if used as a truck and keep weight dry. I've used bagged rock chips, strong bagged tube sand or something you would use anyway that doesn't fly around back there. I personally leave it and shovel it out now as any "stuff" for weight freezes in place harder to impossible to take out if needed for using it as a damn truck again. The lockable caps you see do wreck visibility backing up badly.
Think about headlight type too. Plastic near always goes a bit foggy and nothing I've tried makes them new again and any can break and are a few bucks. Sealed beams are less light new but tons easier to just replace and cheap. They make exact fit very bright sealed beams by Sylvania named now "Performance" once "Xtra-Vision" - ask or Google out what is current. All my own are sealed beams with performance lighting and it does help. Not an alteration, exact fit stuff.


Start looking. GM's 4.3 seemed good to me for a V6. Ford 5.0 good block and OK on fuel too. Both are old iron engines made for the requirements for model year.
My choice would be the truck DS posted too, automatic only, 5.0 and no A/C if could be found just easier as they soon quit real vent windows and floor vents even on now old trucks!


Get looking. Pics from ads should show directly then expire later with just a copy/paste if your device does it that way?


Tom


oldschool
User

Dec 18, 2015, 4:33 PM

Post #34 of 45 (1612 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

 

Edmunds and wikipedia both have plenty of details for me to sift through.
Wikipedia especially has more details.

I see the F150 body style in the pic DS posted is Eighth generation (1987–91).

Based solely on looks I certainly could live with that, or Ninth generation (1992–96), or Tenth generation (1997–2003).

Of course the Seventh generation (1980–86) catches my eye, but I guess I'd be inviting more parts available issues than the newer generations.

Before shopping locally, I will be visiting my friend in Encinitas in February so maybe I should get a less rusty truck there and drive it back.

Thanks again all !!!!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 18, 2015, 9:27 PM

Post #35 of 45 (1604 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

Agree 87-91 on drivetrain and generation before on body. No late carbs!
Something tells me you aren't going to find OE non A/C from new easily. No problem just if there I'd want it working and a conversion to 134a expected by now.
Long term out lack of plastic lens headlights, real bumpers, no air bags are going to help. One bench seat not frilled up easier for a redo big time later for upholstery.
It's your call all around always.
Now you seem to have some years chosen go phantom looking for parts like rocker panels, body metal partial panels (not made that way) where it can rust.
A thought on whatever you get long run and in a Maine or Northern Environment. Was in Sanford, ME I think (family in Maine now tad more inland) and a line of trucks at a propane filling place guy had that spray on bedliner done on lower body parts and OE color painted over it. It's wrinkly but down low and looked dang good still lack of even chips from bad roads said 3rd year like that and liked it,


T


oldschool
User

Dec 19, 2015, 10:39 AM

Post #36 of 45 (1598 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

On craigslist, 8th gen F150 sellers are bragging about their straight six 4.9L. One guy calls it "tough as nails". So yeah the straight six 4.9L is available in 8th gen.

If the small V8 is similar in mpg to the six cylinder, I'll have more to choose from rather than looking only for the 6 cyl models.




Quote
"Agree 87-91 on drivetrain and generation before on body. No late carbs! "



Thanks. I'll be checking San Diego craigslist for 7th and 8th gen, both, initially anyhow. I like the looks of 7th gen 1980-1986.. IDK, maybe more practically, focusing on 8th gen 87-91 is wiser? Daily driver, and all.

I imagine I will see various re-powered, restored etc but ya never know how well done...could cause future headaches. I bet I'm better off finding one in original condition or close to original.

Roger on the bedliner or undercoating. Wrinkly black surface on lower panels looks good IMO especially compared to the chipped/nicked/rusting alternative. Undercoating a solid Calif find will be well worth the effort IMO.

The wikipedia page mentions some changes and improvements made each year in each generation. It helps narrow searching to a certain year, where advisable.

Wikipedia 8th gen excerpt:

Quote
In a move to further update the F-Series engine lineup, the 4.9 L inline-6 was converted to fuel injection for 1987. A year later, Ford became the first pickup truck manufacturer to sell a non-carbureted engine lineup as the 5.0 L V8 and 5.8 L V8 and 7.5 L V8 also gained fuel injection.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Dec 19, 2015, 11:32 AM

Post #37 of 45 (1595 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

OK - either engine IMO fine just no carbs. The small block is based on the concepts of original Windsor small block Ford V8s. FYI and doesn't matter, 5.0 is a 302inch, and 5.8 is a 351inch displacement. At a glance some things look identical but are not.


Note on the bed liner stuff: AYOR as I haven't used it as a bed liner just mentioned one I saw and was told that was used UNDER paint but could be left alone I guess?


California adds a twist: The Southern CA vehicles are usually the most rust and damage free of any place I can think of. Even many years ago CA had different emissions standards so parts can and will be different on many things for the engine. If you find a real nice one stickers under hood should say it meets CA and Federal standards or maybe not but recall folks who moved there altering their vehicles before they could get tags and be all legal for CA.


You didn't ask but you know San Diego and Maine is as far as you can get to drive it home. Your call but would check it out fully and professionally if driving is even considered or just anyway.


Personally I'd ship it, well insured and take some agony (for me it would) of a long trip or a breakdown any vehicle could have along the way but worse if older for parts if just that getting that fixed on the way!


Hey - you are a Mainer now so have to tell you I'm joking but tried to drive a car home from Hawaii and dammit just couldn't find the bridge, tunnel or anything!


Good luck while in CA if only a look around at what's there. BTW, they are back East as well already just harder to find already here,


T



oldschool
User

Dec 19, 2015, 5:28 PM

Post #38 of 45 (1588 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

Thanks TG !
I appreciate the education ! Didnt know about carbs vs injection.

Yes I'd ship it to Maine, or pay someone to make sure its ready to drive cross country. San Diego to Hancock is about the longest route possible (3277 mi by one estimate). Maybe drive part way across and ship the rest. Never seen Grand Canyon.

Nice trucks on San Diego craigslist.
Examples:



Quote
1996 Ford F-150 XL short bed truck. The truck is all original and in good working condition. No problems at all. It has never been in an accident and still has the original paint on it. 5.0 V8 engine in perfect condition, no leaks. Just passed smog 3 weeks ago on its first try. Runs very smooth and strong. Clean title. I no longer use it because I bought a new F150. Asking $2,500.


and...


Quote
1986 very rare F150 short bed in absolute MINT near showroom condition, all options for year installed, 5.0FI engine with C6 auto OD transmission, PW, PDL, PS, PDB, cold AC, everything works as designed except cruise control. Pictures do show actual mint condition, not a speck of rust, no trades cash only. No offers below $9500. Documented service of 110k miles.


one more


Quote
Selling Clean Title 1984 F150. Condition is like non other. Best one out there. Check out the photos and see for yourself its amazing quality.

Power Windows and Locks
Stereo
Sunroof
New Springs,Shocks, Brake Lines, Bushings
Aftermarket Wheels and Tires
New Seats, New Steering Wheel
Interior condition is cleaner than any car.
$6800 obo


I'd grab that "1986 very rare F150 short bed in absolute MINT" today if could...

Others will be for sale by the time I get there.
Truckin around in So Cal will be fun.


.

Quote
Hey - you are a Mainer now so have to tell you I'm joking but tried to drive a car home from Hawaii and dammit just couldn't find the bridge, tunnel or anything!


Maybe why Hawaii is free of snakes and tigers.

One summer in the 30s Bar Harbor Lobstermen were puzzled.... (to say the least) ...(they might imbibe a tad for warmth while fishing) ...by seeing zebra, monkeys and giraffes on the nearby islands.....

A German ship carrying a circus had foundered on the rocky coast in a gale. Before getting in the lifeboats, the keepers had opened the cages to give their pets a chance.


(This post was edited by oldschool on Dec 19, 2015, 6:14 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 19, 2015, 7:18 PM

Post #39 of 45 (1568 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

Long thread already. Said somewhere later carbs suk.
Ads tend to sound good but you gotta see the things and if all looks good bring it for a check pre-purchase. Tricks on body repair fakes are using a magnet like the credit card ones you may get in the mail or similar and they should stick to areas where rust would be suggesting just bondo is there.
Look hard a door rubber and vent window rubber.
Another trick: Open doors part way and lift up at latch end. See how bad hinges are worn that way or paint missing where they were adjusted. Eh - some wear is normal, tons is lack of care and if not rusted at pillar where hinges are not too bad to fix. It's some welded GM ones that suk.
The one with sunroof I'd worry as they didn't come OE.
Nothing like checking them out in person. Ask to be first if at all possible with stone cold engine from overnite and see how fast either gauge reads oil pressure or oil light goes out with first start. Good clue of healthy engine and not ticks that quiet out as it warms.
It's a long way from home and no warranty on used so take your time checking everything hard. Of all things you have to like it and may find you don't just in a short test run!
You are getting there,


T



oldschool
User

Dec 19, 2015, 8:37 PM

Post #40 of 45 (1563 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

Thanx much T G !!

All your advice will be followed.
My Encinitas friend has old cars himself, and he has reliable mechanics.

Amazing old cars they have around there. He is from Marblehead himself.
He and I worked in yacht restoration there back in the 70s.


oldschool
User

Dec 19, 2015, 8:49 PM

Post #41 of 45 (1562 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

OK apologies for long thread now.

Appreciate all members helpful input.

Will get back later when have something more substantial.

Appreciate all.


(This post was edited by oldschool on Dec 19, 2015, 9:12 PM)


oldschool
User

Dec 19, 2015, 9:20 PM

Post #42 of 45 (1555 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

thanks kev2


your post was also plenny helpful



oldschool
User

Dec 19, 2015, 9:31 PM

Post #43 of 45 (1554 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

 


Quote
Not me................ I'm not living in the past.




Sorry if mis-understood Hammer Time.

Not meant to live in past but to appreciate good things from the past.


oldschool
User

Dec 19, 2015, 9:42 PM

Post #44 of 45 (1553 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

All members here have been most helpful.

Thanks so much !!!

Old school


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Dec 20, 2015, 6:36 AM

Post #45 of 45 (1541 views)
  post locked   Re: Wanna go back in time  

You're welcome

Closing thread as solved now to keep spammers out.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







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