Well, I went and looked at the truck again, started her up, drove it up and down the road a few times. I didn't have time for a real test drive, but I spent maybe 5 minutes with the engine running.
My observations:
It doesn't have power windows or locks. I don't know why I thought it did, but they are the old-fashioned kind. That's fine with me.
It starts right away. After waiting the requisite 10 seconds or so, it turns over quickly without cranking too hard. Good sign.
It seems to shift smoothly, although I have no experience with whatever auto tranny Ford put in these things. No jerkiness or clunking or whatever.
The vinyl seat is uncomfortable. The springs are fine, but the cushioning isn't very good. I could probably put a cushion underneath or something.
I like it more than I did yesterday.
The hubcaps are about as unimportant as anything else could be. I plan to take them off anyway, and if they are really worth anything, maybe I'll sell the good one. It has a spare tire and wheel, which looks to be in good shape, but the rear tires aren't so hot. The front ones look alright, though.
Tomorrow I'm taking her for a real test drive (already have a route planned, including some 65mph highway driving, a city street, and some of the dirt roads near my house). I'll also try to have a mechanic look at the tranny and the turbo (the things I know the least about) and the suspension (I've never had to work with a twin-traction beam before).
After that, if things go well, I'll be a proud new member of the diesel club!
My observations:
It doesn't have power windows or locks. I don't know why I thought it did, but they are the old-fashioned kind. That's fine with me.
It starts right away. After waiting the requisite 10 seconds or so, it turns over quickly without cranking too hard. Good sign.
It seems to shift smoothly, although I have no experience with whatever auto tranny Ford put in these things. No jerkiness or clunking or whatever.
The vinyl seat is uncomfortable. The springs are fine, but the cushioning isn't very good. I could probably put a cushion underneath or something.
I like it more than I did yesterday.
The hubcaps are about as unimportant as anything else could be. I plan to take them off anyway, and if they are really worth anything, maybe I'll sell the good one. It has a spare tire and wheel, which looks to be in good shape, but the rear tires aren't so hot. The front ones look alright, though.
Tomorrow I'm taking her for a real test drive (already have a route planned, including some 65mph highway driving, a city street, and some of the dirt roads near my house). I'll also try to have a mechanic look at the tranny and the turbo (the things I know the least about) and the suspension (I've never had to work with a twin-traction beam before).
After that, if things go well, I'll be a proud new member of the diesel club!
