[jaybow]

I have been lurking in these parts for some time now, and the more I read, the more I find myself wanting one of these trucks. Weird, huh? I've never owned a diesel truck but want one for pulling (my current truck is really a car truck and couldn't pull a log out of the woods).

I found an 84 F250, which would fit my needs perfectly. Only thing I'm worried about is the rust. The bed is no big deal, I can replace that easily, but the cab has some spots where there are small holes, about the size of a silver dollar coin, in the corners of the door area.

My ultimate goal is to someday recondition the body, but I don't know much about rust on the cab. Am I better off waiting for another one without the rust and not having to recondition?

The current owner is the original owner and has only 100K miles on it. He's got records of all repairs and maintenance, which he's done plenty to it. The only thing currently wrong is the rear tank leaks. Other than that, everything is in good working order. Oh yeah, I talked him down to $900 for it. I'd have about $1500 at my disposal to put into it, if needed.

On start-up, once the GP light goes out (5-7 secs), it takes a few cranks to get'er started. Once it's up to temp. she runs great.

 

[dieseltrucker]

Heck, you can't go wrong.Body parts are plentiful in the southern states as the drivelines give out long before the bodies.Once you own one,you will be hooked.I have both a powerstroke and a 6.9L, I really enjoy using the old girl.These guys on this site can help you with anything.

 

[CDX825]

Sounds pretty good for $900. If thats all the rust then sounds like a good find. I would go for it!

 

[icanfixall]

You need to find out if the block is the early one. If so pass on it because they tend to crack around the block heater area and really don't repair well at all. The numbers you need to know are stamped into the top front drivers side near the coolant temp sender. Sorry I don't have the numbers... Lost them here on the desk somewhere... Probably those darn gnomes again.:icon_wink:

 

[CDX825]

Blocks did not change over till mid 85 I believe it was. Just don't use the stock block heater. If your in an area that gets cold get an external block heater. Tank type or lower radiator hose.

 

[BoostFiend]

sounds like a good deal. I think if you throw some new glow plugs in it will probably start up quicker.

I got 316k on my 84 btw.

 

[jaybow]

Rust

I guess I'm more worried about the rust than the rest of the truck. Is restoring rust and holes more trouble than it's worth? Is there a cheap and easy patch job that can be done and then painted or is there more to rust that I should know? I don't need a show truck, just a truck that'll look decent and work well for me.

Thanks for all your advice. I've been reading this forum like crazy lately and I am very impressed with the way guys/gals have helped one another out. If I do get this truck, I'll know I have a lot of information at my fingertips, when I need it.

 

[CDX825]

If its not rusted out in allot of places then it should be no problem to fix. Replacement body panels are easy to find for these trucks.

 

[jaybow]

Took the plunge

Well, I bought the truck. I can't believe I'm jazzed up about a 24yr. old truck that needs some work. I love the 4-speed and foot switch for high beams. Now I'll be diving in to begin the mods that will be needed. I'm sure sooner or later I'll be posting here with many questions...first time diesel owner...:lol:

 

[WhiteGardens]

Good luck Jaybow, and make sure you have fun with it. :thumbsup:

 

[arthurgoboom]

To stop things from rusting you really need to cut out all of the rusty metal, get to fresh new metal. There are several different repair techniques for holes. You can weld in patches behind the hole you cut out, or glue in a patch panel, or use fiberglass mesh and resin to fill the hole. After that you'd use some body filler to bring it back level with the existing panel, then prime and paint. At minimum you'd need a cut-off saw of some sort, and tools to work with body filler.

JC Whitney has weld-in replacement body panels that are pre-shaped, popular ones are rocker panels (along bottom of door) and rear corner of the cab. You cut out your old one, use a flanging tool to bend a tab down, and lay the new panel in place and weld or glue it in place, then cover the joint with filler and paint it. I'm sure other places have these as well, it pays to shop around.

 

[magnumgladius]

My opinion on the rust... it's a 24 year old diesel pickup. It just gives the old girl some character. I had an 83 for a while and loved it.

 

[jaybow]

To stop things from rusting you really need to cut out all of the rusty metal, get to fresh new metal. There are several different repair techniques for holes. You can weld in patches behind the hole you cut out, or glue in a patch panel, or use fiberglass mesh and resin to fill the hole. After that you'd use some body filler to bring it back level with the existing panel, then prime and paint. At minimum you'd need a cut-off saw of some sort, and tools to work with body filler.

JC Whitney has weld-in replacement body panels that are pre-shaped, popular ones are rocker panels (along bottom of door) and rear corner of the cab. You cut out your old one, use a flanging tool to bend a tab down, and lay the new panel in place and weld or glue it in place, then cover the joint with filler and paint it. I'm sure other places have these as well, it pays to shop around.

The rear corner of the cab is exactly where it's rusting. I am a little nervous about doing any body work, but I think I may just give it a whack some day and see how I do. I don't want a show truck, but one without rust would suit me just fine too. Awesome tips. I had no idea that someone could cut out part of the cab and then replace it. I was worried that I was going to have to replace the whole cab. I feel better already.

 

[jaybow]

Good luck Jaybow, and make sure you have fun with it. :thumbsup:

Agreed, a must! First thing I did when I drove it home is pick up my faithful dog (German Shepherd) and took him for a drive. I think he prefers the view of the full size truck vs. my little Toyota; that and the extra room for him to stretch out on a long drive keeps him comfy. I think he gave me a paws up on this one.:lol:

 

[clem]

Well, I bought the truck. I can't believe I'm jazzed up about a 24yr. old truck that needs some work. I love the 4-speed and foot switch for high beams. Now I'll be diving in to begin the mods that will be needed. I'm sure sooner or later I'll be posting here with many questions...first time diesel owner...:lol:

Thats a good buy! I had 327K on mine when I sold it 5 yrs ago and it's still hauling wood.The only issue I had was the Injector pump needed rebuilt at 150K.

 

[arthurgoboom]

CAB CORNER REPAIR PANELS : JC Whitney: Auto Parts & Accessories

 

[mross43]

Congrats! If you would have waited to find a truck from the 80's without rust, you might have been waiting for awhile. I've got a back seat full of repair panels waiting to go into my truck that I got from LMC Truck. It would be good to try to stop the rust now, as a quarter sized hole will quickly eat away the entire corner. I have seen some info about using special adhesives made to bond body panels, if welding isn't an option. I have delayed fixing my floor for years, and now have a 12" hole.