1971 F350

[JJZ 109]

Spotted this on the local CL: Dump Truck - 71 Ford F350
Debating whether to go look it over and make an offer. Not all that serious about it at the moment. My uses would be fairly limited, maybe a load of gravel to touch up the driveway now and then or maybe to pull my 6x12 dump trailer with a Bobcat S185. Again, that would be very sporadic also. Then I wouldn't have to unhook my '97 F Super Duty bucket truck from the business trailer that it tows every day.
Of course if I go over and look at it I'll wear work clothes and crawl under to check out the frame and then have him raise the box to get a peek at the hydraulics, etc. Any other suggestions on what to look for?
How about some opinions on pricing and if the truck would do the job for me? Thanks all!

 

[Diamondpilot]

That price is insane. My neighborhood bought a 76 F700 with a 391 for $1800. He also bought a 78 Chevy C60 with a 350 for $1500. These trucks are cheap in my area.


Both of the ones he bought run, drive, dump, ect.

Chris

 

[crazyal]

1 tons seam to go for more money that the larger trucks. My guess is that the insurance scares people off. I got my 2 1/2 ton 4wd International for $800 simply because it had air brakes and it had to be insured as a commercial vehicle. I was looking for an old 4wd 1 ton but everything I found (early 70s) was $5k or more or was so rusty the frame was about to break.

It's hard to tell if that rust is just surface rust or a real issue. If you do decide to look at it check it over for rust real well. Once they get that old things like seals go. The last thing you want is to be breaking off every nut and bolt each time you have to replace a part.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Around here we put farm plates and insurance on them. Its dirt cheap.

Chris

 

[JJZ 109]

That price is insane. My neighborhood bought a 76 F700 with a 391 for $1800. He also bought a 78 Chevy C60 with a 350 for $1500. These trucks are cheap in my area.


Both of the ones he bought run, drive, dump, ect.

Chris

It is the Northeast Chris. Everything seems to have a crazy price, especially used trailers. Like I said, just kind of kicking the can around. Thought I'd get some opinions before I made the 25 mile drive to look at it.
After checking up further on the local CL, Al seems to be right. There are some bigger dumps for sale for the same or very little more money. I've got a Class A CDL if needed, but the bottom line is they're just way too much truck for what I'd do with them.
Thanks for the advice and opinions Chris & Al.

 

[cockeyedMFer]

I had a few 67-72 Fords and they're pretty straightforward trucks. Typical PTO hydraulics and running gear. Not a lot of weight carrying capacity. IIRC the front end uses kingpins so check for wobble. Disc brakes up front were an option but not common. Cabs are tighter than later trucks and the seating position is less comfortable. Also look closely at the rear spring hangers. They tend to hold dirt and moisture and rust badly, or crack from stress. Ford used the design up into the 90's which is surprising and sad at the same time.

 

[JJZ 109]

From my days working for a blacktop outfit almost 30 years ago, I sure don't remember our 5 yard dump trucks being that small. I wonder how this dude calculated that figure in such a small truck?

 

[paulharvey]

With the board sides im sure it physically is 5 yards. Now, no way it will haul 5 cy of dirt, rock, or asphalt; would brake in half. 5 cy of brush, or maybe dried manure.
8 ft x 6 ft x 3 ft =5.333 cy

 

[cockeyedMFer]

at 1.5 tons per yard of gravel, that's 7.5 tons! You might do that once or twice with the F350 though

 

[sld]

Price may seem high to some, but if it works like it should and you need it, it's only 2900 bucks......I like those old Fords.