LTB...first project truck for my daughter

[Haggis]

Here's the dealo. My daughter is really interested in starting a "vintage" truck project for her first ride. Nothing fancy, just a beater with a little class added to it. Think of a ride that is a couple of steps up from rat rod here. She's into older iron and doesn't care if its two or four wheel drive. Since she's been hanging in the garage with me and helping turn wrenches on our rigs she's getting itchy to turn some wrenches on her own ride. She's got money set aside to pay for it so she's chomping at the bit.

Now she's been an excellent daughter lately, scoring big grades, landing internships and generally kicking high school butt with her scholastic performance so I've decide to surprise her with buying a starter vehcile for her. She can use her saved money for upgrades and insurance not to mention the gas to run it. Those that know us, don't mention this to Allison, it will be a surprise. Plus it will take her greedy eyes of my flamed 68 Buick sitting forlornly in the garage.

While i'm keping an eye out locally here it I though I'd widen the net abit with a post here. So this is what I'm looking for....

*early 60s to early 80s pickup, either 2 or 4wd that has a solid body and frame, preferrably Chevy, Ford or Dodge as they are the easiest to find parts and reproduction bits for. Sure a Stude or something more exotic would be sweet but the costs would get prohibitory for her. This will be her project and she'll be doing the work after all. Plus I have rims for Dodges and Ford so she wouldn't have to purchase those
*Drivetrain prefereneces would be a straight six for the cool factor and an auto tranny.
*An unfinished project truck would be fine even without a drivetrain...I have quite a selection of blocks and trannies sitting in the garage ready to slap into a ride.
*Looking for a deal here, something she won't have to spend a fortune on in bodywork and paint, as a matter of fact something with a nice faded patina would be ideal.
*Something within a couple hours of the house here in NW PA...since this will be a budget build I don't feel like going to Arizona to pick it up. I know it would be a good excuse, but it ain't gonna happen.

I'm sort of excited to help her build a ride, so if you guys come across anything likely please point me in the right direction.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[BigAl]

I will keep my eyes open, it sounds like a lot of fun. i just bought Kayley a 08 taurus. she did want anything that would draw any attention. I was thinking tj on 33s

i always liked the simon&simon dodge power wagon with the macho paint scheme

 

[dragogt]

Hows this??

http://erie.craigslist.org/cto/1777246311.html

 

[evilfij]

If you can make it outside of philly, I have a really sweet BMW bavaria that has that retro look. Really cheap and a california car up until a couple years ago -- straight six to boot.

Probably not what you are looking for, but I want it to go to a good home as I am less concerned with $$ than I am it living a good life. :victory:

 

[BLKNBLU]

Arizona, the land of rust free vehicles. This is just a sampling of the first 2 pages of CL in Phx. And only searched "Chevy Truck". Not Ford or Dodge. Some are a little crazy, but still fun to dream...

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/1778790428.html 66 Chev 4x4
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/1779018950.html 66 Chev ratrod
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/1778854061.html 85 Chev
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/1778766936.html 72 Chev
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/1778760619.html 71 Chev
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/1778511317.html 85 Ford 4x4
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/1777995475.html 55 Chev
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/1777892600.html 78 K5 Blazer
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/1777642165.html 77 Chev 4x4
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/1777403705.html 69 Chev
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/1777366184.html 72 Ford 4x4

 

[Haggis]

I will keep my eyes open, it sounds like a lot of fun. i just bought Kayley a 08 taurus. she did want anything that would draw any attention. I was thinking tj on 33s

i always liked the simon&simon dodge power wagon with the macho paint scheme

Allison will probably end up with Michelle's car when it comes to time for college. It will be just about the right time for a new car for Michelle and we more than likely won't get squat for it in trade-in. It will be 8 years old by then. This project is just for fun and knowledge and if it whacks a deer or gets a ding...meh...slap a new fender on it and roll on. Allison is still eyeballing a Jeep but the prices have gone back up and we're having trouble finding a good deal on something solid.

Hows this??

http://erie.craigslist.org/cto/1777246311.html

That's a good one...for me! :elkgrin: I'm trying to avoid anything to old as if it gets banged up replacement parts are more expensive.

 

[Haggis]

Arizona, the land of rust free vehicles.

See I knew some Arizonian would have to tease me with rust free rides. Most of the vintage parts, trim and sheetmetal that I needed when I was rodifying the Buick came from AZ. Thanks for the links anyway.

*Something within a couple hours of the house here in NW PA...since this will be a budget build I don't feel like going to Arizona to pick it up. I know it would be a good excuse, but it ain't gonna happen.

 

[dragogt]

One more for ya..

http://erie.craigslist.org/cto/1710596719.html

 

[nater]

http://bringatrailer.com/2010/06/06/bat-excluisve-1963-land-rover-series-ii-pick-up/

Not too much money, and def. cool!

 

[Deleted member 9101]

My vote is for a 73 and up Chevy/GMC 2Wd short bed. They are cheap, easy to work on, and the best part is parts can be found cheaply on a Sunday night at almost any auto parts store.

 

[jeepdreamer]

Go jeep...Full size it!

I'd suggest a full size Jeep...Wagoneer, Cherokee, or J truck. A little unique, easy to find parts for, good for tinkering and learning on but built like a tank! Retro cool is possible on a newer model as well. I have an 83 Cherokee with a 68 grill/headlights/etc...and it is close (not 100%), real close to a bolt on! Good power, 4WD...Waggys ride like a Cadillac too!

 

[Haggis]

One more for ya..

http://erie.craigslist.org/cto/1710596719.html

Now that's interesting...gotta make a phone call. :sombrero:

 

[Haggis]

I'd suggest a full size Jeep...Wagoneer, Cherokee, or J truck. A little unique, easy to find parts for, good for tinkering and learning on but built like a tank! Retro cool is possible on a newer model as well. I have an 83 Cherokee with a 68 grill/headlights/etc...and it is close (not 100%), real close to a bolt on! Good power, 4WD...Waggys ride like a Cadillac too!

See, I love all FSJs. Nothing cooler on the road. The problem with them is that around here they come in three grades...Totally rusted out husks... Cut, lifted, hammered, and boggered mud machines and a few clean survivors that cost an arm and a leg to buy. Also, while I'm a fan of all things AMC, realistically parts are more expensive and harder to find. I'm trying to teach her some vehicle economics as well as repair skills with this project and since it will be her money on the line I have to look out for the project cost creep that happens to every plan.

 

[fowldarr]

Sent an email to a friend in PA who's dad runs a mechanic shop, they always have some fun projects waiting in the wings, we'll see what he comes back with. I know they had some early to mid 60's fords sitting out there. One was pretty straight, with the nice patina you want, 2 wheel drive short box, 67 (I believe), even had cool faded retro lettering on the side that said ABC repair or some other generic logo.