No Reserve: 1976 Ford F250 Ranger Highboy
The owner of this 1976 Ford F250 Highboy 4×4 admits that it isn’t perfect, but it is still an excellent survivor that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. It has no rust problems, and while it would benefit from a cosmetic refresh, this is not something that would need to happen in the near future. Lifting the temptation to a new level is the fact that the owner is offering it for sale with No Reserve. Located in Nampa, Idaho, you will find the Highboy listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $17,280, and with No Reserve to consider, someone will be driving away in a classic truck in a few days.
I think what I like about this truck is that the owner hasn’t tried to present it as something it isn’t. The original Copper Metallic paint has deteriorated beyond the point where buffing will bring it back. There’s no doubt that a repaint would make a striking difference, but this isn’t something that would need to happen immediately. The buyer could also choose their preferred method of preserving the truck as-is and drive it indefinitely as an unmolested survivor. This could include treating any surface corrosion and applying some form of clear to arrest further deterioration. Apart from surface corrosion, there isn’t much for the buyer to be concerned about. The frame and floors are solid, with no signs of penetrating rust. The bed is scuffed and scratched, but there are none of the dings or dents which might indicate a life of abuse. The trim is in good order, there are no problems with the glass, and the owner has recently fitted a new set of tires to the original wheels.
Buyers had a reasonable choice of engines to slot into their 1976 F250, but the original owner of this one chose the 360ci V8. With 145hp and 263 ft/lbs of torque, this classic should be capable of hauling some respectable loads. The original owner also chose to equip the vehicle with a C6 automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. When you add a dual-range transfer case to the equation, this should be a relaxed and accomplished ride when the going gets rough. The owner doesn’t give a lot away in the listing, but he does supply this excellent YouTube video that provides a clear insight into the truck’s mechanical health. It shows the 360 kicking into life effortlessly, with no odd noises or smoke. The Highboy seems to drive nicely and doesn’t wander all over the road. The owner admits that the power steering pump is getting tired, and the transmission can be slow to engage if the vehicle has been sitting for a while. However, it appears that the truck has to be sitting for weeks before this occurs because it engages and shifts crisply and cleanly in the YouTube clip.
If the buyer is seeking a perfect interior, they won’t have to work hard to achieve it with this classic. The headliner looks like it might be stained, and the wheel is cracked. Address those two problems, and this F250 will have an interior of which to be proud. A replacement headliner will set the buyer back under $90, while a replacement wheel will add a further $250 to the total. Alternatively, the buyer might choose to tackle the wheel themselves. I have seen some pretty awful wheels revived using epoxy to repair any cracks. Once cleaned and with a high-quality 2-part paint finish applied over the entire wheel, they can look as good as new. The price? Generally less than $40. That is cheap in anyone’s book. The owner has installed a new seat cover and carpet set, and it looks like the dash cap might also be new. There is the usual wear on the faux chrome trim on the dash, but some products on the market would allow the buyer to restore this without the need to resort to replacement. The painted surfaces present better than average, while life on the move is made more pleasant with ice-cold factory air conditioning and an aftermarket Pioneer CD player.
If you have ever wondered how popular classic pickups are, you only need to look at the bidding history of this ’76 F250 Highboy to receive a graphic insight. In the five days since the owner listed it for sale, it has received 39 bids. This hasn’t been two motivated potential owners staging an arm wrestle because six different people have submitted bids. Part of the attraction is how structurally sound the vehicle appears to be, while the candor of the seller has undoubtedly helped its cause. There isn’t long left on this listing, so I believe there might still be some spirited bidding left. Do you feel like joining that party?
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Comments
WATT!!!! No $1000 tires and wheels on the 4 corners?, looks strange W/OE
wheels
Well, this is just about the way I’d want one of these. Maybe with a 4spd manual but beggers can’t be choosers. It’s nice to see one with factory A-C. I sure wouldn’t change that. I would, however, replace the stock carburetor with a Holley 500 2bbl and re-curve the advance. And a set of dual exhausts. Otherwise, light it and drive it.