1978 Ford F-250 Ranger Lariat 351 C6 classic rust free California truck

Description

Up for sale is my 1978 Ford f-250 Lariat. This is the first year of the Ranger Lariat truck was introduced. We are the second owners. I purchased it about 2 1/2 years ago with the intention of doing a frame off restoration. However, it was in such great original condition that I decided to leave it alone and clean it up. There are very few left in the country in this type of original condition and it would be a shame to replace it with a bunch of aftermarket parts. So its less of a restored truck but more a cleaned up original with a few hidden upgrades that make it a great daily driver. I've owned quite a few frame off classics in the past but this old truck seems to get just as much attention. I get thumbs up and questions whenever I take it out. I think its because it's the truck that everyone's dad used to have back it the day.
The truck is the original color and i've never seen the exact color combination(only reversed) on the road. I went though a few mixes until the paint was a dead on match to the original. If you look at the pictures of the interior the majority of the interior paint is original. There is a link below for an additional 130 picts. Even the paint on the floorboards was in great shape. When I got it the body was in good shape for the year with a few dings/dents/wear through and a holes drilled where a camper and west coast mirrors were mounted. All holes were welded up and body was cleaned up. The exterior was re-shot using a single stage like the original. All the original (racetrack trim) was in such good shape(some minor scratches on grill) that it only needed clean up and it still has the original anodized coating which is normally clouded over. The only non original trim pieces is the right rear taillight ring. Various smaller parts were replaced and re chromed.The bed was in great shape (most likely due to camper) and was shot with color matched liner(a metal few stains). All glass looks original with a small star low on front windshield. Driver side glass even has original factory decal. The truck is a daily driver so there a a few minor chips and flaws here and there. It is not flawless but it is really clean and looks like the pictures. Please see link for additional pictures(over 100). The pictures are not touched up and are better than a description. Headlights have been updated to halogen and led lights all around.
The interior paint is mostly original. The jams and door have been re-shot. There are some chips and flaws but overall looks great(chips from entry and seat-belt buckle). Doors have new weatherstripping,tracks ect. Wind wing is original and has a little wind noise. I sourced the original interior fabric and vinyl so it is an match to orig(had to source from three separate mills). The bench and panels were recovered to match the original, I added carbon fiber seat warmers with hidden switches. The headliner and trim is original. The dash had a few cracks but the aftermarket ones sold did not fit correct so it has a molding plastic overlay. Most of the original wiring in dash looks untouched and is in great shape(see picts). Many new parts(carpet,trim ect) but would take too much space to list. It has a retro-sound head unit with jvc gto components and pioneer sub. Updated led lighting and remote door locks. There is a too much to list but I used factory parts when I could find them( and some aftermarket). Most of the modifications are hidden so the truck looks stock.
The engine has been basically untouched with exception of oil changes and tune up components(all motorcraft) and bolt ons. There are some rebuilt items such as the carbureto, steering box ect but I don't think the engine internals have ever been opened up. I've put about 5k miles on the truck and it was regularly commuting 70 miles a day in summer heat. Due to its condition I believe the mileage to be accurate. It is equipped with the original ca equipped 351 engine and a rebuilt c6(before I got it but looks quality). The truck runs good(good oil pressure) and is equipped with all the correct California emissions. It shifts well and drives straight. The truck will drive 65 all day long(faster would be pushing the rpms). It has the Ford dealer installed ac but is non operational(everything there) with heater bi-passed. I was planning on upgrading to an original air unit(just more efficient) but never got around to it. It does come with a uninstalled new heater core. It has dual tanks(all working including gauge),toolbox,locking hood,lariat ranger package. The engine bay still has the original galvanized coating and markings. Everything is original (valve cover and air cleaner was repainted) but could use a little more detailing. The undercarriage is clean but has not been detailed. Even the original brake line clips are in good shape.
To all bidders this is a 1978 pickup and not a new vehicle...it is a classic truck and buyer should it expect a it to drive as a nice 1978. However,if you are looking for a classic truck you would be hard pressed to find one in this original condition. It is not perfect but could be exceptional. It is currently non-oped in c, smog-ed checked and ready to go. Please feel free to contact me for any questions. It is my goal to have a happy and satisfied buyer. I have put a lot of work into this truck and I have hopes for it to go to a good home. If you have less than 3 transactions please contact me b4 bidding.
Paste the link below to connect to photobucket for an additional 130 pictures:
https://s1187.photobucket.com/user/lancemonteros/library/f250%20new
Here's a list of all flaws and recommendation for truck that I can think of(however it is fine as a turnkey):
-speedometer needle sticks below 25 mph, once you go above 25 it un-sticks-heater core is disconnected-A very Slight stutter at idle, I think its related to the Ca emissions vacuum(it goes away when bypassed). If it goes out of state it would be my recommendation to remove Ca emissions(keep in box since hard to find)-stereo is very loud and clear as you want but i would upgrade to bluetooth resto headunit(it currently use an aux input) with better plastic bezel(it was cut by previous owner)- The undercarriage should be properly detailed and recoated por(not spay painted). It has all the original clips and retainers, I didn't want to do a rushed job(it deserves to be done correctly) so I left it for new owner to do.-chrome plastic window trim(locking bead) was replaced a year ago but the cheap aftermarket stuff is already peeling. I would replace again(about $30 bucks)<