One Family Owned From New Rust Free Original Southwest Pickup Truck Project Runs

Description

Very well-preserved, one family owned since new, stock and original, running and driving, rust-free, top-of-the-line, fully optioned, desert Southwest 1978 Ford F250 Ranger XLT 4X4 pickup truck with an automatic transmission and air conditioning. I'm the Ebay go-to guy among my circle of friends and family and my buddy has asked me to sell it for him. He's got too many trucks and is thinning out the herd.
The interior is in generally good, original condition. Seat upholstery is original. I removed the original red carpet (worn) so I could photograph the rust-free nature of the interior. Floorboards and everything else are solid with only surface rust (coated with rust neutralizer so it won't spread). There is no cancer anywhere. Dash pad is cracked which is common in our dry, desert climate. Dash is original (other than a CD player (inop)) with no cutting or butchery of any kind. Speedometer does not work (odometer works though). AC compressor spins properly when turned on. Door panels and headliner are missing but are readily available in the aftermarket.Drivers door does not lock.
The drive train consists of a 400M (6.6 litre) V8 connected to a C-6 automatic running through a New Process 205 transfer case. Axles are high-pinion Dana 44 in front and Dana 60 in the rear. This is a really great combo.And it's all stock other than a Carter AFB four barrel carburetor on an Edelbrock intake manifold.Front gas tank has also just had new stirrups installed but is not plumbed in yet. Rear tank is new and is connected to an electric fuel pump. All exhaust tubing is good but rear of muffler has a leak. Front brake pads have just been replaced.The reason I'm selling it as a project is because the engine has what I think may be bearing noise coming from within. But it runs and drives really well; you can hear the noise when you accelerate aggressively but not feel it in terms of any vibration or roughness. In fact I'm struck by how smoothly it runs.
The exterior is really well-preserved, Everything cab-forward is cancer-free and has always been cancer-free. Rear fenders had light cancer at the wheel lip (very common Ford issue regardless of climate) but it has been cut out and new panels welded in. The truck used to have a factory red and black two-tone paint job but was resprayed long ago in solid black. Paint is faded because it has been parked outside. I'm a patina guy so I'd be inclined to leave it as is. All flat glass is good but windshield is cracked (about $200 to replace). Rims are vintage aftermarket 16.5's. Tires are old and cracked but hold air fine. All exterior lights work.
This is a special truck with great bones. It has been really well preserved in stock and original condition and has not been buggered up over the years or subject to a harsh climate like so many. I've driven it a lot and it's extremely tight. I mean it really, really drives nicely. The only rattles come from the doors (needs door window trim). It's also a top-of-the-line Ranger XLT which means it has every option (Auto/PS/PB/AC/Tilt/Cruise/etc.) available in 1978 so that's another plus. And it's also been owned by the same family since new which is rare. I hope it ends up with someone who appreciates the things that make this truck unique. Just my two cents.
My name is Chris and I am happy to answer your questions. Please call me at 435-669-1470. I also have over 150 pictures that show every nook and cranny in great detail (including the undercarriage). Send or text me your email address and I'll get them to you. This very cool 1978 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT 4X4 pickup truck is located in the dry, desert community of Washington, Utah(about 125 miles north of Las Vegas). Good luck and good bidding.