Is she worth it???

[Diesel Dave]

Ok guys,

As noted in my signature iv'e got a 94.5 PSD with mods, 325k on her (200+ miles), and running good. However, the box has some rust around the fenders and some rust behind the drivers side front & rear tires. I have an oil or fuel leak from the valley??? and perhaps an oil leak from the dip stick tube??? The tranny grinds from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd if i shift to fast - major pain in the ***. Not to mention that the truck has seen some pretty harsh gravel roads before i got it.

My question to everyone is....is it worth it to sink some cash into it in order to make it look sweet. I can do all the wrenching myself and i have a buddy that can paint. I want to do the shocks, front leafs, fix the rust, new carpet, clear front lights, rebuild/used tranny, and a sweet grill...

This truck is my work truck, so without it i don't make money...to lease a new one it's 12,000.00 per year (give or take) so if i make it sweet im hoping it will last another 3 years worry free.

Any thoughts????
Thanks

Dave

[vitalidle]

I think so! If its a work truck might as well run it into the ground. Put the money your would be spending on a payment away so in 3 years you have a heck of a down payment. I know easier said then done

[Blue01F250]

Well, if it runs like a top now and those annoyances and problems you posted are not going to affect the longevity of it - I say fix it up and have at it..

I would get everything I could out of that thing before you start up on a new payment! Since you'd be doing the work yourself, I say go for it!

[mrnecsteve]

Hmmm ..thats some high mileage. If business is going good...get a new one..maybe an 06-07 if you want a price break . Show customers you are successful! If business is slow...keep it and nurse it.
Lease ????? 12 k a year is pretty stiff unless your getting one loaded to the hilt. Tax writeoff??? The tax writeoff aspect might not be saving you that much as opposed to depreciation and mileage deduction.

[TexasR.N.]

Originally Posted by mrnecsteve

Hmmm ..thats some high mileage. If business is going good...get a new one..maybe an 06-07 if you want a price break . Show customers you are successful! If business is slow...keep it and nurse it.
Lease ????? 12 k a year is pretty stiff unless your getting one loaded to the hilt. Tax writeoff??? The tax writeoff aspect might not be saving you that much as opposed to depreciation and mileage deduction.

Just to play devils advocate here. If you are using it for business I agree with Mr.NecSteve showing customers you are successful. However, if you have a nice looking truck, it can convey the message without the price tag of a new vehicle. You can see in my signature what I drive and I am slowly fixing it up. But mine is not for a business. As for the tax stuff, that's out of my league.
Hope this helps.
Craig

[alberta 7.3]

the tranny bearing/syncro kit is 600-700, and about 150-200 for front clear signals/prism headlights. The real question is do you love the truck that much to keep it and fix it up. On the flipside, as a businessperson myself, I know repair parts for a work vehicle are also a tax-claimable expense.

[jamstoyz]

i would jump into a newer one. not too new but newer. you can pick up a very nice 98,99, or 2000 for a good price. probably what you would spend in a year on a new lease. what type of business do you own? would a van work for you?

[R.KV*22*]

I'd do what you think you should bud.. Doing what you want that make you happy is up to you. And if I were you I'd reach for the sky as their are no limits!

[2005F250]

Fix it up. That's what I'm doing to an 88 F250 gasser. Besides the Ford bills I've got about $3000 into it. Thats with wheels and tires, Leather captains chair's, carpet, car wash, some polish, cab rack, and repainted the rear bumper. I'll post some pics later.

[NCHornet]

Originally Posted by mrnecsteve

Hmmm ..thats some high mileage. .

If it has been taken care of I sure don't consider 200K high milage. Especially when many are going way over 400K with no major problems.
Back to the OP, you have to figure out what this is going to cost. I myself wouldn't put thousands into a rusty OBS truck. I would look for a 99-2003 7.3 and never look back. Buying one from the lower states would be a good idea and worth your travel to avoid the rust damage. Rust is CANCER to a vehicle and it can be in places that you don't have any idea. If you just want this thing to last for another 3 years, I would just keep her running, I wouldn't be fixing body panels and painting because it will probably be a bandaid to worse conditions underneath. I am restoring a 77CJ5 trust me I know what I am talking about. I am coating every metallic part in KBS this thing will be as close to a rust proof vehicle as you can get. You are the one who knows the truck and your financial situation so you are the one who needs to decide in the end. All we can do is give our opinion and you already know what that is worth.
Take Care