> I need a pickup. I've narrowed it down to two choices, both Fords.
>
> First candidate: '93 F150, extended cab, 6' bed, 300/automatic.
> Beautiful body. everything seems to work but A/C.
>
> Second candidate: '72 F100, "custom" trim, 6' bed, 302/3-speed. Pretty
> unmolested except hubcaps are missing and it's been converted to a
> crappy floor shift. It's also a bit of a rustbucket. The box is great
> but the cab floor has been repaired and the underhood (inner fenders,
> etc.) sheetmetal and hood need to be replaced, as well as the lower door
> skins. Seems to have zippy mechanical issues other than brakes however,
> and I have a drum brake rebuild down to a science (I've been helping a
> friend of mine resurrect "barn cars" for years.)
>
> Both trucks have current VA inspections and drive reasonably well; the
> '72 actually felt a little tighter than the '93, but both show signs of
> use. The '72 also has manual drum brakes and no P/S although it's not a
> HUGE issue for me, I know that the brakes were not working correctly
> when I test drove it so comments on their effectiveness when working
> well would be appreciated. The only vehicles with 4-wheel drums that I
> have real experience driving are Studebaker cars, and those are
> apparently some of the best from what I've heard, so I don't know how
> the Ford truck brakes stack up.
>
> I am really undecided... while this would be a no-brainer for most
> people, I am drawn to that cute little '72. My rationale is that it's
> old enough to be a "classic" so repro parts are readily available and
> cheap, as are maintenance parts like water pumps, fuel pumps, etc. plus
> it's dead nuts simple and also is easy to upgrade with things like maybe
> a modern 5-speed and some European headlights (I like seeing at night.)
> Plus the darn thing just has more CHARACTER than a generic '93
> blahmobile. The smaller size is a plus for me as I have limited
> driveway space.
>
> Am I nuts for even considering the '72? Questions, comments, concerns?
>
> nate
>

The 72 *would* be my pick, but I'd run from it because of the rust issue.

Nothing wrong with a 300 powered 93, though.