1984 F-150XL with 71k miles. 99% original because the tires (new), shocks, belts and hoses have been replaced. There may be a minor other thing here or there, but in all cases when something needed to be fixed, it was replaced with “old new stock” even if it meant the truck sitting for periods of time while I found a part.
This is the original single stage paint except for the tailgate which was repaired years ago. If I was going to keep her, I would redo the tailgate back to single stage just because. The dealer installed “Hercules” bumper has some rust on the right rear, which is easily fixed. Although I do go back and forth on finding an original chrome bumper rather than repair it. You can still see the dealer’s stamp on the bumper, so I have not been able to bring myself to make the swap. I also have all the original papers including a letter from the dealer saying, “Thanks for buying from us.” I did a color match bed liner as the bed had been scratched over the years.
How does it run? In a word, “perfect”. AC is awesome! Even the little buzzer to let you know the key is in buzzes some 40 years later. Almost everyone who rides in it will comment, “This truck rides like it is new!” And in fact, it does. Smooth as if on a rail. To this day, it still gets ethanol free gas.
As for the interior, it is all original and in almost flawless shape.
Ok, so what would I do to it if I kept it? As I mentioned the tailgate. I would put new valve cover gaskets on it and have the original covers sandblasted and powder coated. I may do that anyway. I would do the same to the breather cover. I would also detail the engine bay. It’s clean, but it’s 40 years old. I think it would be diamonds under the hood if redone.
It’s a joy to drive, and it does not hit the road without comment. So why sell it? I have not had a garage in two years and the weather (sun) will soon take a toll on the paint and I would rather she makes it another forty years in her original clothing. It’s kind of like selling a Labrador pup, it needs to go to a good home.
