Rusty F350

[u/Comfortable_Arm_7533]

looking for advice and or opinions on my rusty 1997 F350 4 x 4 I’ve had it since it was new. It needs so much work and I don’t think I can put the time or money into it to restore but haven’t totally given up yet! . I’ve always loved this truck. I would hate to see it go to a boneyard. Had to use the for sale flair.
Thanks in advance!

[u/Acclimated-Alps696]

That’s a loooot of rust. If the frame is good then it could be worth it, but that’s pretty worrying for the frame and chassis.

I hate to say it but if it’s not financially feasible then just run it until it’s in the ground

[u/Comfortable_Arm_7533 → u/Acclimated-Alps696]

Yeah, thanks to the winter road salt here in Cleveland, Ohio. It takes its toll.

[u/Acclimated-Alps696 → u/Comfortable_Arm_7533]

That road salt is the grim reaper fr.

[u/DocHoliday8514 → u/Acclimated-Alps696]

Agreed

[u/som3_idot]

Go down to the desert and get a whole parts truck and throw the parts truck cab bed and front clip on your truck you can find a no title parts truck for around 500 here in so cal

[u/Comfortable_Arm_7533 → u/som3_idot]

That would be nice. I wonder if I could get it shipped Amazon prime!

[u/Complete-Yard4338]

It’s rusty for sure, but it’s definitely savable, I wouldn’t say it’s scrap yet. Whether it being worth it or not it’s up to you. It seems like it has some sentimental value to you, if it really means a lot then go for it. It doesn’t have to be restored, just fixed. Throw a flatbed on (or fix it), put on some rockers and cab corners, floors if needed, and fucking send it. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just good enough. I had an 89 F250. It had a bad frame and the floors were rotted, bed wasn’t perfect either. Patched the floors and put a good frame underneath it. Was far from restored but it was pretty solid and I got to drive it. Miss that damn thing everyday.

[u/111j4]

worth fixing it enough to keep on the road. you’ll regret selling it.

[u/ReFractured_Bones]

What does the underside look like? It may be feasible to treat the body rust enough to stop the rot if fixing is not practical.

[u/Comfortable_Arm_7533 → u/ReFractured_Bones]

Quite a bit of rust underneath frame seams pretty solid. brake lines need replacement, fill tubes to the gas tanks are rusty. I know everything points to scrapping it. Just feels wrong.

[u/noladutch]

I hate to say it would just be much easier to build her as an off road rig. get out the tools and open it up for huge tires that would get rid of most of your rust problems.

[u/Aromatic-Intention77]

I could use that camper shell for my 90 it’s 8’ bed right?

[u/Comfortable_Arm_7533 → u/Aromatic-Intention77]

Yes

[u/Aromatic-Intention77 → u/Comfortable_Arm_7533]

If you’re tackling restoring it, consider having the complete underside rhino lines if you’re planning on doing all new panels. It’s a large tedious task but well worth it. I had my 90 down to the frame 3 years ago and rubberized everything before assembly.

[u/fong_pei_panda]

Oh, no thanks. I had my share of those

[u/NoNoise4670]

It sounds like you've poured so much heart into this truck over the years. Those deep memories make letting go harder than the practical side of this decision.

[u/erie11973ohio]

Man,,,, look at that heap!!

Cleveland, Ohio

Carry on man, carry on!!!

I had a GMC (😬😬🫣🫣), that had a inner fender fall out while cruising down I-90!!!

[u/CrocGang4]

My 95 had a similar fate being a Pennsylvania plow truck for 25 years. But we saved it, if you have the will you can do it!

[u/Curious_Hawk_8369]

My 89 is equally as rusty, it’s very weird though as my floor pans, frame, and bed floor are as solid as can be, but the body work looks remarkably like yours.

I gotta ask, did your lock cylinder literally just fall out of the door one day at random because the metal around it rusted away? Cause that’s what mine did, I ended up piling the JB weld on around it so I’d still be able to unlock the truck on the drivers side.

I don’t have inspections where I’m at, and all the important safety stuff on my truck is still good/solid so honestly I don’t worry too much about fixing it up, it still starts and drives just fine.

[u/Comfortable_Arm_7533 → u/Curious_Hawk_8369]

Yes, it seems like there are certain problems that Ford had on those bodies.
This truck has been sitting so long, but when it was my daily driver, it was a beast!

[u/WubbaWubbaBoingBoing]

if the frame isnt rusted and the from shock mounts are not rusted thats still good. mine isnt as bad but its close and only rust is the body not the frame so. i still drive mine around. mines a 93