Need some advice: Should I get it?

[danheit]

Backstory:
I have a 2003 F*rd Expedition Eddie Bauer 4wd, 220K miles, great truck, worth somewhere around $4500 give or take. Truck has always been very dependable, and is the only SUV I have for taking long trips and towing new projects home.
I drove the truck and family to the Charlotte, NC Auto Fair a couple weeks ago, truck ran fine, came home, parked it, went to get it to go to the store to get milk, truck wouldn't start. After some digging, found out the PCM relay had gone bad. Replaced it, truck runs like normal again. BIG concern is that these trucks are known to have the interior fuse panel circuit board fry and burn up the PCM relay, possibly leaving you stranded on the side of the road somewhere, with no notice. Now I don't feel comfortable driving the truck. It normally only gets driven about once every 6 weeks anyways, so no big deal, but it's the point of it. I can buy a new and updated fuse panel for about $300 and fix the issue. Then I'm back to having my 220K mile old SUV.

Issue:
One of my buddies wants it, and wants to trade me a 70 C10. Here's the rundown on it:
Truck is rough looking, typical old barn/shop truck. It's slammed to the ground and tubbed in the rear with 15" wide meats. Truck has a 454bbc and Turbo400. Truck still needs a driveshaft, brakes, wiring, and fuel system. Also has no bed floor and the frame has a Monster notch.
Truck sounds like it's a BIG project, but it doesn't scare me off too badly. Wiring is no big deal (it actually only needs the engine compartment wired for the 454), and brakes, although I despise doing them, isn't that big of a deal either. There's no master in place, so all that will need done. Driveshaft......I'll have to see if a standard shortbed shaft will work (have one), being that it is lowered as much as it is, or if I will have to have a custom shaft made, which I definitely don't want to pay for. Fuel, I have a fuel cell for my Nova that isn't hooked up yet, that I could easily just throw in the truck to get it going. That and a few feet of hard line is no biggie.
I'm just trying to make sure I'm not screwing myself financially here. For some reason, I can't see past the cool factor of the finished truck.
He also has a 68 Burb that he would trade instead, but it needs body work. Runs and drives though.....

What do you guys think? Is the Big Block truck worth it? I haven't heard it run, but trust him that it will. I'm looking for someone to give me that extra push to topple me across the fence one way or the other.

[hugger6933]

now wait lets back up you r willing to rewire a project truck but not really wanting to repanel a circuit board on your what could be daily? I am by no means a Ford guy but I think your a lot closer to riding in the Ford than in the project. Big blocks are cool and I love them I have a couple big Block trucks my self I am just think about your wallet and its safety. I know that trucks with custom work also limit the market in witch you can sell to severely. You may have to sit on that truck a LONG while before finding someone who is looking for a 70 with a fat tire rear end set up and to most of us the pro street thing has moved on. If your wanting that type a setup it may be your chance to jump in on ground level and get something reasonable if you were thinking of flipping just to get out from under the scary deal on the F truck[ my 30 almost years in the car business] tells me no. I kinda feel I would do you a disservice if I told you trading for that truck would be even a lateral move while I'm sure he has sank a ton in it he may be looking for an out as well. Jim

[danheit]

That was pretty much what I am torn about. Thanks for the gentle 'nudge'.

[mud.man.rj]

It does sound like a fair deal, worth $ wise and if it will just be a cruiser/toy then well worth it but as a daily not worth it, one thing though the $ price on the Ford is heading down fast because of miles on it. I also though maybe the Burb may be a better project for you if you like them, less mechanical work, sounds like you can do mech work but not really enjoyable to you so only body and a good powertrain the Burb would also hold it's value more resale wise and is useable as is.

[danheit]

The burb isn't bad, but needs body panels replaced. If it was a blazer, I'd have done it no questions asked. I'm not a big fan, even though it's a 3 door Burb. I just don't like em that long, although it would make more sense as an SUV......

[veedubshafer]

A 2003 Sped-edition with 220k on it should never be worth $4500. To me even if it's in nice shape it's got one foot into its grave. "Book value" has gotten out of hand these days.

[WIDESIDE72]

03 Ford- will depreciate we every day you own it.

70 Chevy- exact opposite

Btw has the ford had the cruise switch recall? Otherwise it may burst into flames at any moment.

[Chris04]

Not trying to get in your business but the truck wouldn't be located on bakers chapel rd would it? I looked at one similar to what you described

[davepl]

I've driven a '69 C10 as my daily driver and I've had a mid-2K Ford SUV. Let me assure you the modern truck is a far better ride.

If you've got family, I'd urge you not to give up ABS, DSC, ESC, air bags, and so on. When you crash an old C10 they just hose you off the dash and sell it to the next guy.

[mud.man.rj]

Far better ride for an old guy, hot rodders rule man, don't get old go for the tubbed big block, have some fun while you can, give you something to aim for on you new cool build....or own a Ford, oops swear word.

[mud.man.rj]

Remember guys he only drives the Ford every 6 weeks, not daily, so all good.

[frank69]

I would try to sell the ford and if you can get 4k u should be able to buy something that is already running that u can drive while you're building it the way u want it