Cash for Clunker

[jbisme]

I'm feeling pretty good today. My mother-in-law and step-father-in-law are dirt poor because of their health. They have a Ford Escort that broke down a few months ago (the engine's clanking) leaving them with just their van to get Step-father-in-law to and from his dialysis treatments. Well this has had me and my wife worried since this happened, because their van isn't the most reliable car either. Not that my wife wouldn't be willing to take him, but an hour out to go get him, an hour drive home, picking up our daughter after school, etc.; you can see how that would be a strain on her.

Well I've got a surprise for them! I found a 1985 F150 for $300! It hardly needs any work either, at worst about $200 (including a new battery). I'll take the next few weekends cleaning it up, new oil, spark plugs and such. Then I'm going to tag, insure and give it to them. :lol:

Since I just blew all of my saved up cash on this truck, there won't be an update on the boat-car for another month. Oh well!

Gotta get a nap before work. Maybe posting this will help me sleep.

 

[Youngster]

Family is family and always comes first.

Ron

 

[ford4ever]

:tip:you have a good heart, and is in the right place... family always comes first!!

 

[putz]

Just remember you only have one family cars come and go.

 

[Francis Blake]

Way to go JB my father in law was my best friend for years . I lost him in 1985 that was a sad day.

 

[jbisme]

I have a lot of respect for Step-Father-In-Law, he is a good guy. It has just been an incredibly bad couple of years for him. He's had two strokes, the diabetes and now kidney failure.

If it wasn't for my Mother-In-Law's multiple sclerosis, I would have given them my 1991 F150. It has a 5 speed manual and there would be no way either of them could push in the clutch. (There's no way they can have my 1990 F150, it is my baby.)

This truck has a solid C6 automatic transmission that seems to be shifting good. I've already replaced the starter solenoid. It has turn signal issues, so I'll pull the steering column apart in the morning and see what's going on. The brake warning light is on, so I need to see what's up with that. Other than that, I just need to spend a couple of weeks with it to make certain it won't get them stranded. And I need a some time with it because I'm unfamiliar with 351 Windsor engines. Any tips there would be helpful.

Can anybody recommend a good repair manual? Chilton Repair Manuals can be vague at times and that is all O'Reilly's carries.

 

[jbisme]

Oh, and to be sure, I'm not looking for sympathy or looking to brag. I'm just so happy I have the ability to help them out. Life has been really good to me lately. My dad taught me to work to serve others as it will always come back around to you when you need it most.

So thanks guys for saying what you've said.