Lemon Squad - Nationwide Mobile Pre-Purchase Used Car Inspections

Report #417134

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This 1978 Ford F-250 appears to have a mostly original exterior and fully restored interior. Exterior of the vehicle has a patina look vintage look which appears to have been purposefully recreated as the paint is recent. Multiple mechanical issues present. Seller did not allow access to keys to perform function checks and instead demonstrated for me briefly. Seller drove on test drive and his ability to drive manual transmission may have affected the felt results as seller refused to allow me to drive or in the suggested manor. Seller made the inspection difficult in general.

Exterior. The exterior of the vehicle has what normally would be considered poor paint. Paint has a weathered appearance with blisters on hood brush and sanding lines with heavy orange peel. Multiple chips scratches and minor dings all over vehicle. Chrome work appears bright . Body feels solid and original steel . Body filler present over drivers rear wheel arch and drivers rear bed corner as shown in videos.

Interior. The interior is in good condition and recently refinished and upholstered. Very clean interior for his age. Speedometer does not appear to be working correctly and bounces around a lot while driving, see video. Temperature gauge did not move and may be in operative. Amp meter did not move and may be inoperative. Radio works but speakers do not sound great. Blower works.

Mechanical. Mechanically this vehicle appears to be worn out. Engine is marked with machine shop stickers indicating it may have possibly been rebuilt recently. Engine, transmission, transfer case, front and rear differentials leak to varying degrees. Brakes and suspension appear good. Wheels and tires are new. Electrical system appears in good condition and intact. Appears to have new carburetor.

Test drive. As stated seller operated vehicle. Engine cold started well with no abnormal noises, smoke or difficulty starting. Engine idle smooth and quiet. Engine has good power on acceleration. Engine began popping once briefly on acceleration but may be due to fuel level. Transmission appeared to be difficult to get into gear and grinds but may be attributed to seller's ability to operate. Vehicle was very jerky on takeoff with felt a shudder in the clutch but again may be attributed to seller's ability to operate. Steering and suspension appeared tight and no clunks or rattles heard from suspension over bumps. Drivers door did rattle while driving down the road. Brakes seemed to stop well. Transfer case was tested in high and low range and engaged properly and manual locking hubs were smooth and easy to operate. Vehicle seemed to cruise smoothly. Odometer did operate on test drive.

Pleas see below for pictures and more info.

Vehicle Info

Year 1978
Make Ford
Model F-250
Mileage 177
Transmission Manual
VIN Number F26SRCE4743
Stock Number 2698-TPA
Interior Cloth
Interior Color Blue
Body Color Blue
Engine 8 Cylinder
Drive Type Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Type Gas

Exterior

Wiper Blades
Windshield Washer
The windshield washer does not work.
Body Alignment
Scratches
This vehicle has excessive scratches all over the exterior.
Dings
The vehicle shows multiple miscellaneous dings around the body.
Dents
Passenger front grill is dented.
Paint Condition
The vehicle repaint shows dust under the paint, some orange peel, and signs of poor prep. This is sub-par workmanship.
Rust
The underside shows areas of minor surface rust. See pictures.
Exterior Lights
I noted silicone on the passenger rear tail light.
Door Mirrors
Bumpers
Side Moldings
Frame Damage
Glass
Body Seals
Body Filler?
Minimal filler was noted, but specifically I noted Bondo present over the driver's rear wheel arch and bed corner.
Hood
Doors
Floors
Rockers
Quarter Panels
Chrome

Interior

Steering Wheel
Horn
Seat Condition
There is light wear to the seats.
Seat Belts
Radio/Navigation
Inner Door Panels
Window Function
Dash
Sun Visors
Dash Lights
Dash Gauges
Speedometer jumps and is not useable. Temp and amp meter do not appear to be working.
Heater
Carpet
Floor Mats
Cigarette Use
Unusual Odors
Headliner
Blower Motor
Interior Trim

Mechanical

Air Filter
Battery Condition
Charging System
Cooling Fan Condition
Radiator Cap Sealing Properly
Hoses
Radiator
Engine Coolant
Coolant Leaks
Belts
Power Steering
Steering Fluid
Engine Oil
Engine Fluid Leaks
The engine shows active oil leaks. The engine should be pressure washed off and rechecked to verify source of the leak or all leaks.
Transmission Leaks
The transmission is leaking fluid to a drip from the underside.
Brake System
Brake Fluid Leaks
Transfer Case Leaks
The transfer case is leaking fluid.
Differential leaks
The front differential is seeping fluid.The rear differential is leaking fluid.
Muffler System
Shocks and bushings
Ball Joints and Tie Rods

Road Test

Road Test Yes
Engine Performance
Transmission performance
The transmission grinded when changing gears.
Clutch Performance
There was a shudder in the clutch.
Differential Performance
Transfer Case Performance
Wheel Bearing Performance
Braking Performance
Suspension Performance
Steering Performance
Engine Starting

Manufacturer

Driver FrontIronmanIronmanPassenger Front
Driver RearIronmanIronmanPassenger Rear

Size

Driver Front265/70R17265/70R17Passenger Front
Driver Rear265/70R17265/70R17Passenger Rear

Axle Count

Tire Condition

Driver FrontNo IssuesNo IssuesPassenger Front
Driver RearNo IssuesNo IssuesPassenger Rear

Wheel Condition

Driver FrontNo IssuesNo IssuesPassenger Front
Driver RearNo IssuesNo IssuesPassenger Rear

Tire Tread

Driver Front15/3215/32Passenger Front
Driver Rear15/3215/32Passenger Rear
Spare Tire
Spare tireNo

Tire Tread Explanation

10/32 or more

Tires have plenty of tread!

(standard)

8/32 or more

Tires have plenty of tread!

(low profile)

5/32 to 7/32

Tires will need replacement soon!

4/32 or less

Tires need replacement!

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