1971 Ford F250 Hasn't Seen the Road in Decades, Will it Run and Drive Home?? 

Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring today's video! Go to drinkag1.com/dieselcreek to get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 and 5 AG1 travel packs with your first purchase.

I'm not going to lie, I read the title and thought this was a Vice Grip Garage video. I'm here for it though!

Sam is always a welcome addition. He strikes me as a guy you could easily have a beer with.

My wife thinks I'm nuts !! I'm saying "Come on, come on, fire up" and then when it DOES start running I'm jumping up and down pumping my fist, celebrating another win. Love your videos, Matt. Thanks for sharing with us !!

“Takes a little time to antiquate yourself” 😂 you weren’t wrong. Laughed out loud.

A hour of Diesel Creek on a Saturday morning……Awesome

A nose-to-nose shot of the '71 and '21 would be really cool.

Please, that's not a service truck. That's a beauty!! I'm not a" Ford guy". Hell I'm not really a Chevy guy but watching this video and thinking back 30 or so years ago I'm an American truck guy. The ride back to your shop was damn near like riding with one of my best friends years ago. That truck needs some love and then be nothing but a pleasure truck, it's done it's work and earned a retirement. Thanks so much for taking me back to an incredible time in my mind!!

It's refreshing to see someone who actually tightens battery clamps!

Hey Matt, that little Condenser outside of the distributor is actually a radio noise suppressor. Without that the am radio can pick up static from your ignition system. The ford resistor is actually a wire under your dash, the pink wire is a resistor wire and that drops your voltage to keep The coil alive longer

We need more Matt and Sam scrapping adventure

What a sweet old truck. You can’t beat the reliability of a 300/6, like a trusty old friend. I agree, keep it the way it is, and enjoy it.

Thank you for this Matt. Back in the very late 70's thru to the mid 80's, my Grandad drove a Green and white one like this, with a "Whites" service body. He would come and collect to my sister and I from our schools in the afternoon. We attended different ones, and they were relatively far apart, but I never saw him complain about it once. Bouncing around on the then back roads of eastern Ontario. LOL … This was mainly due to the fact we only got school bus service in the morning, and my parents worked late into the early evening, we would go hang out with him. This happened for a few years, until we were old enough to be on our own at home. (Back then which usually happened around 10 or 11.) Anyhow, he would collect us in the afternoon, feed us dinner, help us get our homework going, and we would hang out till my folks were done work and pick us up. The thing always smelt of grease, dirt, gas, exhaust and occasionally what he had for lunch. One memory I have from when I was older is, when he finally put it out behind the house, as the salt they spread in our area ate this truck severely, he would still do the OG version of "Will it start?" with his friends that would on occasion drop over at his house, and unheard of now, "Havin a few". On these sorts of occasions, he would sometimes take out an old whiskey bottle which has a amount of gas in it, dribble a small measure in the carb, everyone would lay down a dollar or two and he would match them all and then hit the key. Never in the times I was there for this escapade, ever saw him loose. He passed away back in 2002, I miss him. Thanks for helping me remember Matt... You are a champ! Great vid!

When Ford made quality, reliable, and affordable pickups 😊

What was nice about those pickup trucks was the stick shift. A girlfriend would sit next to you, and when shifting from 1st to second gear, a slight slip of your hand would land your hand into her lap. And, that alone kept us both very entertained.

No alky in that, only God knows how long that 1/8-1/4 of a tank of fuel has been sitting in there still amazing runner. This was the type of tune my granddad would tell us that they could balance a nickel up on edge and wouldn’t move. Great job guys, you and Scrappy make a great team! It must be in the next video that you put the Rotella in the crankcase!

I just love to watch what you and Sam get yourselves into. This does look like a really solid truck. I worked for UPS years ago and they used this engine and they ran forever. Good Work

Wow Matt- I'm time traveling- my dad had a 72 F250 with utility body for his business. I drove it around town the day I got my license. I can remember standing up inside the engine compartment to change the plugs on the 300! I love this! Can't wait to see more of it.

The proper procedure for setting the points is using a matchbook cover while adjusting the gap during a snowstorm.

We had a Harlan aircraft tug at my job that had this engine, it ran for 30+ years being absolutely beat to hell and back being revved to valve float and overheated at least once a summer if not more. We used Phillips aviation 20W-50 and it loved it. The tug leaked every fluid in it when it finally got put out to pasture but the 300 six still ran like a sewing machine. Absolute beast of an engine of which they do not make anymore.

Gorgeous 71 Ford Custom f250 Matt nice Utility Box don't see these much anymore 0:43 @Diesel Creek

I think using this as a “summer daily” is an excellent idea. Keeping these old cars and trucks running is way better for the environment than everyone getting a new one every few years.

Just add Diesel Creek decals on the doors! Classic looking truck. PS - Too bad the previous owner took all the tools out before you had a chance to document it.

It would be nice to see it with a full restore and a body work. Show room is what it needs to show it's full glory.

That steering wheel cover brings back SO many memories...I can't wait to see what you do with this one Matt!

Sam's unwavering optimism makes it hard not to have absolute faith in any project😂

This brings back good memories. My 69 Ford with the 240 six and utility body was one of the best trucks I ever owned. I liked that I could stand on the ground inside the engine bay for easy access to the engine. Nowadays you can't even see the engine for all the plastic.

Sounded sweet and ran so smooth - even on 5 pots, expected it to be idling rough. Great truck and great score Matt!!

would be cool to see a full mechanical restore on this one, make it drive like it just came out of the factory.

Love the patina. Can even see the primer showing through where he rubbed the paint off by resting his arm on the driver door. Awesome daily driver.😊❤

The purpose of the ignition coil resistor (internal or external) is to reduce the voltage going into the coils (primary and step-up secondary) to extend the life of the points. Even with the condenser/capacitor helping absorb the voltage spike from self induction when points open, the arcing across points will eventually wear them out. Most starter solenoids have an ignition bypass terminal that bypasses the resistor and sends full current to the coil to help start while cranking, as battery gets drawn down from the huge starter current draw. Once the engine starts and the solenoid is disengaged, the ignition coil receives reduced current through the resistor, which is plenty of current to get the ignition job done, while saving the components from unnecessary wear.

Hey guys, (you and Scrappy) if you ever want to belittle the Ford 300c.i. straight six version, along with the GM 250 c.i. straight six. These two engines powered UPS vehicles from the very early 70’s at least up until I retired in the early 1990’s. It just so happened that I had the Ford for the most of my time in the saddle for almost 950k miles while I had “my” truck. I say mine because it had my name on the placard along with my years of safe driving. Between delivering 100-120 stops per day, I also had 35 businesses that I returned many tons of packages daily. I only went through 3 engines while my time in the seat was active. UPS is a huge proponent of timely oil changes, greasing and filling with fuel the night before along with getting washed daily as well. These engines were driven hard and were the backbone of the UPS fleet, at least during my time there. One thing I did notice when you changed the points. You should grease the cam that opens and closes the points ( should be done regardless of manufacturer) under the rotor…keep the videos coming I hope my UPS backstory brings some significant understanding of what these engines are capable of…thanks guys!!!

I'm sure the gas in it was the OG, non-oxygenated gasoline with zero ethanol in it. Awesome truck, worth putting some love into her.

You are really "livin' the dream" now Matt. We all know she is just going to love living in her new warm and dry home, and she will really appreciate all the tender loving care you'll give to her, she is absolutely deserving of it. David in the UK.

Nice service truck can't beat the old gems!

My dad had a 71 F 150 ranger with a service bed. I remember going with dad for truck inspection, and the guy telling dad to go home and unload all the tools/appliance parts as it was tipping the scales at 3 1/2 tons!

Yeah. I have a 1971 Buick, which comes from a different company, admittedly, but US gas cars from the late 60s and early 70s as a group are magical. These are the best, most highly evolved and well-run cars/trucks that were ever made before fuel injection and microchips/sensors arrived, and before Japanese competition and most primitive emissions controls made everything anemic for a while. They're pure friggin' magic. Not indestructible, mind, but pretty dependable and serviceable. Parts. Ooooh the parts we have today. Great episode. Thanks.

She worked for 20 years and sat for 30 years. Trucks back then were truly thought of as disposable. For the love of all cars, it's so awesome to see her running again. Nice work Matt and Sam!

What a great find !! Easy to work on, no unnecessary electronic crap, pretty much 0% plastic, more reliable than a modern truck. Definitely worth fixing up a bit and using. Great video, thanks Matt !

Great find and rescue, Matt! Dad is 82 now and we have photos of him standing in the engine bays of the '71 and '72 Ford pickups he owned when I was a kid. I would love to have one of those trucks to call my own.

Glad to see Sam onboard to assist you. I always worry that you may get hurt doing your stuff alone. Always good to have a buddy nearby...at least to share imput.

Matt and Sam……….the dynamic duo! Love their banter!

What a great addition to the fleet! Always a good time with Matt and Sam.

Sam’s sense of humor is freakin awesome man! lol. You two work off each other perfectly. You can tell you are the best of friends. 😂. I can’t wait to see what it looks like once you clean her up and give it a pressure washing!! Wish I could find a truck just like that. Service bed an all. Maybe a 67 instead of the 71. But still!!

I had a 91' I recall.... with a 300 in it.. Sold it with 250k and was still running like a champ. My dad had the 302 version, same year. I currently have an 03 Tundra with 200k. Both great trucks.

The service bed does it for me ! What a gem. The “Scrappy Diesel Industries” is a force to behold.

That brings back memories of my grandad’s f-350 dually service truck. In the summer, I would ride with him to jobs and can still remember the speedometer bobbing as he accelerated to speed. I was born in 66’ and traveling with him in the early 70’s. He used a York air conditioner compressor to fill the installed air tank he used for his air tools.

PLEASE bring this gem back to its glory, some restoration and make it an icon of your shop❤❤❤

I have a 71 F250 camper special. 390. Tip: if you can find the dash switch and the module that goes on the switch from like a Thunderbird or an LTD you can add intermittent wipers, and it looks totally stock because it is. FWIW - replace the front caliper pistons regardless. if they stick, they really tear up the rotors. They’re very powerful brakes with the dual pistons. The gas tank in the cab is a funny thing, but mine is held up very well. I also have the auxiliary tank not sure yours does since we only see one filler, but that massive thing in the bed should take care of it. I’m curious how that is without power steering but I imagine it is good with that wheel. You’ve got plenty of leverage. Congrats on this acquisition!

Fun to watch two good friends working on a vehicle while giving each other a hard time. Even the 'Vitameatavegamin' commercial was good. :)

I'm a Ford guy too and love seeing the old ones drive again!! Great video.

the greatest engine ford ever made.. those are the best starter engines for a kid, the most expensive part on that thing is the starter at $65 bucks every thing on them is rebuildable and still available at the parts store

Don't worry about the lighting. That means that you're more focused on the equipment than on making it perfect. I'm here for the Diesel Creek jank.

This would be a fantastic truck for hot rod power tour. You could fix other cars or your own and also enjoy the views.

It’s got a 300 in-line six, AND an auxiliary fuel tank.!!! Now, I’m really jealous.

This was just what I needed to watch right now. Stuck in the hospital again!😢

You're right the new trucks don't have the style and personality that the older models do, like this old Ford. I love it.

I owned and ran an '87 F250 HD with the 300 for a good chunk of years. A rugged, fine truck that never let me down. It was still a reliable vehicle when I sold it and bought a fresh F250 SD in 1999.

I love Sam’s confidence!

My dad had a '74 F250 with a 360 V8 when I was a kid. The sound of you shifting and grinding gears brought back memories. Amazing how a sound can be so familiar after 40 years.

My uncle had a 300 that would start just by turning the switch on. Would do it about once a month. Must have stoped right before the plug fired and leaked down enough overnight the plug fired and the motor started. Know of two people that a 300 would do this. Love your channel.

Hey Matt Among my many exploits in the auto arena, I used to rebuild carburetors many years ago. Still do occasionly on classic cars. The tube you pulled from the center of the carb is called an emulsion tube. It's the main mettering tube to balance the air fuel Mix coming from the main jet. The mixture screw controls the volume of air fed to the emulsion tube. Hope this helps Great truck Rusty

Thanks Matt and Sam! What a great sound that engine makes. I can’t believe Sam was able to stand inside the engine bay… I can barely get my hand more than a few inches into mine. 😊

Can't help but relate to wanting to look around for cool stuff in an old building like that... been working at cleaning up an abandoned farm and among all the parts still in boxes and old tools and other cool stuff, some of the coolest stuff was the manuals, books, and papers that all survived. Have advertisements and manuals for a lot of the equipment that was on the farm (most of which we now own) original manuals, registration and insurance cards for a car on the property, among other things. By far the coolest thing, though, an old time book containing stuff from 1915 to 1917, plus tucked in the front and back two typed out letters of correspondence from the New York Central railroad about the line that ran through the property, dated 1918 and 1920. Always worth having a look around in places like that especially all those drawers!

Probably a lot of idle time knocked out the old one. Chances are good it didn't get shut off much, particularly in the colder seasons. Also, be mindful of the accelerator pump in that old carb- sitting that long is hard on them. If it does go out, based on how well she runs I'd say a simple rebuild would be plenty to get it back in knick.

I had a 69 F250 with this engine and manual box.. Bought it in Burbank in 1981 as a Brit with my wife on a road trip around the States. We drove that thing for 40,000 miles over the next two years visiting every State in the lower 48. It had a cabover camper so we had our home on our back. This took me back 40 years. Thanks

Watching this reminded me of the time I helped my buddy clean up a property he bought , it was small shed after small shed , 21 in total , 18 got torn down, lots of goodies found including a 15 gallon barrel full of used sparkplugs.. keep saving the old iron.

That is a sweet machine for a 53 year old. Treat her well and maybe you'll get another 503 years out of it. I do envy you. My late wife had a 67 Ford Custom 500 with the fabled 289 V8 when we got married 52 years ago. It went through the Agnes flood in 72, and when we recovered it the engine started, and ran after minimal cleanup and hosing down. The Ford engines from that era were nearly bulletproof. Nice ride, Matt. Nice ride.

Hey Matt, you should upgrade that to a dually. Then you should be able to put a crane on it and comfortably hold tools. And it would be pretty cool, I think. Especially if you do it, I would watch that video for sure.

All those old American I-6s were fantastic engines. I had a brother in law who had a '55 GMC 1 ton pick up with a straight 6 and it was unstoppable no matter what he loaded it with. The Ford 300 as you mentioned ad nauseum is a killer engine. In the mid 80s I drove a 1968 Chevy 40 passenger bus with a GM 300 inline 6 in it and it just wouldn't stop running. Then don't forget probably the most legendary and unstoppable straight 6 engine of all time, the Chrysler Slant 6; the bane of every teenage boy in the 60s and 70s that had to drive his mom's old Valiant or Dart. Great video Matt and Sam.

Worked for NAPA for over 20 years...fuel filter is a 3271 and oil filter is a 1515. Fuel filter was common on the Fords. You're correct about the style on the older stuff. Kind of like comparing records on a stereo turntable to modern forms of reproduction. The records had more soul than the new ways.

Best video in a while only because I have a love for those old Fords. Everything you do I still very interesting Matt.

I thoroughly enjoyed your video! You and Sam make a good team, and it was great to see ya'll revive a 1971 Ford pickup truck! Well done, Matt!

Always been a GM/Mopar guy, but the 300-6 will always have an exception in my heart.

The smooth rub wear from one arm out the window sure brings back memories!

Wow its Running smooth off that 30 year old leaded gas and all it needed was the ether to help get it started Impressed Matt 35:20 @Diesel Creek

It’s gonna be super hard to get out of the 450.I was in a similar situation and boy when those creature comforts are gone you miss them.Beautiful truck

I love these trucks! I was excited for this video after the little teasers in the last one. I didn't know it would have a service body though. It looks great!

That's a truck from my generation! I learned to drive on a '72 Ford econoline van with the same engine and a 3 speed on the column! A 3 on the tree as we used to say! That truck was a plumbing truck here in Buffalo and ended up with 392,00 miles before she was put out to pasture. It got very good, regular maintenance from the local shop and the body was Swiss cheese when it got taken to the junk yard thanks to the way that WNY winters get plenty of salt on our roads. What a blast from the past! I'd buy that in a hot minute, learned how to work on that exact type of engine, that could also haul around the backhoe and trailer for doing digging jobs. You brought a smile to the face of an old fart!

My dad had a 74 econoline van with a 300-6 three on the tree, I had a 94 f150 with a 300-6 and a 5 speed that my son now owns. Three generations of 300-6 owners and that is a rock solid engine!

Great vid. This Ol F250 is a time capsule! I grew up in a GM family, but I always liked the Fords from this era. That 300 may well be one of the most dependable gas engines ever. It will make a great service truck and I sure wouldn’t worry about the little bit of rust.

Always a great video seeing you & Sam work together. Great communication skills.

I love seeing the old classics coming back to life!

Sam's comment at 7:00 on seeing the dead rodent in the battery tray, "Are you okay?" was good humor.

This old truck looks mint! Love the “kid in a candy store” distractions, I’d be just the same 🤣 I passed my driving test in 1971, and started my first full-time job in the same year… Still working 53 years later… time I retired maybe, at 70 🤔 ❤️🇷🇴

I had a '78 E250 with that engine. Of all the things I replaced on that van, engine parts were not among them, except a water pump late in its life. Loved the torque. Got me into and out of a lot of rough places.

An engine can not be four-strokish and straight six-cylindrish enough! Kudos to the gas. Burns after more than 30 vears like you had bought it last week. Nowadays, fuel gives you a fight after two years sitting. We have the same issues here in Europe. Shoutout from Germany!

The 300 may not have been fast from the factory but could be built into a fast engine. Built to factory specs it would pull with most factory small blocks and out pull the small ones of comparable size, 283, 289, 302, 305, 307, etc. Power Nation did show on the 300. They found it at 88 HP with 180ish lb ft of torque pulling 14 lbs of vacuum. The 300 is the best small displacement gas burner for working ever built. I would keep it, but I love them.

Definitely a 90s time capsule for sure so very cool Cant blame them for keeping the tools 2:30 @Diesel Creek

Great video! I am sure he took care of his mobile office! He is smiling down seeing his baby hit the road again!!

Beautiful truck Matt, I love it wish you all the best with it. Congratulations on over 700k in subscribers let’s keep that number climbing people.

Don’ worry… Matt’s just taking the sharp edges off! 😂 that is a BEAUTIFUL old truck!

I had a 1980 F150 and I stood inside to work on it all the time. I agree 100%. That straight six was super reliable, cheap to run, and cheap and easy to fix. I used mine in Northern Alberta, and it always started in winter if you plugged it in. Brought back memories.

Those 300 six's were torque monsters and great motors!

I really like the indestructible 300-6 (check the quarter mile time with a calendar instead of a stopwatch), but with all that space, a Fummins conversion would be mighty nice. -Randy-

Wow, thanks! My dad had the same truck basically when we were coming up, just the bed was white. He was a carpenter! He drove it daily with four little boys and along with a extra man at times. We hauled trash with it also from the job site, firewood in the winter, farming in the spring and summer. Oh yea, church on Sunday.

Absolutely love this episode thanks for reviving this jewel of a old f250 nothing better thanks again Mr matt

"Won't outrun itself" - Matt I'm stealing that.

I used to drive a truck like that at work and it was the most dependable ever ❤

straight 6 are mechanically perfect engines, talking about primary and secondary engine balance. Seeing how smooth she runs is a great testament to the benefits of that. What a beauty!