gusser
Active Member
Hello All,
New to the brand and the forum. Never really needed/wanted a truck until now. Recently retired and need something to tow a small (1000lb) cargo trailer with Radio control aircraft (Mainly helicopters... lots of helicopters) and didn't like the idea of straining my Honda Crosstour's tranny, even though the car is rated for 1500 lbs.
I have always been a car guy, with an emphasis on muscle. I was initially looking for a Gen 2 Lightning but many are beat to snot, overly modded or just plain overpriced for my fixed-income budget.
I came across the Raptor subject as an alternative to the supercharged Lightning... I like the idea of a big V8 rather than boost add-ons to make power just to keep it simple and easier to repair for this gray beard.
I came across a 2011 crew cab with 94k. The interior seats are a mess, scratches everywhere on the plastic door panels and surface, chrome trim peeling off of the shifter handle, some bubbling in one of the cab corners, etc, (this was all obtained by pics and a Facetime session with the sales guy) but otherwise seems like a reasonably priced entry into the Raptor world. I am hopeful I can resolve most, if not all of these flaws over time and have a well-restored Raptor to pass on to my grandson someday.
I am a DIY'er (have a 2-post lift in my garage) and although I do not want to tackle engine swaps/rebuilds/frame off restorations anymore (I may take the bed off though), I still enjoy doing basic maintenance and parts replacement when needed. Looks like I'll have to learn how to do auto seat upholstery too if the deal goes through.
I have already learned a ton about what to look for and what to expect from browsing this forum and I expect to find many answers to the questions and problems I run into right here.
Will update y'all if my inspection and the PPI (to be completed over the next couple of weeks) gives me the green light to make the purchase.
Here is a good 15-footer pic.
New to the brand and the forum. Never really needed/wanted a truck until now. Recently retired and need something to tow a small (1000lb) cargo trailer with Radio control aircraft (Mainly helicopters... lots of helicopters) and didn't like the idea of straining my Honda Crosstour's tranny, even though the car is rated for 1500 lbs.
I have always been a car guy, with an emphasis on muscle. I was initially looking for a Gen 2 Lightning but many are beat to snot, overly modded or just plain overpriced for my fixed-income budget.
I came across the Raptor subject as an alternative to the supercharged Lightning... I like the idea of a big V8 rather than boost add-ons to make power just to keep it simple and easier to repair for this gray beard.
I came across a 2011 crew cab with 94k. The interior seats are a mess, scratches everywhere on the plastic door panels and surface, chrome trim peeling off of the shifter handle, some bubbling in one of the cab corners, etc, (this was all obtained by pics and a Facetime session with the sales guy) but otherwise seems like a reasonably priced entry into the Raptor world. I am hopeful I can resolve most, if not all of these flaws over time and have a well-restored Raptor to pass on to my grandson someday.
I am a DIY'er (have a 2-post lift in my garage) and although I do not want to tackle engine swaps/rebuilds/frame off restorations anymore (I may take the bed off though), I still enjoy doing basic maintenance and parts replacement when needed. Looks like I'll have to learn how to do auto seat upholstery too if the deal goes through.
I have already learned a ton about what to look for and what to expect from browsing this forum and I expect to find many answers to the questions and problems I run into right here.
Will update y'all if my inspection and the PPI (to be completed over the next couple of weeks) gives me the green light to make the purchase.
Here is a good 15-footer pic.
Please enlighten me sir. 
