I had a 77 with an extended cab (4 kids) and the old 300cid straight six that was definitely a rust bucket. It was pretty trashed when I got it and I ran it for a few years 'til it was just too far gone to keep putting money into. It always ran well, just everything else was falling apart. It served me pretty well for what it was but it took thirty acres to turn it around with that long cab and full sized bed. Had some fun lettin' the kids drive it around out in the field which is kinda the beauty of having something that a few more dings and scratches won't matter.