1980 F-100 restoration info sought

Hi, I just found this forum!  I was hoping to get some advice on my truck.

1) I have a 1980 F-100 that I've owned since 1985.  It's heading into it's 30th birthday and I am trying to decide if I should restore her to a show condition or sell her before she turns into a rust bucket.

I think it's a relatively rare model now, at least I've never seen another 1980 F-100.  From what I've been able to determine Ford stopped the F-100 1/2 ton line in 1979 but made a few vehicles in the 1980 model year that are essentially the 79 F-100 with the 1980 body.

Anybody know if this is true?

2) The model logo on the side of the truck says "F-100 Custom"  I'm also wondering if anyone knows what the "Custom" part means.

The truck has 195,000 miles total. The past 15 years or so I have driven it an average of 1,000 to 5,000 miles a year.  I just use it for things requiring a truck.

I installed a new 300cid engine from a long block around 1987 that has about 90,000 on it and still sounds tight as it did new.  It has the 3spd column shifter.  Also over the years have done a couple of clutches, carb rebuilds, steering gear, radiators, etc.  

The truck was mostly restored in the early 1990's (paint, carpet, upholstery). It was garaged up until about two years ago and the weather has since taken a toll.  It now has some surface rust showing on the hood and cab top and around the rear window seal.  Also the body/frame donuts are deteriorated. About 5 years ago I added a bed liner, diamond plate gate and edge runners and toolbox.  I also have a Leer camper shell that needs refinishing.

I think I made a mistake and threw out the original (rusted) hub caps replacing with mags and wider tires.  Otherwise it's pretty much original.

I see F-100 values ranging from $500 for junkers to $40,000+ for 50's models.   My guess is it would cost $2-10,000 (and a couple of hundred hours of free labor) to put her into a show condition.

Would it be worthwhile financially to restore a truck of this age, at this time?

I'd appreciate any suggestions anyone can offer me.

Thanks,
Jamie S  

Well, vehicle restorations are seldom "investments." I'd look at it more from a standpoint of you getting personal satisfaction from it than trying to make money off it. Most guys that have done it will tell you they rarely re-coup the full amount of money they put into the restoration.

As long as you go into it with realistic expectations, you'll be fine. But if you're looking at it as a potential cash cow, you may be disappointed.