While it’s fun to bring an old vehicle back to the road, there is something to be said about buying one that is already running. This Ford F1 had been in barn storage for at least the past 15 years. After finding it, the seller decided to get it back on the road. It had obviously had some work done to it by a previous owner, such as the installation of a later model V8. Since it wasn’t original, they decided to install some new components. They upgraded the front brakes to discs, which should improve braking massively. They also installed a new wiring harness, new GPS speedometer, new lights, electric window wipers, new seat belts, and all the other parts one would typically change during a full tune up. If you’ve been looking for a barn find truck that is ready to enjoy, this one might be worth a closer look at! You can find it here on eBay in Marion, Indiana where bidding has already passed $9k.
I’m fine with an engine upgrade but they could have at least used a FOMOCO power plant.
I agree on using a ford engine.
I sure wouldn’t mind the truck but that SBC would be ripped out before I got the truck inside. I understand why people flock to an SBC; they’re everywhere, they’re reliable, they’re relatively cheap and they’re easily adaptable. But that doesn’t mean that they should be installed in a Ford. If I upgraded it, it would get a 255 Mercury flathead. At least keep it in the family.
Since it’s already modified, why stop at Mercury? I’m thinking full Lincoln V-12!
Maybe not the most practical choice, but can you imagine the look on peoples faces when you open the hood?
First of all, I know a few guys who own Lincoln cars that are minus the engines (yanked out for some reason or other then sold off) and 12s are few and far between. Second: I tend to think that you’d have somewhat of a challenge getting the 12 to fit in there. The Lincoln engine is long and that is compounded by the distributor on the front. But I have to agree with you on what peoples’ reactions would be if they found out that a Lincoln engine rested between the rails…
i agree the motor has to go and a motor from the ford family needs to be installed. the question is how many other changes were made when they put the SBC in, can the changes be reversed, and at what cost. i like the changes that were made to keep the truck safe. truck needs to be back working for a living. very interesting find
Nice truck and yes I’m on board with the idea of swapping out the SBC for a 302 / 351.
Meh. By that I mean it is a wonderful find. However the SBC and the ’51 grille being what it is… I’ll stick with my ’48 with a 351W. For the price, it is a solid beginning, trash the bowtie, put a Windsor motor and custom grill, new wood in the back, you’d have one awesome cruiser on a budget.
i would put a ford 300ci six with a 3 or 4 speed manual in it..
Something about that truck looks very familiar….
I have one of these sitting out the back (under cover of course) that I bought about 12 years ago as a hotrod project. The I-Beam front end is gone because it would change lanes on its own on the highway at speed, so it now has a L300 van crossmember; Holden Commodore rack; and a Cortina column. The 307c that came with it was resold as I am NOT sticking a Chev in a Ford truck.
If I wanted a Chev, I’d have bought a Chev.
Matt51F1 I like your style. I can’t stand cross breeding vehicles.
Hell i have had many vehicles with chevy small blocks in them, but they were chevys… I despise SBCs in ford or chrysler stuff. that’s just laziness.