What’s the first thing that catches your eye in this opening photo? The stunning condition of this beautiful blue 1979 Ford F-100 Ranger Flareside? That it’s a short bed, giving it a super cool look? Or, something else, maybe related to wide white wall tires on a pickup from 1979? The seller has this one posted here on craigslist in Tualatin, Oregon, and they’re asking $14,900. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Curvette for the tip!
Round headlights were old news (by one model year) by the time 1979 rolled around, and all models got them, even Custom-level trucks. It’s hard to tell if this truck has been restored or repainted, or if it’s original and just in stunning condition. The seller doesn’t say anything about bodywork or the paint at all, so could it be original and in this condition? If so, this is nice enough for a museum.
The sixth-generation F-Series was made for model years 1973 through 1979 here, and the Styleside beds seem to be more popular, not to mention more valuable, but make mine a Flareside any time. That was Ford’s name for what is often called a stepside. Yeah, those tires have to go. Here’s what the inside portion of the short bed looks like: what a jewel box! There are a few minor rub marks and scratches here and there, but if this truck is original, it’s amazing.
Well, the interior doesn’t appear to be all original, at least the seat and steering wheel. I’d source some nice, Ranger, “multistripe cloth” fabric to redo that seat the instant this truck showed up on the trailer. The Ranger trim got more soundproofing than the Custom models did, and this would be a fun truck to drive home rather than shipping it, now that I think about it. They say this truck has been well-maintained over the years, and it sure looks good.
The engine isn’t all original, and I never like seeing missing covers. This is a 302-cu.in. OHV V8 with 130 horsepower, and it’s had recent service and some upgrades. The radiator and air cleaner, which I’m assuming is over a replacement carb, are likely nice updates. That isn’t a bad thing at all, but the listing is a little cryptic for information. We do know that it has an automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels, and it’s said to run and drive “excellent.” Hagerty is at $17,000 for a #3 good-condition example, so that $14,900 asking price looks pretty reasonable. Any thoughts on this short bed Flareside?
I kind of get the look thwy were going for. I believe those are ’49 or maybe ’50 Ford hubcaps. With the wide whitewalls I’m guessing with the Flareside ( stepside) bed they were going for a more “older” classic look. Its unique and I wouldn’t hurry to change them if it were mine, especially if the tires are in good shape. Its an easy change to get original late 70’s Ford 1/2 ton hub caps. ( or even those cool Explorer trim pickup and van wheel covers we talked about the other day). Neat truck, it’ll make a nice cruiser for sure.
You had me with your first sentence Scotty. A terrific Flareside, but those wide whitewalls (and the too-old hub caps) would be gone very quickly.
Can you still get the Westley’s bleach white? That stuff was what it took to keep the whites white. Yep I’m old! Good look, easy on the eyes.
Available on Amazon, 4 pack of 32oz bottles for $19.05.
Steve R
If you were with a group of people of a certain age, I figure every one of them who was an old car enthusiast would know exactly what Westley’s Bleche White is and is used for. For everyone else, they might be guessing a laundry product….
Comet and a scrub brush also works well.
I normally don’t get excited about wide whitewalls but this looks good.
Whitewalls on this truck are like a tutu on a bulldog: awkward and embarrassing.
The dealer doesn’t talk bring up the originality because they likely don’t about its history. It’s just another used car on their lot. Short bed fleet sides are still the preferred body style, but sooner or later these will catch on too, not sure if they are there yet.
As the air cleaner, OE 2bbl’s that Ford used on their V8’s had the same diameter air cleaner mount as Holley/Carter/Edelbrock 4bbl carbs. Aftermarket air cleaners are a common upgrade and doesn’t mean the carb has been swapped, the only way to verify is by visually confirming which carb is installed.
Steve R
Sharp truck for sure. Fits that just right thing that can be so hard to achieve. Would be a fun little get about. Wonder if it still has the cat underneath?
Maybe a previous owner installed a test pipe to “verify the need to replace the catalytic converter.” ;)
Hilarious! I totally forgot about the “test pipe” that was offered by JC Whitney
I’d lose the whitewalls. Stock steelies or period correct Ansen slot mags would look great. I like the colors but I’m with you Scotty on returning the interior to stock seat covers and steering wheel.
I get the seat covers are custom but what is the beef with the steering wheel? The three spoke slotted wheel was an RPO or easy enough to get over the counter.
Agreed. The factory Sport wheel that this one has is a nice piece to have.
It’s sharp. I agree with ditching the wheels & either going with the original stamped steelie or possibly a white wagon wheel rim. Definitely get an original style plaid seat cover for it as well.
Power steering but manual brakes? Not a bad return on your investment 5k new 15k now.
Considering that they’re easier to stop than steer, sure.
I’ve loved these trucks since they first came out. I guess I’m in the group that kind of likes those tires and wheels. They set it apart from all the others and are great eye catchers. I’m old now and set in my ways but I still get a kick out something different. My garage is full now and no room for a third vehicle and since Hagerty insurance requires classics to be garage kept this one won’t be coming home with me.
God Bless America
Yea, lose the whitewalls and keep it just like this otherwise. Nice.
I think a narrower white stripe tire would look better on this and give it the “granddad’s pickup” look. There’s just too much white there. They almost look like those whitewall extenders that you’d mount in the tire bead.
V8 and has manual brakes.
Back in the day they were called step side.
2wd?
Yes.
I like the direction this truck is going. Why not more? Put the 78 xl round headlights on, to further old school the look, and inside the engine compartment get it stock looking again.
I prefer the earlier round headlight front end. Never was able to get comfortable with the ‘79s & square headlights.
Overall a little too gussied up as well, what with the wood bed floor et al, but I have no problem with the 3 spoke tiller.
my fav looking vehicle (even over my ’50 & 60s Italianate lill jewels) BUT…
4WD, 4.9 i6’n 2 18 inch racing stripes. aahahahaa
Must B late ’79? wasnt it a split yr w/ early still round?
(PLEZ dump the white walls, no?) AND…
ever sit in 1? seems like ur @ the kitchen table (ankle/knee right angles, wheel ‘against’ chest)…