Sitting in this shed is a classic hiding a secret. The 1979 F-150 Pickup looks tired but is a solid vehicle requiring restoration or preservation. It has served its owners well as a farm truck, and the lack of open road activity means it has only clocked 28,000 original miles. The seller planned a restoration, but with other projects occupying their time, the F-150 must find a new home. They have listed it here on eBay in Paw Paw, Illinois. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,100, with a BIN option of $13,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Ford launched its Sixth Generation F-Series in December 1972, with vehicles remaining on showroom floors until 1979. Our feature F-150 rolled off the line during the final production year with its panels clad in Code K Light Blue. The paint is being slowly consumed by the type of dry surface corrosion often seen on vehicles that have spent their lives serving faithfully on a Texas farm. The seller confirms there is penetrating rust in the bed. Otherwise, the Ford is structurally sound and has no immediate needs. It would be a prime candidate for restoration, although preservation is a viable choice for those wishing to protect this classic’s inherent character. Most trim pieces look like they would respond positively to a few hours of hard work with a high-quality polish. It retains its original wheels and hubcaps, and the tinted glass is free from significant problems.
Buyers could choose from three engines to power their 1979 F-150. This Pickup’s first owner selected the 351M V8, teaming it with a four-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The 351M was more about producing low-end torque than outright power, making it the ideal choice for Pickups of this type. It appears this old Ford is a project that has stalled a couple of times. A previous owner replaced the brake lines and steering box before it found its way to the seller. They confirm that it runs and drives but advise the winning bidder to perform an alignment and a thorough inspection before considering it roadworthy. They claim the life it has led means it has only clocked 28,000 original miles. They don’t mention verifying evidence, meaning the claim must be taken at face value.
The F-150’s interior is a surprise packet because it presents far better than might be expected for a classic that has experienced long-term exposure to the harsh Texas sun. It appears the pad has succumbed to UV rays, but the upholstered surfaces look great for their age. There is no evidence of abuse or physical damage, and the rubber mat is excellent. Some faux chrome is worn, but kits to address that issue are cheap. The woodgrain adds a touch of class, and the factory air conditioning will make life on the road pretty pleasant.
With Pickups strong performers in the classic market, it is easy to see why this 1979 Ford F-150 4×4 has attracted sixteen bids. It offers its new owner a world of possibilities, and returning it to active service for some summer fun shouldn’t present many challenges. The lack of urgent rust issues allows them to contemplate their options without rushing their decision. I believe it will find a new home, and I would be fascinated to know what the future holds for this survivor.
gonna start work’n on my next country-western song:
My Ole Crusty Trusty Rusty Truck!
Nice. I like it because it is a low-trim-level, straightforward truck which is in reasonably good shape. Driving it given the old-school four-speed would be fun. I know some like the patina look but to me it would look so much better with fresh paint. Maybe has been reupholstered, which is a good thing. Likely some other items to repair or upgrade. Those might be 80’s generation hub caps but that is a nitpick. The seller seems quite fixed on what he has and what he wants for it.
Here we are with yet another vehicle with a tampered odometer. Miles on this truck can safely be said, “unknown”. I’ll also wager the mechanicals will be needing serious attention too.
I’d love to see the Marti report on this truck. There cant bee too many half ton short beds 4WD trucks ordered with a 351 and a 4 speed. This was ordered to work for sure. I was expecting the 300 straight six. Or maybe a 302 and an automatic. Despite the suface ruat it looks solid. But if it was a farm truck all those years they can lead a hard life, I know, my oldest son bought a used farm truck years ago, dust and dirt really can wear out fromt ends etc a bit faster than if it were strictly on the road.
“There cant bee too many half ton short beds 4WD trucks ordered with a 351 and a 4 speed.”
I had two, a ’77 and a ’78. They were common in East Alabama in the ’70s. The ’77 came off the lot and I ordered the ’78 set up the same way.
The ’77 was a great truck. The ’78, well, I should have painted ot yellow and put “Sunkist” on the side. :(
Just about half of the 79 F150 4x4s had a 351M with a 4 speed with granny low 1st gear. I owned several of them all in that configuration. Back then most vehicles were standards.
I also forgot to add, I agree with Bob, it would look so much better painted the original color. This truck deserves to be preserved. I’d keep the button caps and steel wheels too. From the passenger side the seat and vinyl floor look pretty good too. The headliner looks like it is stained but that could be replaced.
I contacted the seller before he sold it on ebay. It’s just a quick flip from a couple of guys. It seems that’s the going in thing right now. No paperwork no way to tell if it’s original miles or not. Looks like the odometer was tampered I hope the new owner is happy. Everyone loves short beds but long beds were always explained to me as work trucks for men that worked in short beds for kids. LOL I guess I’ve always worked
I agree about the tampered odometer. When the leading number sags it usually means it has rolled over or rolled back.
Add reads price is firm they won’t take a loss , translation you over paid for it not realizing when the odometer rolls over it started again at zero being a farm truck of that era the odometer has probably rolled more than once. Nice clean truck for a off road build or full restoration
This will need 400 hrs. of labor and 10K in parts to get it up to speed, 5K for paint, the 351M had a habit of loosing oil pressure so this may require engine work. It’s worth 6K.
Everything on here has original miles. Why keep on lying . I guess for a fist full of dollars. Lol 😆 🤣 😂
my late brother had a ’78; and he ordered it with a 4 speed. I want to say it had a 351, but it may have been a 302. I wish he were still alive so I could ask him. RIP bro.
“ Ridden hard and put away wet”
28000?? Please add a 1.