With Pickups maintaining their popularity in the classic market, promising projects are usually highly sought after. That description would best summarize this 1976 Ford F250 Ranger 4×4 Highboy. It needs love, but the included parts will set the winning bidder on their way to returning this gentle giant to its former glory. It is part of an extensive classic collection the owner is downsizing and is listed exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions with No Reserve.
There’s quite a bit to unpack with this truck, but there is plenty of positive news to gladden the hearts of potential bidders. The first owner ordered this beauty in Code P Light Blue, and it retains most of its original paint. It shows its age, but that is expected from a workhorse with forty-seven years under its belt. Restoration is the obvious choice, but there is rust requiring attention before the winning bidder grabs their spray gun and sets to work. It has impacted the usual areas like the lower cab corners, and it initially seems daunting. However, salvation is at hand because the owner includes a replacement cab that is in good order. It requires typical preparation before receiving a repaint, but it is rock-solid. The bed doesn’t miss out because a partial spare is included that can be cut for the correct steel to make the original rust-free. The frame is in good order, and sprucing it up while the bed and cab are removed would ensure it doesn’t cause future problems. Some trim pieces are damaged, but most should look good with an old-fashioned polish. The buyer needs to source the driver’s door glass, but the remaining windows look fine.
This Pickup’s interior is basically complete but requires effort to present at its best. It is worth remembering that regardless of which path the buyer follows with the interior, it will all be swung into the replacement cab at some point. It is unclear how the seat upholstery looks under the slipcover, but with replacements retailing for under $250, any shortcomings can be addressed without breaking the bank. The winning bidder has wiring to sort out and may choose to remove any additions to start from scratch. The radio is gone, but the dash and pad look pretty good. With those issues tackled and a fresh coat of paint inside the replacement cab before swapping everything over, the interior could easily present in as-new condition for a minimal outlay.
I’ve never heard a classic vehicle owner complain about their toy having too much power, but somebody wasn’t happy about the 145hp and 263 ft/lbs of torque produced by this Ford’s original 360ci V8 because that engine is a distant memory. Its spot now houses a 460 that started life in a Ford or a Lincoln. Its specifications are unclear, but if it came from another vehicle from the same model year, power should rise above 200hp, with torque around 350 ft/lbs. Those are worthwhile gains, meaning load carrying and towing would require less effort. The power feeds through a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The only identified problem is with the front axle, which the owner believes is negatively impacted by the PTO and winch. It is another case where removing the items might be the best solution to achieve a roadworthy state. The owner has the rear fuel tank, but the winning bidder needs to source a replacement front.
This 1976 Ford F250 Ranger 4×4 Highboy needs work, but everything is there to return it to its former glory. The upgraded V8 would allow it to carry heavy loads in the bed or to put the hitch receiver to good use. These trucks are renowned for their towing ability, while the Highboy’s stance means it could tackle harsh terrain easily. Some people may find the restoration daunting, but with no structural weaknesses, a competent person could tackle most of it in a home workshop. If that prospect sounds tempting, bidding on this beauty could be the first step in returning it to its rightful place on our roads with you behind the wheel.
- Location: East Point, Georgia
- Mileage: TMU
- Engine: 460ci V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
- VIN: F26YRA31898
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
Car27 bid $1,500.00 2023-05-21 18:00:08
gt bid $1,200.00 2023-05-20 22:58:30- Car27 bid $1,100.00 2023-05-19 08:54:27
Eric M bid $900.00 2023-05-16 19:24:30
papalou67 bid $750.00 2023-05-16 14:56:42- Car27 bid $650.00 2023-05-16 06:32:09
thunder33 bid $550.00 2023-05-15 15:58:34
Brad w bid $450.00 2023-05-15 13:03:10
Mikee J bid $300.00 2023-05-15 12:18:02
Da_realblkninja bid $200.00 2023-05-15 11:26:12
Nm2022 bid $100.00 2023-05-15 09:34:31
The cowl badging says it’s a 77, everything else says it’s a 76, kinda strange. Good project.
My Dad had an F150 that was a 77 but it sure looked like a 76 and he bought it new
The body probably is a 1977, if I’m not mistaken all the 73-77 F250 hi boys had the tank in the cab. Looks like a home made tank for the front location and doesn’t appear to have a rear tank. Also, the VIN tag has been riveted on the door, not having the original Ford style.
Yes 76 still had the gas tank in the cab.
It’s got a 5 sp shifter
Mikee like
Man this is great being a true Ford man. Wish said if motor runs and tranny decent, perfect to park at my hunting club for members and myself, had a 79 F100, and a 69 stepwise. Nice truck.
JR THE GAS (TANKS) ARE UNDER bed!!!! FYI
Man this is great being a true Ford man. Wish said if motor runs and tranny decent, perfect to park at my hunting club for members and myself, had a 79 F100, and a 69 stepwise. Nice truck.
Always loved these Highboys. Almost bought one this same color back in 2016. Seller said it was “rust free from Oregon.” Wanted $7,000, w/390, auto. Went with cash in hand, put it up on the lift and could see constellations through the floorboards! But it was a nice trip to western PA.
Off to the North Forty with this one. $2,000.00 and use it for a work truck. No restoring needed here – too many issues. BUT – an awesome truck to get the job done! Lots of potential ,especially with a 460ci w/4-5 speed! Good luck.
Can’t quite see…does this still have the divorced transfer case, or did the engine and trans swap include the later style case?
Title status?
It’s divorced
Don’t forget, this is a package deal with a solid spare cab. You could either swap the cabs so you don’t have to patch a bunch of rust holes or you could leave the original cab alone and sell the solid cab to recoupe some of your money. Either way, this could be a great 4×4 to have!