- Seller: B & B Auto Sales
- Location: White, South Dakota
- Mileage: 84,035 Shown
- Chassis #: F14HLBB5221
- Title Status: Clean
There is something about a classic 4×4 pickup that is difficult to resist. You get all the benefits of a truck with the added charm of a classic design. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a classic 4×4 pickup that hasn’t already undergone restoration. This 1978 Ford F-150 Flareside Short-bed 4×4 is in need of restoration work, but it runs and drives in its current condition. It is up for auction here on Barn Finds and can be found in White, South Dakota. It is ready to be taken to its new home.
The selling dealer has provided extensive photos and a walk-around video of this Ford. They admit that the body has rust issues and that the 351M V8 is tired. The engine fires up, runs, and drives, so loading it onto a trailer will be simple. Replacement metal is available to fix any rust issues this truck has. The frame is said to be solid, and the provided photos back up the claim. There’s surface rust present, but nothing that can’t be treated.
The F-150 was offered with various engines, ranging from an inline-6 to a 400 cui V8. This truck is equipped with a 351M V8, which is rated at 149 horsepower, and an automatic transmission. While the 400 offered a bit more power, the 351M is still a great option in a truck like this. It offers lots of low-end power while still being very durable. The seller performed a compression test on the engine and found it is low, so plan on at least a basic engine rebuild. Given the popularity of these engines now, crate engines are available if you’d prefer to skip the headaches of rebuilding the engine. If you choose to rebuild the original engine, all the needed parts and lots of performance upgrades are readily available to make it a serious machine.
The interior needs attention but appears to be complete. Trucks of this era weren’t overly complicated or luxurious, so restoring the interior will be straightforward. Every part needed is being reproduced and typically is reasonably priced. A look at the floors reveals rust that will need to be addressed and the truck’s original silver paint color. It would look great sporting its original color. Since it needs rust repair, the next owner can repaint it in whatever color they like. We would go with the original Silver Metallic, but what about you?
It appears this truck may have been cruising the roads of Wyoming as recently as 2015. The license plate indicates it was registered in Johnson County, Wyoming, only a few miles from where Barn Finds was founded! It needs a fair amount of work, but it looks like a great project to start with, especially if you have been on the hunt for a short bed 4×4. If you have any questions for the seller, please leave them in the comments. And don’t forget to cast your high bid below!
Bid On This Auction
- Red Bird Concepts bid $4,003.00 2024-03-08 10:07:58
- North Farm LLC bid $3,750.00 2024-03-08 08:04:01
- John bid $3,000.00 2024-03-07 18:25:10
- North Farm LLC bid $2,500.00 2024-03-05 07:48:31
- Frank bid $2,000.00 2024-03-03 10:33:40
- North Farm LLC bid $1,150.00 2024-03-02 16:33:46
- Rob bid $650.00 2024-03-02 00:31:59
The bed doesn’t look right is it a stepside longbed?
My mom has almost the same truck in the backyard of her house, it just doesn’t have a tailgate or usable tires. Also, the bed floor was wood and as such, is mostly rotted away. It hasn’t run since sometime before 2010.
It’s a shortbed.
Something is odd about the bed.
I had one of these in the early 80s.
What is it about this bed?
Short Box
Looks like the bed is off of an earlier model truck
I saw that too, I’m no expert but the two styles clash
nice looking old rig
It’s a regular production short wheelbase Flareside bed 1978 Ford pickup. My dad had one, the fourth of a series of five Ford work trucks from 1966 to 1982. All short wheelbase, four Flaresides and one Styleside.
Whole front clip, grill, bumper etc. appear solid and straight enough for a decent driver. Would probably generate more interest if it had a styleside box. Cool truck nonetheless. Should sell without any problems. Already have my F-150 so I won’t be in on it. Best wishes to successful bidder.
That flareside/stepside bed was available from the mid 1950’s through 1979 on Ford pickups.
In 1980 when the F series was redesigned, the stepside bed was redesigned with fenders that matched the bodylines of the rest of the truck.
The bed originated on the 1953-56 F series trucks and was kept in the lineup until 1979.
The other change is that the fuel filler is located on the driver’s side rear fender on later models.
On older F series trucks, the gas tank was located behind the seat in the cab so the fuel filler was on the cab.
The only major changes to the bed over the years was that on the older beds, the bed rails were angled and on later versions such as on this truck, they are flat.
Yeah Dave, I well remember when Ford ruined the looks of the F-150 in 1980, all previous models looked much much better, and it was a good many years before they produced a decent looking truck afterward. I had a ’91 4×4 swb for a few years, they were starting to get a little style back by then, but nothing that looked as good as the late 60’s thru late 70’s models. And I agree with the other fellas that said that bed just doesn’t look right on the one in the post, looks like they saved a bunch of beds from the earlier years and just kept installing them on newer trucks until they used them all up. Still a neat old rig though, and it looks like it’s a good pallet to start on something really cool for someone!
Yup, I have the same bed on my ‘56 F-100. That bed style started in 1953 when Ford redesigned their trucks for their 50 year anniversary.
Wow what’s not to love here. This is one nice Ford truck. I really like the bed on this truck I always called it the step side because of the step in front of the fenders. I believe this to be the correct bed for this truck. The step side beds always didn’t look like they belonged on the later trucks like this one. Now for that 351M engine I’ve rebuilt a couple of these pretty easy and not expensive to do. If I was closer I would be top bidder at auctions close. To the seller good luck I hope you get what you are looking to get and to the buyer enjoy.
While you’re about it, add some Vintage Air, now you’re stylin’ north or south.
The 78 ford custom had the round headlights, while the higher trim lines in 78 had square headlights. I think the custom line for 78 makes for a more collectible truck than the others.
I can’t even begin to convey how much I would love to restore this truck to immaculate beauty any drive it everyday. It is amazing.
A 351M was tired right out of the factory, so I doubt you’d notice the difference with this one.
Correct on that assessment! I had a 79 Bronco (almost new) way back when. Same engine and it was a “dog” power wise. A buddy had the 400, same issue there.
It’s got a Sport steering wheel!
The reserve is off!!!
That cab coupled with that bed go together like Whiskey & Ice Cream.
I was today years old when I found out barnfinds.com was founded in my hometown of Sheridan Wyoming. I’ve been lurking this site daily for at least 10 years. Wow…..
That’s awesome Shaun!