Some trucks are built to work, and others are built to work hard. This 1975 Ford F-750 falls squarely into the second category. Listed out of Pearisburg, this heavy-duty Ford started life as a fire tanker and pumper in Chinquapin, North Carolina before being retired with just over 13,000 miles on the odometer. Since then, it’s lived a much quieter second life, used primarily for hauling firewood and pallets of concrete rather than responding to emergency calls. You can see the listing here on craigslist; thanks for the tip, Jack M.!
The current odometer shows roughly 19,000 miles, which aligns with the seller’s description of limited use after its fire service days. Under the hood is where things get especially interesting. This truck has been converted to a 6-71 Detroit Diesel inline six, backed by a 13-speed Roadranger manual transmission. It’s the kind of drivetrain combination that’s more commonly found in long-haul rigs than vintage medium-duty trucks, and the seller describes it plainly: it pulls strong like a freight train, just louder.
With a 25,600-pound GVW rating, this F-750 is no lightweight. It rides on a two-speed Eaton rear rated at 18,500 pounds, fitted with 3.70/5.05 gears. The truck also features twin 70-gallon fuel tanks, giving it the range you’d expect from something built for long days on the job. The seller notes approximately 5,000 miles on newer 11R22.5 tires, along with new front and rear axle bearings and seals, and new brake cylinders all around. Hydraboost power brakes help bring all that mass to a stop.
The setup is finished with a 12-foot flatbed that’s described as being in like-new condition, making the truck immediately useful for hauling or worksite duty. Inside, newer bucket seats with lumbar support have been installed, and the seller reports that the truck runs, shifts, and stops well, with good heat. There’s also a roof-mounted air conditioning system; the compressor isn’t currently installed, but the compressor, drive, and lines are included. While this Ford is far from a daily driver for most people, it’s easy to see the appeal. It’s a retired fire truck with a serious diesel conversion, low reported mileage, and recent mechanical attention. According to the seller, it’s simply more truck than they need at this point.
For the right buyer, this F-750 could be a unique workhorse, a show-stopping industrial toy, or even the foundation for a creative build. Trucks like this don’t come along often, especially with this kind of backstory and hardware.
Would you keep a former fire tanker like this working as intended, or turn it into something completely different?
Good Lord!!! It’s truck week at Barnfinds!!!
Keep them coming!!! Thank you Elizabeth for writing this up, and Jack for finding it. This is great!!! A Detroit 6-71 and a 13 speed will definitely keep you busy. This is the kind of truck I’d hop into after dinner or on a weekend for a fun drive. I’ve always loved the sound of a 2 stroke Detroit ( although I’m sure gentlemen like Howard and Geomechs, Stan and others will honestly tell you that a nice quality pair of ear muffs would be mandatory if you drove one of these for a living every day.
The truck itself looks really good too. Very solid. It has Juice brakes ( not air brakes) which is fine for a truck this size. I’m hoping this goes to a good new home preferably a large garage or a barn to keep it in nice condition and out of the elements.
Once again, thank you for the write up, I enjoyed it, and ALL the trucks making it on here.
-Dave
I can attest to the earmuffs, or should I say that I should’ve taken some advice and worn them more often. I have little doubt that driving and fixing Detroits contributed heavily to my tinnitus. But I can still hear for the most part.
Very good write-up Elizabeth. Interesting truck with several unique modifications. In a sense, kind of like restomodding an old car. Appears to be in good shape. I hope the right person finds it, “that’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
I liked revving out the Detroits too Dave. But never drove one daily. Plenty of gears in this one to make all the noise you want 😃. One of the cleanest 50yr old trucks I’ve seen in a while. 👍 Thanks Elizabeth.
I too am a happy camper, and hope this stuff continues into more than next week. This is really cool, however,,,this was never an option on any of the F750s I saw or drove. Most of the medium Fords were still gas jobs, or a small V8 Cat, never a “fuel converter”( converts diesel fuel into noise). This was put together strictly for fun, and I’ll admit, a Detroit and a 13 can be fun, for about 20 minutes. The 2 speed rear, would in effect make this a 26 speed? I’ve shifted practically every transmission known, but never this setup. I recognize that shifter from the bigger Louisville trucks, where this setup probably came from. Keep you busy, fo’ sho’. Pretty inept for any kind of commercial application, and so many jokes, slam your finger in the door, to get in the proper frame of mind, you had to drive them like you were pixxed off at them. That “HydroVac” braking, say your prayers there, and not sure about a tanker, more like a brush rig, still perfect for the hobby farmer, and no doubt an old trucker had this rig. Very cool.
Boy, I can imagine driving one of these, stuck in low range. Just drive it like you stole it, is a good general tip for driving a Detroit.
It looks like your average pickup going down the road these days…
That’s a good write-up, Elizabeth!
Someone was sure dedicated to the installation of this engine. I used to see some Ford 3/4 ton and 1-ton trucks running 4-53s. Some looked good and some looked like something the cat drug in. There was even an article in an Off-Road magazine 50 years ago (50 years ago? Seriously?) where a guy switched out the dull, boring, whisper quiet 360 V8 for a 4-53 in a ’72 Ford F250 4×4. Hey, a chance encounter got it featured in the magazine.
This one is good; I’d love to drive it, although, the mechanic in me looks at the rear part of the engine and wonders about performing overhead adjustments and/or changing out an injector.
Occupational hazard, I know. Every party has a pooper; that’s why we invited you…
Now THIS is what I was hoping for!!! I never had a chance to drive a 2 Stroke Detroit but have driven a couple with the more modern Series 60 ( very nice engines). I was wondering what Geo said about how in the heck do you get back there to work on it?. Thank you again for writing this up and the great comments too from Geo Howard Stan and everyone else. Rex is right, many modern pickups sadly are not far off size wise from this one.
-Dave
I think I can shine the light on not being able to get to the back of the engine for maintenence, (that’s a big word for me), but if you look at the interior pic you will see a big ‘dog house’. I think that comes off fairly easy and the rear of the engine is right there. Then you can just lay in the floor and wrench away.