If I were to classify the various finds we come across here at Barn Finds, aside from the excitement at unearthing a complete surprise for the first time in years (which is everyone’s favorite), my second favorite type of find is to see a vehicle that’s been in steady use seemingly forever, getting the maintenance it needs (or at least most of it) and just waiting for the right enthusiast to come along to cherish the vehicle. This 1964 Ford F-100 seems to be the second type of find! It’s located in Benton, Kansas and is listed for sale here on eBay. Right now, bidding is only up to $2,000 but there’s a reserve that hasn’t been met.
Sure, there’s some wear in the paint, and I’m guessing that rear bed has been repainted at some point in the past. It could also be rattle-can primer we’re seeing. The point here, however, is that this farm truck has been used (55,300 miles so far) but not abused, is almost rust free (more about that later) and runs like a top. Features like the original floor mat that isn’t trashed bear out the mileage. The seller has put in a new windshield and some other maintenance, but the majority of the truck is as it’s worked for the past 53 years.
Here’s that rust spot, fairly typical for this type of truck. Repair panels are available, or you can make your own like my friend has for his 1965.
The bed certainly looks solid, albeit used, as well. The truck spent the majority of its life on a farm in Peabody, Kansas. Anyone from that area? As best as I could tell, there are horse, cattle and crop farms in the area so the truck could have been used several different ways.
I’m quite sure the seat has been reupholstered, but the interior looks cheerful regardless given the red and white paint. That LONG shift lever (have you ever seen a longer one on a stock vehicle?) is connected to a four speed manual transmission. I’m guessing first is a “granny gear” used for pulling, and you generally start in second. Behind the seat is what looks like a reconditioned or new fuel tank, although the seller doesn’t mention it.
The do mention that the inline six runs like a top, and I can easily believe it. The seller has also rebuilt the front suspension prior to sale. This truck would be absolutely perfect for me at my new location, but I’m halfway across the country and would have to sell some more projects first. So let us know which one of you readers ends up with the truck (yes, I’m that confident, as long as the reserve is reasonable) in the comments below.
Is it a 223 240 our 300 ?
Pretty sure it’s a 223.
Definitely a 223. That’s the only Ford Six with the intake on the driver’s side.
Could be a 262.
Man, this is one basic truck. About the only thing in common with a new Ford, is the name. I can just see their surprise when driving this for the 1st time. Never did understand why the shift lever had to be so long. Nice truck, not sure why the price hasn’t taken off. This was a very popular truck. For many ( farm folks, mostly) this was the 1st vehicle they ever drove. Super deal here.
All older cars until the 40’s and trucks into the early 70’s all had long shift levers for their top load 3 or 4 spd manual transmissions. The shift lever came up way forward because they were top loaders and the transmission itself was about 1\3rd the length of later manual transmissions and the fact with the external linkage being offset to the left and back on floor shift models put the shift lever about where the drivers hand would be if he just dropped his hand right straight down when in the driving position or close to it. So much so if the seat was positioned too far forward in it’s traverse the seat would interfere with the shiftier. At least with the long shift levers you didn’t have that problem and even today I still prefer the long shift lever. .
There are a lot of advantages to a vehicle that has been driven off and on as opposed to one sitting for many years. I’d take this one.
Love it, definitely one to look into.
Couldn’t ask for much more.
Back in the early 90s a friend of mine brought a 62 f100 step side from California back to Massachusetts. Same thing, 223 six and 4 speed granny gear. Super runner and did pretty good on the highway. Might have had a higher geared rear end.
Would love to have this nice old Ford truck just to drive and drive and drive some more.
I would love to have it, but getting it back home, is where the expense comes in.
My dad would set me on his lap when I was 8 or so and off we would go down Wyoming dirt roads, me steering and he always in the ready to grab the wheel. He did love Ford trucks and had one like this, although I recall it being a pea-green color and a V8. Can’t see dad owning a 6 cylinder.
Same here, I grew up in Wyoming too. Where were you from?
I bought my 1964 F-100 Deluxe cab pickup from my father-in-law when he became too old to drive. The dash had all of the factory gauges and the seat and door panels were upholstered. A 292 Y-Block V-8 and a 3 on the tree made it a great driver. I repainted it in the original bright red with a white top; wish I had it today.
That would be “Custom Cab”. And they were pretty snazzy for the time