Most trucks are used like any other household tool with little thought given to their eventual heirloom qualities. But some owners do treat the heavy-duty hauler like a member of the family, and this single-family owned 1979 Ford F250 has clearly been loved. Equipped with a long bed, bed topper, extended cab, and the Lariat package, this F250 is listed here on eBay with bids to just over $10,000 and the reserve unmet.
Before we dig into the condition, let’s take note of the color scheme: this is a very unique combo, with what appears to be an orange and cream combo with color-keyed wheels. I’m sure there’s a more official name for these two paint codes but it is definitely not one you see everyday. The listing notes that this F-Series is equipped with four wheel drive, a 5.8L 351 engine, an automatic transmission, and under 50,000 miles that may be genuine.
The truck has been looked after up until the very recent past, with lots of smart maintenance performed by the previous owner. Work includes replacement exhaust manifold gaskets, plugs and wires, tie rods, brake pads and rotors, alternator, battery, water pump, and much more. The transfer case was also serviced and the serpentine belt replaced. With all this work done on a vehicle that historically doesn’t need a lot of upkeep, I suspect it will be quite a while before it needs any serious work.
The interior is in beautiful condition, and the unique color scheme continues inside with a brown vinyl bench seat, tan carpets with matching door panels, and a cloth insert on the seating surfaces. It also reflects the best balance of simplicity and convenience, with manual windows, door locks, and mirrors, along with power steering and brakes. Less stuff to break without losing the convenience of power assisted controls is the best balance, in my opinion, and this F250 also comes with dual fuel tanks for plenty of travel range. This is a nicely presented rig with an appealing history and great equipment list, so I suspect it will clear its reserve with ease.
My brother called me over the holiday asking me to keep my eye out for a 73-79 F series truck preferably with 4X4. When he told me his budget of 10K I told him not to expect too much. Personally I would be bidding on this one to own. A lot less grief and a really nice truck that would get thumbs up whenever you go. With any classic truck I would never drive it on salted roads so 4X4 would not be important to me.
Definitely an F-150, not a 250. Seller claims the truck has air conditioning, and it clearly is a non-A/C truck. Wheels are also 15 inch, not 16 as the seller claims.
I spy something on the floor under the dash that is unusual to me. It appears to have wires that go up from the rear under the dash. Never seen something like that that I can recall. Given the period, perhaps some “dealer add-on” A/C?
See the range of pics that include the dash face and front floors.
It looks like a small space heater, or maybe a de-humidifier.
And no serpentine belt either – despite what the listing says.
I also spot some engine compartment irregularities. Incomplete heat riser manifold. Missing w w tub cap, radiator will need replacing as well as all hoses and possibly heater core. Brakes are another cost. Nice truck for no more than 10K.
E Bay add says 150, also it would be a V-belt
Nice truck. A good finishing touch would be to have the camper shell painted cream to match.
Bob, Agreed. I think I would ditch that shell if I can find a period shell that fits the truck better.
id losse it all together
I’m really curious what happened to those inner fenders in the bed too. Our SuperCab led a pretty rough life too (hauled a lot of firewood) and the inner fenders never looked like that.
Definitely not an factory a/c truck as stated by the seller. There is no compressor, or condenser. Red flag.
The bed looks to have been used really hard, maybe hauling scrap iron.
Where are the bed pics found I don’t see on the eBay on ad?
Scroll down in the ad and you’ll see them. You’ll have to scroll for a bit!
$23,100 and reserve still not met. Just saw photos of the bed inside, and it is completely hammered. Virtually destroyed in reality. The steel plate looks to be welded to the floor. Can only imagine what it’s like under that, unless it was put in when it was new. Hope the bidders have scrolled down to see all the photos.
Can’t do the aftermarket exterior sun visors
The photo of the VIN ID plate might raise an eyebrow or two. Maybe make it slightly less obvious? The ID does match the one on the sticker though…
An F150 never had leaf springs in the front, they had coils with a solid axle.
Except the 1978-1979 F150 SuperCab 4x4s.
5 lug rims, not a F-250, ozone machine on the floor I believe.
Went and saw this truck after it was purchased off eBay. She is pretty rough. Had a hydraulic tilt bed. Space heater on the floor. Poor job on the repaint. All the pieces are there to make it a perfect candidate for a full rebuild! Just not at the price that’s being asked.