Those of us who grew up in the dark ages (pre-2000), remember that in the fall of each year the new models would be introduced. No, we didn’t look at them on the internet, we had what were basically cave paintings – odd things called “magazines” – in which to check out those new vehicles that were “coming soon!” With that in mind, this 1979 Ford F-150 4×4 short box could now be 40 years old. The seller has it posted on Craigslist in Medina, Ohio with an asking price of $2,800. Thanks to Jake S. for submitting this one!
Did I mention that the seller is also the original owner? Forty years ago, give or take a few weeks or months, they purchased this truck brand new. Think back to where you were forty years ago, or if you were even alive yet. That’s what the old vehicle hobby is for me, memories of past eras and where we were, what the country was like, what the world was like, what our families were doing, where we lived, and what vehicles we had in the driveway. Or for those of us who grew up in the country, what vehicles we had out in the yard.. A forty-year-old original owner vehicle is pretty cool no matter what it is and this truck is very cool.
You have already noticed the rust and that’s the biggest drawback for this otherwise highly-desirable 4×4. No worries if the next owner is looking for a nice project and has a welder, our friends at Raybuck Auto Body Parts can help with that, as can many other suppliers of Ford pickup parts. The graphics will be another thing. Maybe the next owner won’t want to match those graphics but I sure would. A short box 4×4 pickup with classic 1970s graphics is a winner for me, but I’m strange that way.
The seller mentions that they “have the original rims” but there is no word about the original seats. These can’t be the original seats, can they be? If nothing else, some seats from a Bronco would be nice, but the velour, overly-stuffed buckets would have to go under my watch. That is, if this truck is destined to be restored which is still up in the air due to the rust, and due to the fact that it has been sitting for a few years without being started. Did I mention that yet?
Yes, the seller says that this 400 cubic-inch V8 “has not run in 6 years. Engine turns over.” That it turns over is promising, that it had 150 hp isn’t promising, but it could be made to have more oomph for sure. With Hagerty giving a #2 excellent condition value of $14,300 there isn’t a lot of room for a full restoration here. As wicked cool as this truck once was, is it worth saving?
This truck is an original Sand Box edition truck. They came from the dealership customized with the aftermarket seats, paint scheme, headliner, CB radio, etc.
As far as saving this truck from strictly a dollars and cents standpoint, probably not.
But I would like to see it saved simply from how often do you get to buy an old vehicle from the original owner and get decades of history included?
Jay Leno said it best…”sometimes you buy the car but a lot of time you buy the story that comes with the car”
If I didn’t have my winter projects time all taken this would be heading home with me. Plenty of parts available, somewhat simple to work on & one of the best looking trucks ever built IMHO.
If I was worried about the return on my investment I wouldn’t have done 1/2 the cars I’ve brought back from dead in the last 40+ yrs. it’s all about the enjoyment & satisfaction for me. I’ll let the my kids worry about the investment.
Your right it’s more about the build for me too. But this a rust bucket and for me an uninteresting rust bucket and I wouldn’t want it at any price.
The history of the vehicle is half the reason I pick it up. I’ve got eight old vehicles and know the complete history on four of them. I’m researching the remaining units and hope to have a full story on all of them. I had my ’49 Chevy at a Show’N’Shine in my hometown and the NAPA store owner was looking at it. I told him that his store was originally the Chevy dealership and my car was bought new there. We’re planning to get the car over to his place and get some pics next spring….
Too bad it’s so rusty. If it was located in a dry state, even if it had sun bleached paint it would turn heads wherever it went. Although it is somewhat gaudy it’s representative of automotive styling from a specific point in time.
Steve R
That generation of Ford trucks seems particularly prone to rust. My father’s business partner had one very similar (except it was a flareside) and it was literally rotting away within a few short years. It had the same 400 V8, too, which remains one of my absolute least favorite V8s of all time.
Oil pressure will be 0#’s
Can almost smell the mouse pee just looking at the picture
Put an old 460 in it and go run over saplings in the river bottoms..its a blast
Matt correct about the oil press. these engines were a dog. Mucho lower end problems, did a few Crankshaft jobs when these were popular. Jeff correct as well- the quality on these was so bad that Ford closed the Mahwah, NJ plant because of the terrible quality, Friend bought a brand new 79 1/2 ton; he pulled the headliner back to install some accessories and found the inside of the roof was completely rusted, Brand new truck. Anyone interested in this one better check the frame and cab mounts. Might change your tune. Good luck!!
Cheeers
GPC