There are those of you (and me as well) who like what I call “plain ol’ pickup trucks.” Even though this 1969 Ford F100 has aftermarket wheels and a camper top, it looks perfectly period to me. The seller has decided to list it for sale here on eBay. Current bidding is only just over $3,500 and surprisingly there is no reserve. As with a lot of solid finds, it’s located out west, specifically in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Thanks yet again to Barn Finds reader Matt W. who’s been sending in some great finds lately.
I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the camper on this pickup, especially since it does away with the tailgate (although it’s included in the auction). The giant “F O R D” on the back is such a critical component to my period memories (one of the first words I learned to say according to my parents) that I’d want to see it on the truck. One thing unusual about this particular auction is that because the truck is part of the seller’s father’s trust, you have to be present in order to sign the paperwork necessary to take possession.
I love how the seller included closeups to show the true condition of the truck; nicely used but still very presentable. This particular family has owned the truck since 1972 — hopefully there are a lot of historical documents included as well. Although over 144,000 miles have been covered, the truck underwent an extensive mechanical refurbishment at 98,000 miles.
Naturally, the interior has some wear after that much use. I think I would spring for an upholstery kit, but apart from that I’d leave well enough alone. The truck has the unusual combination of a four speed manual transmission and air conditioning, and the ad says it “starts right up, runs and drives with no problems.”
You’ll catch folks’ attention with the air horns if they aren’t already intimidated by the sound. I see a belt on the air conditioning compressor, so I have high hopes it works as well. I could certainly use this weathered but solid truck; how about you?
I like it. It’s a very honest presentation and would be good buying.
You guys, stateside, who are looking for a pick up might want to look into this one, further.
Wow! I’d love to own this.
A Ranger with A/C isn’t exactly a plain ‘ol pickup. Nearly all the Fords I recall back in the day were the plain-Jane Custom, luxuriously equipped with a heater and AM radio.
Another plus–the topper with the integral door probably kept the original tailgate from getting all beat up.
They were certainly plain Jane. But those were the days when we didn’t count the number of cup holders and install seat warmers in them.
I would buy this and sell off the topper, use this as a daily driver pickup, maybe put a roll up bed cover on it. Nice Find.
Either a tonneau cover…or chrome bed rails. I’d put some nice chrome gas caps on ‘er, too.
A 360…4-speed…A/C…dual tanks. Yum!
This is a great old truck!
Not to nitpick but a camper has living facilities. That’s a canopy…
I had one of these in 1970. I called it my Ford Zippo. I called it that due to the 18 gallons of gasoline sloshing around in the gas tank conveniently located behind the seat. The filler inlet (aka spark generator) conveniently located at the same height as the side window and immediately adjacent to it seemed designed to ensure a toasty experience in the event of a rollover – a fate experienced by more than a few owners.
The cure was to install an auxiliary tank between the frame rails where most sane designers put it, add a new filler inlet in the side of the truck and discontinue use of the tank behind the seat. I see that the auxiliary tank has been added to this one. I hope the new owner drains and abandons the use of the seat tank. No point tempting fate.
I had a nice ’68 F250 Camper Special,with
a Siesta canopy.The canopy weighed a ton,& needed
three people to install/remove it.
I drove a ’66 with a 240 six cylinder from North Dakota to Fairbanks Alaska in 1972………..in January. Great truck.
“Must sign bill of sale in person”
Guess that rules me out
I am starting to wonder about the unnecessary administrative roadblocks being thrown up here.
When was the last time you, as a buyer, was required to sign a “bill of sale”? A bill of sale is simply a receipt and verifies that the seller has received payment for the goods listed in the bill of sale and certifies that the transaction is complete. No buyer signature is necessary.
Since when do you need a California drivers license to purchase a vehicle? You might need one to register it for use on the road on California but not likely to simply purchase it.
In any event, that is an issue between the buyer and the DMV, not the seller.
As for transfer of ownership, is this the first car that ever was potentially sold to an out of state or out of country buyer? Seller needs to advise DMV of the sale but reregistration/titling is between the buyer and DMV of either California or alternatively, the destination administration.
And even if none of this were true, does California not recognize notarized documents submitted either by mail or fax?
Something is very odd here.
No title perhaps?
Good old solid truck on the face of it.
These bumpside trucks are a great value. I currently have a ’71 in the Ranger XLT trim… not as common as a GM, and Ford had some beautiful truck (and car) colours in those days. No sweeter sound to me, than the FE 390 rumbling through a dual exhaust set-up.
Mine posing with a local farmer’s F600.
Grampa’s truck. Love it!
My dad bought a new ’68 Ranger, same color as this truck. It was his first “brand new” vehicle. This ’69 is missing the chrome strip on the bump that Ranger trim trucks had. Not sure what’s up with that.
The best body style. Loved mine until I got an offer I couldnt refuse. These are really great trucks!
I’ve been approached a few times, but if I sold it my boys would disown me!
Here is my crew
Why it came out upside-down I can’t tell you…
Do you live in Australia? Nice truck!
This better.
Thanks JW!
Cool truck and nice cameo appearance of what looks like Bigfoot #5 in the background.
No problem, nice truck.
Great truck. I had a ’69 with a 390, 2 barrel, and 3 on the tree. It got dismal mileage, even with the 2 barrel.( you could watch the gas gauge drop) Without a doubt, best trucks made. You know, a lot is said about the gas tank behind the seat. That’s the way all pickups were for 50 years, ( or under the seat) and surprisingly, few incidents. Besides, years ago, when gas gauges were unreliable, when you didn’t hear “sloshing”, you better get some gas soon.
Yeah. Flammable liquid fuel in the passenger compartment was such a great idea it’s a mystery that the design hasn’t been adapted to modern vehicles. Perfectly safe. Until it isn’t. What is it with Ford burning up its customers? Pinto anyone?
I had a 68 Chevy 4×4 with the inside gas tank for 7 years with no issues and I’m a smoker. The tank was in great shape and the sending unit gasket was in good shape also with no leaks or gas smell. Ford was not the only one using that fuel system.
My best friend had a 1970. He had his for 9 months when he got clipped, the truck rolled over onto the drivers’ side. The fuel leaked out of the filler neck as the truck slid and a spark lit the fuel vapor. None of the passersby could get near the truck for the flames. But the tank was in great shape and the sending unit gasket was brand new. No issue there. None at all.
Jesus not this again… the pinto was statistically no more unsafe than any other small car of the era.
Of course it wasn’t. Pinto was just randomly selected for persecution. Yeah, sure it was. Revisionist history forever.
What a great truck. A/C and a stick shift. Just about perfect. If it were a ’68 model (I’m a ’68 model), I’d really have to think about logistics of driving it from the left coast to the right coast. With only a few hours left on the bidding, it’s still very reasonably priced.
Well, thank you Barn Finds. Had a nice conversation with the truck’s owner, threw a bid in at the end of the auction, and I’ll be picking up the F100 Saturday!
I never would have know about this truck if I hadn’t seen it on this site.
John D
Congratulations, John! Be sure and update us once you bring it home!
That’s awesome, congrats !!!
Congrats, John D! If you get tired of it in the next couple of years, please contact me. I’d like to have this as an additional truck for my own use and for my teenage son (who will be driving in a couple of years) to take camping with this Scout troop. (dkwilliams@mail.com).
Follow up on the 1969 Ford F100.
I picked up the F100 a week ago Saturday. Brad and his dad, Ray, were great. The truck was at least as nice as it looked in the eBay ad, and the drive home was kind of amazing. No rattles, tracked true, and the drive line smooth as silk. I was surprised to find it has a factory manual choke.
The original tailgate had been stored in a Shed for about 40 years and is in good condition.
Last week I visited a friend that had just bought a 1969 Econoline with an original set of steel wheels and hubcaps. They will be replaced with mags, and his steel wheels will be on the F100 soon.
The back story: I was recently given a 1971 C20 originally bought new by my uncle. Great mechanically, but some rust repair and paint work needed. Just before seeing the 1969 F100 on Barn Finds I assessed the Chevy project and figured $5000 to $6000 and six months plus to get it in shape.
Buying the Ford was an easy decision. Total repairs to get it driving properly was a left front wheel cylinder.
Took it to a local cars and coffee over the weekend and parked next to my a friend’s unrestored 1971 F100. They were a hit.
BTW, I checked the build tag and the truck is equipped with a Dana 60 with 3.55s.
So, anyone interested in buying a ’71 C20 project?
Regards
John D
Thanks for the update, John! Be sure and post some pictures from the next cars & coffee you go to!
After five years I’ve parted with this 1969 F100. I’m living in Idyllwild, CA at about 5800’ elevation and wanted a vintage 4×4 for winter driving and towing a race car. A1972 high boy came along at a reasonable price so the ‘69 had to go. It was sold to the owner of a local body shop in Hemet, CA. He and his son will be giving the truck a full restoration.