Perfect Patina? 1978 Ford F-150 460 V8

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We’ve discussed and/or debated whether surface rust: i.e., patina, is considered “rust” or not many times here on Barn Finds. When I think of rust, I think of rust holes, probably because I grew up in a snow country with salty roads and rusty vehicles. I don’t consider the surface rust on this 1978 Ford F-150 as serious rust-rust, but you may have some thoughts on that. It’s listed here on eBay in Snowflake, Arizona, there is no reserve, and the bid price is at $5,601 so far.

I’m a sucker for round headlights on the ’78 Custom trim-level F-series, and this one has them, and the seller says this truck has only had one owner for the last 46 years. The tires are old nylon-belted skins from the early-80s, so they are way past their due date, safety-wise. Ok, I’m starting to get on board with giving this truck a full repaint in its original Dark Jade Metallic and Wimbledon White Deluxe Tu-Tone scheme. Along with painting the rims and wheel covers, of course.

And the rear bumper. Let’s paint everything that looks faded or is coated with surface rust. It looks cool the way it is and maybe it could be, gasp, clear-coated to preserve the look and also preserve the metal, but this truck would be beautiful in its original color scheme. The sixth-generation F-Series was made from 1972 for the 1973 model year until the end of 1979 in the U.S. and most other countries. As mentioned, the Custom trim level trucks in 1978 got round headlights but the other trim levels received new rectangular headlights. In 1979, there were no more roundies for the F-Series, bummer. Here’s what the bed looks like.

The seat has been reupholstered, which isn’t surprising after decades in the Arizona sun, and it appears to be the original “Mohave embossed” vinyl fabric for a Custom-level truck so that’s nice. Speaking of nice, when the seller says there’s no rust, they must not be messing around. They removed the seat and also the carpet to show the incredible condition of the floors! A black “carpet grain” floor mat would have been standard flooring in Custom-level trucks, and the carpet is new, according to the seller.

Other than the general condition of this great-looking truck, the other big feature is literally big, a Ford 460-cu.in. OHV V8 with 220 horsepower, and this one has factory air-conditioning, as you can see, along with a new power brake booster. There is an extensive list of replaced parts on this truck, including the gas tank and related lines and sending units. There is a remanufactured carb, new plugs, wires, cap, and rotor, among other things. With no reserve, how much is this good-looking F-150 Custom going to sell for?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Driveinstile

    There is a lot going for this truck. One surprise is the 460 under the hood, and in a half ton no less.
    One of the biggest surprises was the interior and that seat, it looks great. I’m still trying to figure out whats going on with the paint job. The way it faded on the door and rear quarter panel. And only the hood seems to have that surface rust look going on. Maybe someone will know better than me on that one. Those floors looked terrific.
    Nice find Scotty!!! And a great write up too. I enjoyed it.

    Like 4
  2. Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

    Good write-up Scotty. That is a cool color, which looks great with the white two-tone. It deserves fresh paint. And freshening up anything else which needs it (bumper, wheels, etc.). Has had quite a bit of maintenance work. I have a soft spot for these dentside Fords.

    Like 6
    • Driveinstile

      I agree about the color Bob. Truth be told, I’d like to see this repainted in this exact original color and combination. It must’ve been sharp when it was new. I’d also restore the hub caps and keep the painted steelies too.

      Like 3
  3. David

    Those round headlights; they made the base 78 XL trim more special today.

    Like 4
  4. Joseph A Crook

    This to me is mask the white off. Repaint the green. Repaint the wheels. Drive it for years to come. Great article Scotty.

    Like 3
  5. Bleeds Ford Blue

    My Dad ordered one of these in 78. His was a Ranger. It was two tone red and silver. He ordered it from our local Ford dealership. He got it with the 400 and a C6. The crazy thing to me was that he didn’t pop for a/c in South Texas but he got cruise and tilt. We modified the engine with a cam, headers, intake and carb. It was pretty fast for a truck. I am still looking for one now but a/c is mandatory. I still live in South Texas.

    Like 0
  6. RexFoxMember

    It’s funny seeing a monster engine in late 70s trucks. Back in the day, it didn’t take long for people to forget about the energy crisis of ‘74, with the sale of gas guzzlers picking up by ‘76 or so. I worked in banking starting in ‘78 and around 1979, with the advent of the 2nd energy crisis, I saw many people trading in trucks like this on Datsun and Toyota pickups. Most owed close to the trade in value, so they had to come up with cash to buy their little Japanese replacements. The good news is most vehicle loans were only 36-48 months so borrowers were only under water for the first year or so. I like this truck, but would prefer a smaller engine and a manual transmission.

    Like 0
  7. CenturyTurboCoupe

    I have this same truck. Same colour, engine and options. I have the tailgate chrome as well as the factory alloys, chrome rear step and upscale interior to this one (Ranger). Mine has roof fading issue with the paint but otherwise looks like a new truck and has only 24,000 miles on it. I found it in a field north of Toronto sitting on pavement.

    Like 2
  8. B. J.

    just wondering if this truck is a 4wd or 2wd and if the bed of the truck in good condition?

    Like 0
  9. Scotty GilbertsonAuthor

    Auction update: this one just ended, someone snagged this truck for $8,600!

    Like 0

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