This 1959 Ford panel truck has the potential to be a really cool project. Some of the work has already been done and there’s an amazing power plant already installed! The truck can be found here on eBay with a requested opening bid of only $2,500! Located in High Point, North Carolina, there are a ton of things you could do with this one. How about a paddy wagon, or shop truck/parts runner, or hot rod? The seller was going for a 1960s-era shop truck, but unfortunately due to health issues, it has to sell. They have already done some work and it just needs a new owner to take it over the finish line. Take a look!
I think the engine is the big story with this project. Long gone is the 223 cubic inch 6-cylinder that the truck came from the factory with. In its place, there’s a 302 from 1970 that has been fully rebuilt including a performer cam backed by a C4 transmission. The engine also features a Weiand Stealth intake, Holley 600cfm carb, aluminum valve covers, oil pan, air cleaner, and breathers. The accessories have also been chromed and the ignition has been upgraded with HEI parts. The seller says they have $2,500 in the engine alone and I believe it!
The interior has been cleaned out and was started to be rebuilt. You can see the sides have been insulated. The floors have been done and the cabinets over the wheel wells are taking shape. I don’t know if I’d leave the generic subwoofer boxes, but that’s just my opinion. Check out this photo of the interior the way it was before.
The biggest drawback to this truck is the camper windows that were cut into the sides. Obviously, they could be filled in with fresh metal, but the patina would be very hard to blend. Maybe some graphics could cover it up? What would you do?
I see the blue starter motor but where is the engine? Needs an FE to help fill that cave. However that 302 is beautiful!
Mmm-hmm, looks like someone ran out of money. Cool truck, priced right. A shame the seller didn’t get to finish it.
That can affect your health. When the love of your life has to go.
Great start on this one. Finish off the drive train, paint and interior and you have a unique street machine… and a rare one at that.
‘looks like the engine and battery were PhotoShopped in…
(Just saying)
NO spark plugs. is it seized?
Like the fact its a custom cab,not sure about that front bumper,looks like its off the back of something.Be a good start for somebody who has to have one of these.
Nice old Ford. I always did like the 58-60. Why didn,t he cleane under the hood .Before he put the motor in? I always do that first and it looks better. Plus cleaner if you have to work on it. Plus you can see leaks when the start. This looks like a very good project to get on,but I,d have to check it out before anything. Looks can be deceiving and their is no picture under neith the truck or what all parts he had for it –what all he has done or needs to be done. Good luck on the person who buys it. A FE would be nice,but if he was going for econmy. Building the small block defeated his purpose. Plus the low octane gas you get now days. Isn,t gonna help. I,d went with stock small block from the 60,s for power and . Its hard to tell what gear ratio it has. I like it alot and would like to tinker on it.
Nice project. I’d finish this off, as a nomad/vanlife rig. Y’know…spend the winter in Quartzite kind of thing.
A panel truck of this vintage is always a rare sight in today’s market. I would love to take a project like this on although I would’ve preferred to use a Y-Block, or maybe an FE. But this project has already been started and there’s nothing wrong with a 302 or a C4. I’d finish fixing the body up and I would paint the exterior a stock color like a medium blue. I’d turf the wheels and use something with original dog-dish hubcaps. I sure wish the new owner well…
Just sold off one of these for my grandfather. Pretty rare birds, especially the panel-specific taillights are unobtainium. Still had the running 6 cyl. and was a F250
Yep, cutting into the sides to put windows in sucks, but you see it all the time – it’s a “panel van” people, it’s not supposed to have side windows!
I find it interesting the engine pix is pre field car and one sees the C clamp where welding was in play.
So now a field car to rust?
I wonder what year the 302 is?
Early years more power or 1974 reduced power?
A 351 Cleveland, 460 or 390 power plant to me.
So what would i do ..sell the engine and start over 🤔
Looks like the one the Fire Dept had for an Ambulance when I was a kid before the got an International Travel all to replace it
No need worrying about the patina, that’s red oxide primer covering her flanks, not factory paint. That engine is a diamond in a goat’s ass. Looks like a great project tho
I would love to own this rig but I would go a different route and get some 70’s 4×4 pickup and fit the parts under this body to make the ultimate camping or bike hauler!! Some big meaty tires and a 4 speed truck transmission!! Paint it red with some white wagon wheels!!!
Just happened to be on the net and run across this 59 Panel. Some of the comments I agree with and others I don’t, but to each his own. Health problems arise in life that forces us to have to pass on our cherished projects to others with similar interest. Being a custom cab, that very few were built in 59, makes this somewhat of a rarity. Big block 390, Y block, 302 is all a matter of personal preference, just as deciding to cut in windows on the side panels is. If you handy with a welder, problem solved and you’re back to a stock appearing panel truck. I can assure that nothing was photo shopped on any any of the pictures. They are just shots of the mock up! How do I know this? I am the “CURRENT OWNER” of the vehicle!