Ford’s sixth-generation F-series arrived in 1972 for model year 1973, and is affectionately known as the “Dentside” by Ford fans. This example is a one-ton 1977 F-350, equipped with two-wheel drive and a flatbed. The truck comes with its original manuals, a smattering of spare parts – and a rebuilt engine. It can be found here on craigslist with an asking price of $12,000. If you’re ready to take it home, you might be able to coax it along the road from Erie, Colorado; the seller notes that its gas mileage ran about 12 mpg during the truck’s last long drive. Thanks to Mike F for the great tip!
Ford expanded its engine offerings with the advent of its sixth-generation trucks. This one is a rebuilt 400 cu. in. V8, good for 170 net hp, backed by a four-speed manual. While the engine’s output isn’t stupendous, torque registered about 325 lb-ft at 1600 rpm. The radiator, brakes, and clutch are new. Tire chains, a few spare parts, and its original manuals are included. The odometer reads 114,256 miles.
This truck’s honest presentation, original paint, and clean interior are impressive, which is why it’s worth featuring at Barn Finds. An owner who cares enough to keep his vehicle in good condition through the years, then gives it a quick spiff before a well-conceived photo shoot – that’s enough to generate a measure of trust in the product. Note that while Ford moved the gas tank out from behind the seat in ’77 for safety reasons, that didn’t apply to the flatbed. In another response to regulations, the austere metal dash here wears a padded “cap” – by 1979, the entire dash would be clad in vinyl.
Speaking of the flatbed, the 9′ deck has new wood. A 1977 F-350 has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs; towing capacity varies by engine and rear axle (a 4.10 in this case) – the seller claims 13,500 lbs. F-350s were the raw material for many an ambulance and fire truck back in the day – a testament to the reliability and ruggedness of these workhorses. Prices vary tremendously, with highs hovering around $50k for 4x4s in outstanding condition or with modern mechanicals, and lows in the four figures for projects. This spiffy flatbed sold for just $7200 a couple of months ago, implying that our seller may need to accept a discount to move this ’77 down the road.
“It’s a girl my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowing down to take a look at me”,,in memory of Glenn Frey, the Eagles, ESPECIALLY Joe Walsh( Rocky Mountain Way), were just the best.
This truck captures everything about a work truck there is. Typically, these were service trucks with an array of equipment,,all business. I read, the F-350 was still considered a “light duty, albeit, the top end, the F-500 was considered the only medium duty, discontinued in ’77, and the F600 and up became the heavy duty With that, they are probably the best maintained, but don’t expect too many comforts, again, all business. They didn’t go far, and probably accurate miles, they sat in a field most of their lives, while the mechanic did their thing, and the farmer nervously looking on. I don’t have to remind folks how expensive trucks like this are today, and don’t do much more than these, give me this anyday. Great find.
I like the looks of these Fords far better than today’s, too. Thanks, Howard.
Howard, dang it, now we’ve all got that song in our head for the rest of the day!! LOL
Another working stiffs truck.
Good stuff.
Going to have to have a doozy of a construction rig find to top this ride, Michelle.
But we know you will.
I agree. The Eagles will be playing tomorrow!!! Although, 7 Bridges road is one of my all time favorites, the way they all harmonize is amazing.
Only on Barnfinds will you see a terrific Flatbed Ford written up and a total side discussion of the Eagles pops up!! Love it!!!
Joe Walsh created some of the best guitar licks this side of Carlos Santana… especially the early James Gang stuff.
Great write-up Michelle and find Mike F. I am really curious as to the back story of this truck. It sure looks like it is in incredible original condition. Rebuilding the original 400 with 114K on a flatbed work truck is almost expected. I am most impressed by the claim that a 70’s gas one ton dually flatbed with 4:10 gears getting 12 mpg.
I love the looks of the bump side Fords as well. I have a 79 F250 4×4 with the 400 4speed. But, when looking at my current daily driver Super Duty I would have to say they are both beautiful.
This IS an amazing Ford. Back in the very early 90’s a towing company I worked for had a ’78 Tow Truck equipped the same way. 400 4 speed. Nothing could stop it. I seem to remember the clutch even lasting about 100K miles, and no one hardly ever used first gear in the thing usually just start out in second. I do remember the wrecker body was heavy right off the bat. But the truck felt the same without anything behind it, as it did towing something. We never checked gas mileage, it idled a lot needless to say. These are very durable trucks. And the lack of rust is very impressive too. Once again Michelle, knocked it out of the park!!! So…. What are you going to write up next??? A Steam Powered Case tractor? An exotic Alfa Romeo? You always have some kind of treat for us. ( Perhaps next one could be a truck from GM to keep it more even?) Thank you, we always enjoy your write ups!!
WOW! Nice truck, that’s the truck I should have bought new when I started farming 50 years ago, Mid-West cattle/grain/dump body and a heavy trailer hitch. Oh well, coulda shoulda. 12k is about twice what it sold for new.
Michelle, Many thanks again!! And Howard hit the high spots. What a beautiful workhorse for farm or landscape business. Too bad it does not have a hoist under that flatbed, But that can be cured.. I would park it in my driveway in a heartbeat..
Gotta love the dentsides…I have had several over the years. Four survived life on the ranch. I still own one…1979
Someone took very good care of an ordinary work truck. I like all of its unpretentiousness. So many commenters will point to the complexity of new vehicles but it all comes back around to legislation and customer demands. Us older folks aren’t the ones buying the new trucks and today’s buyer is a different breed. Up until ten or twelve years ago I would order a basic trim with all the functional hardware. Now the demand for features and conveniences makes the options for stock a moving target.
Yes, Sir! Every time I see a flatbed Ford the Eagles come through at full concert hall pitch.
Actually saw them twice; both times up in Calgary, Canada, at the Saddledome. First time was kind of humdrum; far end of the arena, with my soon-to-be ex-wife.
Second time was with my permanent wife. She had connections to get us into a private box. We got partying with a bunch of scooter tramps next door and really gave the rent-a-cops a run for their money. Lucky we didn’t get thrown out.
And it was an ALMOST dry party.
The Eagles saved “Take It Easy” till the last. The crowd went nuts. And that line about the girl in the flatbed Ford will resonate forever.
Anyways, the truck. From time to time, I got a few of them in the shop for a waking up, after which they did pretty well.
These were a smogger so a “Torque Master” camshaft (or equivalent) and a 1970 vintage timing set, plus the usual ignition curve, a set of dual exhausts, and a Holley 500 2bbl; they’ll pull right along with the FE, maybe a little more.
Dang i have a 72 F250 w a flatbed and a transplant 300 6/4spd in about the same shape. I might list it for 12k! I just sold a 87 f250 6.9 4wd ext cab to a fella just moved here from up north for 9k didnt even have to list it. And all i did was clean injectors and put tyres on it. The desire for old trucks might finally turn profitable for me.
Nice truck, brings back wonderful memories of my 59 one ton flat bed. These trucks have so many uses. I sure miss that old 59.
God Bless America
Spent many a long day and years in one during the 80’s
Framing houses
Held an entire load of lumber/roofing for 24′ dormer
Good Times!
Unlike many of you, I was never an Eagles fan. However, James Gang with Joe Walsh – well that’s another story. With the one of the best album cover art, Rides Again – Made loud to be played loud. Definitely.