Sometimes what you’re getting isn’t exactly what you think you see at first, as would be the case with this 1966 Ford F-100 Pickup here on eBay. This one’s got a great story, plus a cool patina that had some help along the way during the project. There are a few other cool surprises here too, so if you’ve been in the market for a sixties pickup that’s for sure gonna be one of a kind it may be worth checking out. The truck is residing in Clovis, California, not far from Fresno, with bidding already up to the $15,000 mark, but you’ll have to offer more than that as the reserve has not yet been seen.
About 5 years ago, the seller pulled this pickup from a field in central California and began working on it during his early retirement years. The guy’s only 51, so he must have chosen a good career path at a young age in order to be done with jobs this soon in life. Anyway, the man claims to have been restoring vehicles his entire life and says he put his heart and soul into this one, describing his efforts as a frame-off, every nut-and-bolt disassembled type of project. Beer lovers are also going to dig the bed.
We don’t get to view any before pictures, but the pickup was hand-sanded all over to remove the black paint that a previous owner applied, followed by the naked metal parts being given a water, salt, and vinegar mixture that caused an intentional faux-rust appearance. Each exterior panel was then removed and treated to a shiny clear coat, with new restoration hardware used upon putting them back on.
Things seem ready to go from a mechanical standpoint, as powering the F-100 is a 390 FE engine out of a 1969 station wagon, which was thoroughly overhauled by the seller’s personal Ford mechanic. It’s got a Holley 4-Barrel on top plus a Pertronix distributor and is said to run extremely well. The transmission is from the same wagon and has also been professionally rebuilt, including a shift kit.
Step inside and you’ll find an interior that complements the outside well, including a few custom touches like the 1966 Mustang bucket seats, which replaced the bench unit the truck originally came with. There’s an aftermarket wheel on the rebuilt steering column, plus a restored under-dash A/C which is ready for the next owner to hook up. This one’s had a lot of time and effort invested, and I’m speculating that the reserve price is going to be up there. What are your thoughts on this 1966 Ford Pickup? Did the visionary hit their mark here?
Nice build..now all it needs is a nice paint job.
Agreed! I think it’s the inconsistency of the patina look that drives me nuts with this one.
I think the bid is about 20 K now, which is about what you would expect in this pick up market now. Is it worth it, I really don’t know, but I think there is going to be at least one person who thinks so. The cost to build this truck is probably at least 20 K. No matter what you think ,the reality is what the final bid will be.
Very nice build, the ad leaves us old car guys feeling like this guy is trying to be as transparent as possible, zero BS. While on Ebay I saw a 1964 F100 with a Diesel swap.. well guys I gotta say now that is 2023!.. Wow.. not sure if you guys at Barn finds have seen it but for us old car guys..that guy is a genius..you don’t see 4BD1Turbo Diesel swaps too often but when you do you gotta figure whoever did it was a Engineer or a Genius.. cause it’s not like putting in a FE390 with a C4 engine..if you think it’s easy try it.. getting the boost right is not easy and this one sounds like a Jet..now that is what I call Fun!
Misguided effort to me. Proper resto approach, with u-turn at the finish line? Shiny rust? What ‘look’ is that?
It back to a clean driveable project car. IMHO.
Generally, not a fan of slammed, “patina” vehicles. But thinking it is growing on me. Appears as though mechanicals were nicely addresses. In CA, thinking this will sell well.
Obviously, painting skills were not in his heart and soul.
The patina look is a trend that needs to be gone. Sick of vehicles purposely made to look like junk.
I rather like it, mainly because it’s a one of a kind. But I’ve always enjoyed looking at the rat rods, the rusty-patina look, the slapdash pieces and parts, with a thumping mill under the hood. It really showcases the builders’ creativity and ingenuity. Not my favorite Ford body style, but I’d drive it! Not for 20 large though…glwts