Older trucks of every type continue to perform well in today’s classic market. That is especially true if the vehicle in question is original and unmolested. That’s the case with this 1958 Ford F-350. It sports the dings and dents as proof that this vehicle has never been a trailer queen. However, it is a solid old classic that would make a rewarding restoration project. If you want a truck with a bit more carrying capacity than a regular F-100, this could be the vehicle for you. It is located in Wellsville, New York, and has been listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. You could park this beauty in your workshop by handing the owner $4,500.
The 1958 model year was the second year of production of Ford’s Third Generation F-Series trucks. The company had made giant steps forward in producing a more modern vehicle than its predecessor, with sharper styling and a larger wrap-around windshield. Our feature truck wears Seaspray Green paint, and while it is tired, it remains presentable if the buyer seeks an original survivor. There is some surface corrosion, but penetrating rust appears to be minimal. It has impacted the front floors, which is common in these old classics. Replacement steel is readily available, so addressing this should not prove to be complicated or expensive. The frame has a consistent coating of corrosion, but it remains rock solid. The body has accumulated a few dings and dents over the years, but most of these appear to be repairable without the buyer resorting to replacing panels. The front edge of the hood and the grille are the worst and appear to have fallen victim to impact with either a tree or pole. Even so, both items should respond well to some TLC and the careful application of a hammer! The glass looks to be in good condition, and the original wheels should present nicely once stripped and refinished.
Lifting the hood reveals a drivetrain that should provide enough power and torque to haul the heaviest loads. The 292ci Y-Block V8 should be capable of punching out 186hp and 269 ft/lbs of torque. Those Ford thoroughbreds find their way to the road via a four-speed manual transmission and a two-speed heavy-duty rear end. In good health, this F350 should have no trouble hauling its full one-ton payload, although it could also make a very effective tow vehicle. The owner says this old Ford ran when parked, but it doesn’t do so now. These old Y-Block V8s tend to be pretty bulletproof. That means that it may only take a fuel system clean and some essential maintenance before this beauty is coaxed back to life. If this proves the case and the buyer wishes to retain this truck as an original survivor, it’s possible that it might be roadworthy again before the weather turns warm. Achieving this goal sounds like a great way to fill in time during the cold winter months.
Inspecting this Ford’s interior could leave potential buyers with itching fingers. For those that wish to tackle this as a DIY project, returning the interior to its former glory would be an excellent place to start. It is complete, and this is one aspect of a classic truck restoration that is as straightforward as they come. These interiors are easy to dismantle, opening the pathway for the buyer to refresh the painted surfaces. The wheel is cracked, but this is another item that the new owner could restore in a home workshop. Several manufacturers produce epoxy and paint kits that allow owners to achieve an as-new appearance for under $60. That is more affordable than sourcing a replacement wheel and should provide a sense of satisfaction when the job is complete. With those items addressed, a new mat on the floor, a cover on the seat, and everything cleaned carefully, this interior could look factory fresh with little effort or expense.
Over the past decade or so, I have developed a strong affection for these classic trucks. I’ve come to recognize that as a DIY project, few vehicles come close. Their engineering is rugged and simplistic, making them the perfect vehicle to tackle in a home workshop. It seems that I am not alone with these feelings because you only need to see how quickly affordable examples are snapped up in the current market. This one is undoubtedly affordable and should turn heads once restored. If you long to own a classic truck, this one is worth a closer look.
I don’t know, those rear springs leaf a lot to be desired…
Now weight just a minute!
“It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin’ down to take a look at me”,,you know, I would be attracted to a gal that drove something like this.( crickets) Actually driving one of these, is not for the faint of heart. 40 mph will seem like the world is coming apart, and to some degree, that’s true. It’s a fun find, every farm had one. It was, in some cases, the only vehicle the farm had, doing everything from harvest time to Saturday night out on the town, and picking up supplies while you’re at it. Just a gearing update won’t do it, they just weren’t made to go 70 mph, even though, the kids tried their darndest when the folks left with friends for the evening. Dad took the key, but he knew the kids knew, a hot lead to the coil and “jump” the starter, got it going. These were my favorite styled Fords, and a great find.
I don’t hear any crickets. But then, my hearing has been compromised over the years (Detroit Diesel anyone?) and all I hear is a buzzing sound. A girl in a flatbed Ford? I’m attracted to that kind. In fact I married her. Well, she had to start driving MY trucks because she was running a trash can from over THERE. But she converted. Hell, she won’t even take an import rental at the airport. After calling me a recalcitrant redneck enough times, she becomed one herself…
I like what I see but then I’m kind of partial to this body style. A lot of people prefer the more rounded version of the ’53-’56 models and while they were great I still preferred the more squared-off version like ’57-’60. This truck is something to be fixed up and used. A nice driver-quality restoration and then put it to work; that’s what it was built to do. I don’t think I would alter anything with that engine except to find a set of Ram’s Horn manifolds so you could run a dual exhaust system. Try to run a set of rear outlet manifolds and you’re going to find that someone suddenly stuck a steering box in your way on the left side. And I absolutely HATE that arm burner crossover.
A lot cheaper than a new, trouble is no one could drive it
Morley
Looks like an OEM Ford stake body with an aftermarket dump hoist — a very desirable combination on an F350. The cab looks looks like a challenge, but the final product would be a nice little truck for general use or as a farm truck. These would certainly keep up with anything short of superhighway speeds.
I bought a 59 model 12×8’ flat bed with cattle racks and ramp back in 84. It had a 390 with 4 speed granny. I bought it in Provo, Utah drove up through Idaho over the mountains and down into Oregon when a state trooper stopped me for loud exhaust. Went into a muffler shop in Pendleton and had dual stacks put on, then went to the court house and they tore up the ticket. Headed north into Washington state over the mountains into Seattle. Lived there for a couple years, then started out for Florida in the old truck. Drove down through Oregon over the mountains into California then turned east over the mountains past Bakersfield across the desert into Arizona then all the way on I 20 to Memphis then turned south across Alabama down 41 to Naples then east to Miami. I ran that old truck all the way pulling a loaded 5’x8’ covered trailer with the truck loaded. I had a girlfriend with three kids on that trip. What an adventure. We stopped several times and camped along the way. We left Washington at the end of May got to Miami in August 1985. By the way we ran 65 mph most of the way. I won’t tell how much it cost but it was a lot.
John
Hi John. Some of those trips are the most memorable and are something you’ll look back on the rest of your life. Take care and I hope you have many more happy trips…
Thanks Geomechs, I’ve lived a interesting but troublesome life. There’s been a lot of good things and some bad. I’ve crossed the U.S multiple times, seen a lot of nice country. I’m a veteran of the army during Vietnam. I’ve worked many jobs in several vocations. Been married 3 times besides unmarried relationships. I spent 7 years in prison. I’ve got 5 kids, I don’t know how many grand and great grandchildren that I’ve never met. My last wife was the best, we were married over 25 years before she died this last April from a blood clot. I’ve owned 5 businesses from auto repair shops to sand and gravel. I graduated from 3 trade schools and a business school. I’m 74 years now just kicked back in my retirement. I have a 64 Buick Riviera and a 76 Chevy Luv pickup that I spend my time and money on. Sadly I also have a late model Ford van for my daily driver. Stories, yes I’ve got a lot. I’m writing some as I’ve joined a senior theater group where we write and perform on stage.
Merry Christmas everyone an a Happy New Year.