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Solid Survivor: 1964 Ford F-100 Short Bed Pickup

We’ve recently seen a few great classic pickups at Barn Finds, and this 1964 Ford F-100 Short Bed looks like a gem. Recently uncovered in a Texas barn, it is a rust-free survivor that is in a roadworthy state. The buyer may choose to treat the vehicle to a faithful restoration, although retaining it as-is would seem viable. Alternatively, it represents the sound foundations of a custom build. Located in Canton, Texas, the seller has listed the F-100 for sale here on Craigslist. They have set a sale price of $15,500, which looks pretty competitive.

Ford offered the 1964 F-100 in either Flareside or Styleside form, with the latter offering greater cargo space. The original owner selected that option, and it looks like it has led a relatively sheltered life. The bed carries a coating of surface corrosion but no penetrating rust or evidence of the type of damage that may suggest a life of abuse. The panels are straight, with only a single dent in the passenger side front fender as a fault worth noting. The Raven Black paint has seen better days, but it is consistent across the whole vehicle and holds a respectable shine for a workhorse of this age. The best news for potential buyers is this classic’s rust-free status. The surface corrosion I mentioned in the bed seems to be the worst of this pickup’s problems. Prone areas like the floors and lower cab corners are clean, suggesting that any restoration won’t involve grinders or welders. The seller stripped and refinished the wheels before adding narrow whitewall tires. He also fitted a new front bumper, although the remaining trim is original. With glass that looks spotless, there is plenty to like about this F-100.

Some people may be disappointed when they lift this Ford’s hood to find a six-cylinder engine, but the news isn’t all bad. The F-100 is numbers-matching, with a three-speed manual transmission bolted to the back of that 223ci six. With 145hp and 206 ft/lbs of torque, this engine was easily capable of coping with anything its owner could throw at it. While they don’t state it outright, the impression is that this pickup had been sitting for years before being spotted by the seller. They revived this classic and returned it to a roadworthy state. They replaced the master cylinder, brake lines, fuel tank, carburetor, plugs, plug wires, starter, and added electronic ignition. It was worth the effort because this old Ford runs and drives. All it needs is a new owner to drive off into the sunset.

If a pickup of this vintage has lived a hard life, it is usually apparent when we inspect the interior. This Ford’s cloth seat upholstery has a single tear on the driver’s side but no appreciable wear or stains. Its condition is good enough that the new owner might consider consulting an upholsterer to determine whether the rip is repairable before sourcing a replacement cover. The rest of the interior presents well, with only some wear on the wheel indicating this classic has miles under its belt. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, but a heater and AM radio should make life on the move pretty pleasant.

This 1964 Ford F-100 Short Bed isn’t perfect, but it appears an honest old workhorse. It is common to see pickups from this era with rust problems, but this one seems refreshingly solid. It would benefit from a cosmetic restoration, although if the buyer elected to retain it unchanged, that approach would be justified. It would make a sound base for a custom build, but I can’t help but think that following that path would be a shame in this case. Finding an unmolested and original ’64 F-100 that is this solid is a treat, and I’d love to think its next owner will leave it as its creators intended. Do you agree, or do you see a different future for this classic?

Comments

  1. Avatar JohnfromSC

    What a refreshing truck! The seller spent time on just the important things to get it running and driving. The next owner can decide how much further to take it. Only AM radio? Just fine. With a truck like this you aren’t taking long trips, so the sounds of the engine and drivetrain are the only music you need.

    Price seems a bit high to me but may be right on, seeing how demand continues strong for the PU segment.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar Joe Haska

    B/F is on a roll ,two awesome trucks in a row. The 55 Chev and now this Ford.
    I like them both ,for many of the same reasons, for me though, I would opt for this Ford ,if I got the choice. One reason the Fords aren’t quite as popular, but they are coming on strong. I would like one before they get as popular as I know they will. I also think the price is fair ,not cheap but worth what you are getting and can do with it. NEAT TRUCK.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar dogwater

    I thinks this year of ford trucks are one of the best ones ever made…..

    Like 5
  4. Avatar William R Hall

    The motor looks more like a 240 six than 223. The 240 came in 65

    Like 1
    • Avatar Bob C.

      Hi William, the 240 would have the manifold on the passenger side, plus it has a generator. IMO this is a 223.

      Like 1
    • Avatar Rob Parker

      The 240 had it’s intake and exhaust on the passenger side.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar johnmloghry

    Canton is the home of the famous Canton 1st Monday outside vendors sale. It’s been going on since the 1800′ and draws a lot of people. I really like this truck, I wouldn’t change much if anything on it. I once owned a 65 with 352 3 on the tree and overdrive. it was a long bed and I used it mainly for hauling a 300 gallon water tank.

    God Bless America

    Like 0
  6. Avatar FordFixer Member

    Had a white 64, short bed, 292, 3spd and overdrive. Great truck, but the overdrive wasn’t strong enough to pull the horse trailer. Changed it to a 4 speed, and a station wagon 3rd member, all good. Decent on gas, wish I had it now.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar geomechs Member

    I took one look at this truck and thought about Alan Jackson driving it. “Just an old 1/2 ton short-bed Ford; my uncle bought it new in’64.” Close quote. For many of us pickup trucks were a major participant in our lives and it would be hard to imagine life without them. If this truck came to my place it would continue in its current state. Might even use it to haul trash but taking the beer to the picnic would be a lot more dignified…

    Like 2
  8. Avatar MattR

    I wouldn’t change a thing.

    Like 2
  9. Avatar Lance Bauerly

    Like it the way it is 223 three on the tree but I would change the color to a two tone like my other one

    Like 0

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