The Ford “F” Series of pickups was born in 1948 and was one of the company’s first new post-war designs. At first, it was called the F-1, then F-100, and finally F-150 for the entry-level pickups. The trucks were offered with either a 226 cubic inch inline-6 or Ford’s 239 CI “flathead” V8. The seller’s 1950 edition has emerged from storage after 34 years and is a roller as its engine and transmission were stolen some time ago. Located in Tucson, Arizona, this project wears old chocolate brown paint and is available here on eBay. $1,275 is the current bid, but there is a reserve to be satisfied.
This truck is referred to as an F-100, but I think that designation was a couple of years away. It should ride better than other trucks from its era, as Ford introduced them to telescopic double shock absorbers. Except for the drivetrain and steering wheel, we’re told the truck is complete. The seller bought it off a friend in the 1980s. It previously had a Chevy engine in it, so the friend took it to a shop to have that swapped for a Ford V8. When he went to get it, all that was gone and then some. The seller has a 351 “Cleveland” engine that could be used in this project.
We’re told the origins of this truck are Oklahoma and Arizona, which should add up to minimal rust. It hasn’t seen the light of day in more than three decades, when it apparently was moved from Point A to Point B. Some of the glass is cracked, but the single-piece windshield looks in good order.
The interior has been partially redone and has that late 1950s custom vibe to it. The headliner and side panels are trying to escape, so they will need attention. This pickup seems to offer a good foundation for a restoration project if you have the time and budget to do so. Or slap in a drivetrain and use it as a vintage beater.
( crickets chirping) Hear that folks? It’s the sound of no interest. What a shame, it is really a neat truck. Well maybe it’s the time of year, or maybe it’s the time of man,,,I know, time marches on, CSNY is no longer played, you know, years ago, my fellow truck nuts would be all over this, again and again, proof positive, not many want to redo this truck today. Just isn’t cost allowable. 40 years ago, this was gotten for $100, we cobbled some flathead into it, and for $300( with tires) we had a cool ride. Now to us older folks, it’s ironic, sad in a way,, that, due to that lack of interest, these “projects” are becoming affordable again, but for a number of reasons, we can’t do it. I certainly hope someone picks this up, and even if they “clown” it out, it’s better than this.
Ok so part of me wants to yank the 7.3 Powerstroke out of my trusty rusty 99 F250 Superduty…and make this interesting…
Everyone has a 351 Cleveland to use for Ford Rollers – usually they are a just misidentified 351 Windsor….Cleveland’s were not that abundant – Windsor’s much more so.
It’s funny how the Cleveland name creeps up into everything Ford. I remember back in the mid-70s when the 351 and 400 M engines came out. It took me some time to realize that there was yet another version available.
I have a 400M in my inventory. If I were to come across this truck it might just get that dropped in… No, I’ve also got an 8RT that would be right at home in that engine bay. Hell, I might pull out ALL the stops and drop in the ’53 Mercury engine…
351 Clevelands were made 4 yrs only 1970-1974. The rest are Windsors So often mixed up !
I had an ’85 Bronco, which was powered by a 351HO, which was little more than a Windsor with a Holley 4bbl Smogger carb. My ex-FIL had an ’80 F-150 which had a 351M, which could in no way be mistaken for the engine in my Bronco.
Now, if memory serves me correctly, the bellhousing for the 351/400M has those extra long-reach bosses for the upper bolts at the top, whereas my friend’s ’70 Boss 351 has a more rounded bellhousing. The Boss 351 and the 351/400M have a recessed timing chaincase with the fuel pump attached through the engine block, while the Windsor is attached to the cover itself.
Personally, I find the whole story of the 351/400C/M/W to be something Ford couldn’t make its mine up about so it brought out all (3) to keep us skinning our knuckles…
Howard A–I certainly get the CSNY reference–and I assure you that it still gets played in my car!
I have Max Yasgur’s old 1949 Chevy 3600 in my driveway!
“3 Days of Peace & Music”–hope we never forget–I haven’t!
They don’t come up much anymore. In Canada we had equal amounts of the F-1 and M-1. Had my 51Merc M 1 pinched and began looking now ( 20 years ) later for a Ford or Mercury. Going to look around Saskatchewan / Montana and Manitoba. I do like the Merc grille and 255 flathead a bit better.
Hi Danny. Being a Border Brat I saw a lot from both sides. M-47s and F-47s with Montana plates were commonplace, more because the dealers were just on the north side of the border. Some people said, “To hell with the tariffs,” and just bought there because it was more convenient. Here’s an M-47 for you, in WA…
This way cool.. I live in north Tucson and I’d definitely be interested if I had somehere to keep it and work on it. I had a black ’53 with rusted floorboards in my early 20’s and my dad taught me to drive his flatbed when I was nine. I don’t remember what year it was but it was a blast driving it on the beach in south Texas while he operated the pedals. I live in north Tucson and I’d definitely be interested if I had somehere to keep it and work on it.
Well, If nobody else is going to say it, I guess I will…LS swap… maybe… I’ll think about it…