Sometimes, you feel like it’s possible to look into the future by assessing which models are hot right now. That’s the sense I get when looking at this super clean 1986 Ford F150 4×4 pickup with the desirable short bed. Sure, we already knew short bed trucks are where it’s at, but there are Dodge Rams and Chevy Silverados sitting on auction lots and in dealer inventory right now that we should be snatching up! This was a pretty ordinary model when it was new; now, this F150 is sitting here on eBay with bids to $8,200 and the reserve unmet.
I don’t blame the seller at all for holding out for a higher number as this truck absolutely deserves $10,000 or better. The two-tone paint scheme was very much a 1980s trend, and while it’s not the way vehicles are painted these days, it’s still a sharp look. The Ford isn’t completely stock as it’s been upgraded to a larger wheel and tire package and has an aftermarket exhaust setup. Both of these tweaks are easily reversible should the next owner wish to return to stock specs, but I actually think the larger tire package works well here. The exhaust – eh, I could do without.
The interior is gorgeous, with deep red cloth upholstery and matching carpets. The woodgrain trim in the steering wheel and instrument cluster surround is a staple of the upper-end models in the F150 range, otherwise known as the “Custom” trim. The seller reports an odometer reading of just over 41,000 and the condition both inside and out seemingly lend credence to that. When you see a truck like this, you automatically begin to wonder what its story is – how did a workhorse never get worked?
The V8 / automatic transmission combo in a single-cab, short-bed design with the addition of four-wheel drive has to be a spec that was produced in low numbers. I suspect this is partially why trucks like this one are so sought after today – not only is the short bed a better-looking truck (in my opinion), they are just incredibly hard to find in sound condition with no rust and those desirable options boxes checked. So, if you have your eye on a Silverado or F150 with a single cab, short bed design, and four-wheel drive? Well, you just may be sitting on a unicorn that will sell for far more than you paid for it in a few short years.
Lots of wear on the brake pedal for 41,000 miles.
the engine bay looks a little too toasty for 41k miles too. still a cool truck though
Harvey you are correct most Fords don’t run long enough to where out brake pedal pad.
Such a funny guy.
No cat, could be a problem depending on your state.
Well kept or restored 141,000 IMO.
Likely a 302 motor. Add them big tires without changing the ring & pinions and the truck becomes a slug! (personal experience). Nice truck, standard cab and a short bed….you can turn that thing around on a path in 3 points.
Same goes for the 351-400M. You had a little more hp and torque but those suspension modifications really stressed the engine unless you did the usual cam,carburetor, aluminum intake, headers thing. Then it would go but not pass any emissions testing.
I had an 80 1 ton Super cab gutless 351M and did the typical modifications. It really woke it up but had to get the C6 transmission built up too. Ford for some reason change the clutch pack with fewer plates so it couldn’t handle the shift kit and extra power and completely blew them. The rebuild included the older larger clutch pack.
Loved that truck after the mods. Then over the next 10 years here in Oregon the DEQ boundaries kept getting closer to my home and in 1997 had to ho thru emissions testing and failed 11 straight times and I ended up putting catalytic converters, gluing on an egr valve to the blue painted aluminum intake because the required stock one was long gone, putting on vacuum hoses to nowhere then it passed.
Harvey you are correct most Fords don’t run long enough to where out brake pedal pad.
The upper end trim packages were not Customs – the Customs were the lowest level and the dash would’ve been black plastic rather than the fake wood shown here. This truck has the XLT package – you can blow up the pictures and see the badges right below the F150 emblems on the fenders.
Great looking truck.
I had an 86 F150 with the 300 in-line 6 and 4 speed, AC, PS, PB, tilt steering and cruise control. (XLT Package) I put 255 tires on it, tow hooks on the front and a camper top. Everyone thought it was a Bronco. This truck was solid as a rock. It NEVER let me down. I towed other vehicles out of mud using the granny gear. Other than changing oil, filters, lubing joints and rotating tires, the only thing I replaced on it was the front calipers and headlights. I regretted selling it. At 152k miles, I made a trip from Atlanta GA to Charlotte NC. It got 22mpg with ac on! I just sold a 73 Challenger so maybe I can get this one……if the wife likes it!! Whoever gets this one will not regret it.
That’s the truck I want, but I do not want to pay $25,000 on BaT, so…..
To clarify, I want your old truck Mike.
right motor (esp over this) & I assume U mean NP435 w/the ‘granny’ 1st? Only improvements I’d seek is the step side’n F250 livery (3/4T set up, suspension etc).
Repainted in wrong pattern, wrong engine and crusty under the hood.
That extra brake pedal wear is from all that stopping to wait for Chevy and Dodges.