There is something undeniably attractive about classic Pickups that wear their survivor badge loudly and proudly. They tell the world they aren’t trailer queens but have earned their living the way their creators intended. Such is the case with this 1965 Ford F100, although changes below the surface make it an effective driver with significantly improved performance. The time has come for the F100 to find a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Peoria, Arizona. The bidding currently sits at $7,600, which is below the reserve.
This F100 has a fascinating history, but there is no documentation confirming its story. The seller claims it originally served as the Fire Chief’s truck in Buckeye, Arizona. The trail goes cold from there, although when the seller located it in 2016, it had hibernated since around 1982. That means it has resided in a dry climate, helping to explain the baked Wimbledon White paint and lack of significant rust. The Pickup retains its aged appearance, and the seller did not attempt a cosmetic restoration. There is evidence of previous minor touch-ups but no signs of major work or accident damage. The relatively straight panels would make a refresh straightforward. However, preservation is viable because rust is restricted to a couple of patchable spots under the cab. The glass is in good order, with the same true of the trim and chrome. The seller refurbished the 15″ steel wheels, adding sparkling period-correct Ford hubcaps as the ideal finishing touch.
I was disappointed the seller didn’t supply any engine shots because there are dramatic changes below the surface. Decoding the VIN confirms the first owner ordered this F100 powered by the venerable 240ci six that delivered 150hp. However, that motor is a distant memory, with its rightful place occupied by a 390ci V8 that formerly called a 1962 Thunderbird home. It had been rebuilt before switching locations, and with upgrades to the ignition and carburetor, power and torque of 300hp and 427 ft/lbs are realistic estimates. The original transmission made way for a four-speed NP435 unit, while the original rear end was given the heave-ho in favor of a later unit providing a wider track. The last piece of the puzzle was the addition of power steering that works effectively while retaining the Pickup’s correct geometry. That V8 must sound wonderful exhaling through a new exhaust featuring Walker Turbo mufflers, and the seller indicates the F100 is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well.
This F100’s interior combines old and new. The dash houses the factory AM radio, which doesn’t function. However, the seller fitted a roof console for the modern CD stereo, adding door-mounted speakers and a subwoofer behind the seat. There is a column-mounted tachometer, and additional gauges have been incorporated in the factory cluster to monitor the health of the V8 under the hood. The painted surfaces have typical scratches and chips, but the slipcover hides a new seatcover in Gray cloth and vinyl.
I have my own vision of what I would do with this 1965 Ford F100 if it were in my garage, and the diversity of opinion in the classic scene means your view may differ. Refreshing the interior painted surfaces to achieve excellent presentation would be step one. I would treat the minor rust and apply an exterior clearcoat to protect the current appearance. Otherwise, I wouldn’t touch a thing. Do you agree?
How many miles? How much? Where is it located?
Thanks
Bill Levin: The information you want is at the listing on eBay. Click the link and it will take you to the listing.
Nice little truck! Might be tough to keep rear tires on it with that 390, though. I’d leave most everything alone but for brakes more suited to that kind of power.
Nice truck, reminds me of the one that I used to drive when I was 17. 360 3 on the tree with O/D until dad got the tranny stuck in two gears and tore it up. Thats when I put another 3 speed in it with a floor shift. Had a lot of fun in that thing till I hit another 65 ford ton truck in the rear. I had 6×9 speakers in the headliner right behind my head and it broke loose and gave me a bad headache when I came to my sudden stop from 25-30 mph. 1979 was fun except for that one day
No Adam not what I would do, I would go look at it. It shouldn’t be too hard I live in Peoria AZ. In fact the drive way looks familiar. Next thing I would do is ask the seller if I really could look at it, because from the ad I got the impression he didn’t want to tell a buyer much about. I don’t think I can stop myself from going to see it, so if any of you want “The rest of the story” let me know.
I left Peoria for SCW 8 years ago.I like the quiet.
Joe. YES, I definitely would like to know the rest! I would have to drive it to California so…..
Very nice. I would want to address the small rust areas before they get worse and I would coat the bed with bed liner. I also would try to find a rear bumper and install a hitch. But most importantly drive and enjoy.
I also disagree on that clear coat idea. That never looks right to me, especially when gloss clear coat is used. It always looks wrong regardless of how many times I see it. I had a 65 F100 like this one only mine was black with red interior, 3spd on the column, and factory 352 ci engine. The 65 and 66 Fords are great looking trucks to me but they have some spots that are very vulnerable to rust. The bed floor in this one is a good example of that. I think this truck needs a complete body-off restoration while it’s still mostly solid and straight. Then I’d retire it from any work truck duties and just enjoy occasionally driving it and going to occasional shows and cruise-ins like I do with my 96 Silverado Z71.
Pretty much a twin to my long gone ‘66 with the exception that mine had a built 460 Lincoln engine with 11:1 compression, mild cam and 429 DOVE heads topped with a tunnel ram and 750 Holley.
And a modified C6.
With ten sheets of 4×8 drywall in the bed it would hook up really well.
So well that it destructed a 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra in a rural 1/4 mile duel.
Three times.
The guy was totally incredulous.
I think the F-100 is the best truck ever made good looking solid
My father had a 65 or so 6cyl auto. He bought it from a paving Co. in the S F Bay area in the early 70s. It looked like it was parked in a creek. White with rusted area’s abound. I inherited it in about ’75 while rebuilding a place in the country. Never seemed to get rustier and was a STRONG truck. I was mostly Chevies when I was a kid but this was a GREAT, reliable work truck.
Steve, no problem I have not called him but I will, as soon as I find out what where and win I will let you know.
Not a bad truck with lots done – we’ll see where it goes…..have we seen this one before ?
Kinda like these as I have a F350 with a Holms 440 that will be going down the road soon.
Great year F100, but with the most important upgrade done, being the rebuilt 390, why out of all these pics is there not a single one showing that Thunderbird engine off? Cab corners aren’t fun to do with the bed in the way, so that may be challenging. The new 390 in this truck should be fun to drive.
Steve, Sorry my tech skills are not good and I wasn’t able to get his contact info from eBay or B/F. If you can get it ,I will be happy to go look at it. I did see a lot more detailed photos and it certainly is not a cream puff and It is not an AZ. rust free truck
they lost me at the engine switch.
I like originality :(
Back in 1971 I bought a 1965 Ford F-100 in white over blue. It had a 352 with 3 speed column with overdrive. l used it on my dads farm hauling 300 gallon water tanks. It was a good truck. Even my 4’11” first wife could drive it. Yeah i’m afraid I’m against the idea of spraying it with clear coat. It would get a new paint job in colors of my choice, I really like two tone on these trucks.
God Bless America