Cruisaire Package: 1979 Ford F-350 4×4
This 1979 Ford F350 4×4 is a Pacific Northwest survivor that has received some desirable upgrades and modifications along the way. These include the rarely seen “Cruisaire” treatment that apparently was an aftermarket rehash that gave the truck the sweet decals seen here. In addition, the original 400 V8 was removed and professionally replaced with a much more powerful 460 big block. Given it resided in the PNW, the truck has remained pleasingly rust-free, and now it’s offered here on eBay for $37,900 with the option to submit a best offer.
That, to me, is slightly crazy money, even for a survivor truck like this. I do call it a survivor because for those graphics to survive after all of these years, this truck had to have been looked after by its previous caretakers. There are some details I’d fix like the aftermarket wheels and the tint on the back of the cab window to make it look a bit more OEM correct, but those are easy fixes. The truck left the factory with some very nice options, including the four-speed manual, Dana 60 limited slip rear end, “Super Cooling” radiator, dual batteries, heavy duty alternator, and an engine block heater. It’s worth noting many of these upgrades came courtesy of the Camper Special package.
The interior is in very good shape, lending further credibility to the survivor claims (in my opinion). It’s also just a great-looking truck with the Raven Black paint, the cloth upholstery, and its period-correct pattern, and of course, the decals. There’s even a cowboy hat holder, gun rack and CB radio still present, all evidence of its previous life spent with an apparently awesome owner. The dash doesn’t appear to have any cracks and the carpets look clean. Even the pedals look relatively fresh for a truck that’s been used. This one also has the cool OEM accessory “bedside toolbox” as it was ordered with from the factory.
The Lincoln-sourced 460 was rebuilt a mere 3,000 miles ago, which means the next owner will likely have very low upkeep costs in the years ahead. The truck is equipped with L&L headers and the seller notes the brakes have recently been serviced. Although the wheels are period correct, I would still ditch them for a different design, but that’s just me. Overall, this is a great-looking period-correct F350, but I have to wonder if the seller will get the price he’s looking for. What do you think – have these reached the point of becoming a $40,000 purchase?
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Comments
They’ve reached that price, for sure. Thanks to the Bronco, Blazer craze, and the fact that a new truck is $60,000. These old trucks are easy to service, are better looking, and though they don’t have the power “everythings” that the new 4 door Platinum Lariat Silverado Ram’s have? They’re much cooler to be seen in.
Like Big C mentions, it’s the truck craze that’s got this price so high. 5 years ago that would have been nuts, but in today’s market, that price with the state of the truck is reachable. I’ve got a 80s Power Ram that spent it’s entire live in the NV desert and PNW. The rust free state alone can add some zeros on there. I’d be on the fence with the wheels. While not factory for the truck, they’re period-ish correct and a lot better option than the normal 20s or 22s folks try to slap on these older lifted trucks.
Still gonna have to put thousands into it, but I always loved these old Ford trucks. I’m not paying $40K though.
I wish I had the money. I’d redo it all in black and put the necessary add ons to make it the Urban Cowboy pickup. It’s almost there already
My bro in law has a lifted black with red interior 79 3/4 ton that he bought new when he was 17. He worked at the dealership after school changing oil and such. His dad was a salesman there and he got a decent discount. I’ve tried for 30 years to buy it but it’s not going to happen :)
Awesome 1ton suspension Ford w primo running gear and a 460 👍
Cool truck,but would be even better without all of the
busy stripes.
I drove a ’74 back from the race track at Portland,Oregon,
when our ’79 Fiesta’s engine broke.It was a 4 speed,& a great-
driving truck.It belonged to my Brother-In-Law.
I also borrowed a car trailer to get it home with.Belonged
to a guy in Vancouver,Washington,and was registered in Oregon,
which wasn’t exactly legal.And to make it even better,all we got
working were the running lights.
While driving though the Redwoods just South of Klamath,-
California,I noticed a CHP cruiser behind me.I was white-knuckled!
He finally passed me,much to my relief.
From when a truck was still a truck not a luxury vehicle with a box. Arguably Fords best body style, they just look absolutely solid.
this is 31 for me (but F250, 4WD, step side). Love one I coulf make a king cab (the combo werent available) so as to B able to push the seat back. (You sit in it like at a kitchen table- arms, knees @ 90*.) Then I’ put a double 18 inch wide race strip over it.
Really hate when they say engine rebuilt and you can see spray paint everywhere. Rebuild in a can.
Rust-Oleum Rebuild