Cowboys Then and Now: 1949 Ford 1/2 Ton Pickup
There is no denying America’s love for pickup trucks. Pickups are kind of like cowboys. Early trucks (before around 1990) are more John Ford cowboy, while later models are more Urban Cowboy. If you are a fan of the earlier breed and looking for a solid foundation for a Flathead Ford truck restoration, then take a look at this 1949 Ford F1 pickup for sale on craigslist in Phoenix, Arizona. Is this solid and slightly unusually bumpered F1 worth the $9,500 asking price? Thanks to T.J. for this interesting find!
If you would have asked collectors from previous generations which types of vehicles would be most collectible, they would likely reply open cars and maybe nice coupes. A study of the market during their time would back that up. These folks would argue that trucks were for work, are rough riding, and not a pleasant place to spend the day driving. They would also grudgingly agree that an old truck would be a good project for a rookie restorer. Today, light duty pickup trucks are, and have been, a hot part of the market.
Anyone looking to dip their toe into old truck ownership needs to also understand the differences between old and new. Working on the cowboy example, older trucks are kind of like the Clint Eastwood as “The Man With No Name” from the Spaghetti Westerns and even the rode hard William Munny character from “Unforgiven.” These trucks are harsh, rough around the edges, and not soft in any way. More modern trucks range from the J.R. Ewing to John Dutton characters in their personality. Dressed up and out on the town is their open range.
The truck you see here is a perfect example of that rough old cowboy nature of older trucks. A look at the picture above paints a very different picture than that of trucks in the showroom today. You couldn’t sell a truck today with a vinyl bench seat, three speed transmission, crank windows, no power steering, no power brakes, a hot water heater, and, perish the thought, no radio. Yet, our forefathers made it through life just fine without Bluetooth and “infotainment” centers.” Air conditioning was a rarity on luxury cars back then too. Were these people made of steel? They actually rode horses?
Speaking of spartan, the truck you see here is a perfectly preserved postwar truck from what was then a rural area. The brush guard on the front and the industrial strength bumper with a spot for a hitch ball point to this truck leading a hard working life. Still, the seller tells us that the engine does run but it will surely need the usual sorting out of the fuel system and brakes. One good piece of information is that the wide whitewall tires are basically brand new. While the new whitewall on an “as found” truck look isn’t something you see everyday, at least you can start with something new.
As a whole, this rough looking cowboy may be a decent bargain at $9,500. The Southwestern climate has kept it relatively rust free through the years, and there seems to be nothing missing here. A frame off restoration of a truck in this condition would be spectacular. If it were mine, I would get it running and drive it after selling the wide whitewalls. I like my old trucks to be more Lee Marvin and less John Travolta. Maybe throw in a little Jack Elam while you are at it.
Do you have a love for old trucks? What do you think is a fair price for this one? Please let us know in the comments.
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Comments
I definitely agree with you on getting rid of the wheels and tires. It would be back to the 6.50 X 16s and the accompanying rough ride. I would give this a body-off driver’s restoration and then drive it. Even put it to use although that might only amount to carrying the beer to the picnic. The Flathead powered it well up to now so I see no reason why it can’t continue on its way.
Three speed? That shifter looks more like it would be part of a T-9 4-speed crashbox; looks rather thick for a 3-speed. If you were to get it running as is and take it for a drive, you’d find out in a big hurry; those 4-speeds howled like a banshee behind a flathead V-8. I might add that a T-9 is the ultimate anti-theft device; you have to learn how to shift one or you’ll be grinding gears into the next century. Back when I was a kid I hated the howling of a T-9 but now I kind of like it; it’s a constant reminder of a simpler time…
Ad deleted already. I see no rational reason to keep the drivetrain or the chassis for that matter. Swap in a later model chassis and drivetrain, auto matic is fine, so is power steering and power brakes. My ’58 GMC has all that stuff and now I can’t wait to put A/C in it.
I am a huge fan of old trucks. I have had lots of them ,but mostly 53 to 55 Ford F-100’s. They have ranged from mostly original to highly modified. They all have their good points, its all up to the owner and what he-she expects out of the truck. To say the old trucks are popular is a gross understatement! As far as prices, who knows? The only thing for sure is prices are not going down.
An older cousin after coming home from WWII resumed his life as a cowboy/roper and pulled a 1 horse trailer all over the country to compete in rodeos in a 49or 50 F100. He built a frame over the bed and covered it with canvas after seeing the military style covers.
I don’t know if it would ever have hit 50mph pulling the horse trailer but it got him there and back.
I’m with Geomechs. Old trucks are an experience. My Dad’s first pickup was a ‘50 F100. I remember riding in it as a wee lad. (Family of 4 in a 4’ wide cab) I can still hear the transmission whining. For some reason, I found it to be comforting. I would love to hear it again. I currently own a ‘56 F100, but even it is “more civilized’ than the ‘48-‘52 versions. I also have a late model F150. It has most all the creature comforts. I like it fine- but it’s not the same. B
I see no reason for altering it from its intended purpose. I had one many years ago I enjoyed driving as I did my other older vehicles. They were designed to do a job or serve a purpose. I also like the fact that they actually turn heads as they pass by almost like having a runway model on your arm. The more original they are the more I like them, they weren’t built to haul ungodly loads just to be a handy means to carry unwieldly or cumbersome loads that just would not fit in a trunk. However, I did have a few cars that their trunk might have given it a run for its money.
A note to Harry: at age 83 a runway model has no lure, however the truck would give lasting fun.
It’s only 73. We both resent the implication we’re old enough to be President.
I have the same truck with 3 on the tree. Still 6volt. Fires up every time. I love it! No rust, solid truck. The price is reasonable. I wouldn’t let mine go for that but it’s in much better shape.
There might be a market for a new/old truck like this. But all the gub’ment alphabet agencies would never let it exist. And, it would still sticker for $35k.
My Father had a ’49’ about 30 years ago. Nice looking truck. It had a red body w/black fenders. Good running flathead too. Dad’s gone and so is the truck. I wish both were still here.
Back in the early 60s I had one like this, a 52, flathead V8 and 4 speed. Got me to / from work, college. Have a F6 Cabover now, flathead V8, 4 spd, 2 spd rear. Fun to drive, not very fast. As stated, old trucks generate a lot of interest, ,fun drivers. Go any distance to show, on trailer behind the Super Duty.