BF Auction: 1962 Ford F100 Custom Cab Unibody
- Seller: Matt L
- Location: Corona, California
- Mileage: 87,729 Shown
- Chassis #: F10CR210058
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 292 cui V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Parting with a project build when the finishing line is in sight is never an easy choice, but it is one faced by the owner of this rare unibody 1962 Ford F100 Custom Cab Long Bed. Changed circumstances mean that this classic Pickup must find a new home with the hard work already completed. The winning bidder only needs to attend to its cosmetic needs, which will be a straightforward undertaking that could be completed in a home workshop. The owner wants the F100 to head to a new home where he is sure it will be appreciated, which is why he has listed this Long Bed with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
The first examples of Ford’s Fourth Generation F-Series rolled off the line in October 1960 for the 1961 model year, while the last left showrooms in 1966. The first few years featured Ford’s new unibody design. Due to poor sales, Ford returned to a more traditional design mid-way through MY 1963. This 1962 Long Bed is a California black-plate dry climate vehicle that the first owner ordered in Caribbean Turquoise. At some point, it was repainted Rangoon Red and Corinthian White. It presents acceptably if the buyer prefers the patina look, with straight panels and paint that retains a warm glow. However, performing a cosmetic refresh is an option, as no rust issues require attention. The comprehensive image gallery reveals the type of dry surface corrosion you might typically expect from any classic that has spent its life in California, but there is no penetrating rust requiring the attention of a grinder or welder. The freshly powder-coated wheels provide insight into how stunning this F100 could look, with the spotless color-matched hubcaps adding to the visual impact. They are wrapped in new 235 x 15 x 75 Goodyear Wrangler tires. The glass is clear, and every trim piece is present and in good condition. Whether the winning bidder preserves or restores this F100, it will receive respect wherever it goes.
The first owner passed on the entry-level 223ci six when ordering this Pickup, opting for the more potent 292ci Y-Block V8. Producing a healthy 160hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque, the ponies were fed to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. That brings us to the only significant mechanical change performed by the owner: swapping out the three-speed for a more flexible four-speed unit. He modified the floor to accept the upgrade, performing additional work to ensure the vehicle was in excellent mechanical health. This included installing a new fuel tank, starter motor, motor mounts, points, cap, rotor, plugs, and plug wires. He updated the generator to a more efficient and powerful alternator, fitted a dual exhaust, and replaced the fluids in the engine, transmission, and rear end. The Y-Block exhibits excellent compression, with the cylinders showing 130+ lbs across the board. The oil pressure is equally healthy, 40 psi at idle, and the electrical features work as they should. The Pickup runs, drives, and stops well, leaving the winning bidder with no mechanical tasks to tackle.
This Pickup’s cosmetic needs extend to its interior, which the owner admits requires a retrim. However, everything required to return it to a pristine state is readily available, and with nothing missing, the cost will be quite moderate. One of the great attractions of classic Pickups is that interior restorations are straightforward and satisfying. Dismantling everything to refresh the painted surfaces is not complicated, while the actual retrim should pose very few challenges to the buyer. A faithful approach would add to the positive comments the vehicle will receive when the work is complete. The only issue identified by the owner is the inoperative horn, but the basic nature of the wiring should make tracing the fault no big deal.
For me, the wheels provide the best insight into the potential lurking within this 1962 Ford F100 Custom Cab Long Bed. They look stunning, and achieving a similar result with the panels and paint is within easy reach of the winning bidder. That could also make it ideal for someone considering a first project build. This classic Pickup will undoubtedly turn heads with a refreshed exterior and a retrimmed interior. What makes it more compelling is that the process should also be inexpensive, a prime consideration for enthusiasts on a budget. Therefore, if a hands-on project has been on your radar, this 1962 Ford F100 deserves a closer look.
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Comments
Wow! Can’t say the last time I saw one of these. Throw a horse blanket seat cover over the seat and drive it!
Rear wraparound window is a rarely seen option on these. 4″ high chrome strip adorned the bottom of the window.
With that paint colour it looks like a Uhaul
These were actually called the “integrated body”, and “unibody” is a bit misleading. Unibody vehicles don’t have a frame.There were reports of drivers being trapped in the truck cab, because the body flexed so bad, it was claimed to have pinched the doors. That was unfounded, as the trucks affected were grossly overloaded. I suppose it could become an issue as the truck rusted, but for the most part untrue. They would develop cracks behind the cab, and sold poorly and were dropped in favor of regular cab and bed design. Fewer than 25,000 of these were sold, and most bought conventional pickup trucks. Typically, the people that want a truck like this won’t mind the stick, for now.
Thanks for addressing the negative claims about these trucks. As you say, they are overstated. Between my Dad and I, we owned 4 of these. The ‘61 F250 was used for hauling cord wood. I used the ‘63 F100 for hauling two bins of apples (about 2000 lb.) over a mountain pass- well after its prime. Never had an issue with any of them, other than some minor stress cracks where the top of the box connected to the cab. One of them was a short box Custom Cab with the rare big back window. Wish I had that one back…
what do you mean no frame, there is a frame under the truck. Ford’s unibody trucks were only available from 1961-1963, and only on Ford’s F-Series “styleside” pickups. The idea was to make the cab and the bed one long continuous piece. Even though they’re referred to colloquially as unibody trucks, it’s a bit of a misnomer. The chassis and body of the car are still separate, there’s just no gap between the cab and the bed of the truck. Ford marketed these as “unitized” which is more accurate.