Perfect Project: 1950 Ford F1 Pickup
If you asked ten people, you would undoubtedly receive ten different answers if they were tasked with defining the perfect project. That is because each will view the term “perfect” differently, depending on their tastes and goals with a project build. That could allow this 1950 Ford F1 Pickup to wear the crown because it offers something for everyone. It would be an ideal candidate for a faithful restoration, although its solid physical condition could see the right person plump for preservation. Alternatively, the ongoing popularity of classic Pickups could mean it is the ideal candidate for a custom build. Regardless of which camp you fall into, you may be tempted to join the sixty-seven people watching the listing here on eBay. This F1 is located in Norman, Oklahoma, and although the seller provides a BIN of $5,500, there is the option to make an offer.
This Pickup’s original owner was an Oklahoma farmer who passed away in the 1980s. It seems this classic has remained in hibernation ever since, only recently emerging into the light of day. The original Vermillion paint is now heavily weathered, but it possesses heaps of character. The buyer may elect to perform a repaint, although preserving it largely untouched looks like a feasible approach. The Ford isn’t loaded with rust problems, with the worst confined to the lower fenders, running boards, and cab floors. Patching the areas to retain the existing appearance is possible, especially since prone areas like the lower cab corners appear solid. The bed timber has gone, as has the tailgate. Sourcing replacements for both shouldn’t be challenging and would give the vehicle a “complete” appearance. If the buyer elected preservation, restoring the trim and chrome could provide a striking contrast. The glass may require replacement, with some items cracked and some starting to cloud around the edges. The whitewall tires in the supplied photos aren’t included, but the seller provides a set of black walls suitable for rolling this F1 on and off a trailer.
In its prime, this F1 featured a 239ci flathead V8 that sent 100hp to the rear wheels via an optional four-speed manual transmission. Although long-distance cruising at freeway speeds would be off the table with this configuration, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t bop along all day at 50mph once it returns to active service. The listing indicates the V8 doesn’t run, suggesting it probably hasn’t since the 1980s. It is unclear whether it turns freely, but resuscitation may not be difficult or expensive if it does. However, if the new owner isn’t concerned about spotless originality, a rebuild with a few well-considered performance additions could transform its personality for the better.
The interior could pose one of the most significant challenges for this F1’s new owner. It is a genuine blank canvas, with no seat hardware and most of the dash components missing. Reproduction parts are readily available for those considering the “faithful” path, but it also means the buyer could let their imagination run wild to create the interior of their dreams. It might include different seats, custom upholstery, and a bank of aftermarket gauges. The only limiting factors will be imagination and budget, but thousands of online images could serve as inspiration for those struggling with the first quality. As for the budget, that could prove a case of buying items in stages, as circumstances allow.
This 1950 Ford F1 Pickup seems to offer something for everyone, and with values climbing steadily, the right approach could realize a long-term financial gain. It needs work, but one of its greatest attributes is that it is essentially complete. It would respond equally well to restoration, preservation, or a custom approach. Now that you’ve looked at all this diamond-in-the-rough offers, what would be your plans?
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Comments
My plan would be to find a truck that wouldn’t put me upside down the minute I bought it.
There’s everything to like about the truck for a diy’er except the price but then that’s become the expected norm, hasn’t it?
Sanford and son.
What ever you do with her please don’t put a Chevy mtr.in her.
Mike…I totally agree with you AND I’m a ‘Chevy-guy’ (32.2 years working for GM, Oshawa Plant #1.
302 with headers, and X pipe and Stealthy/quiet mufflers, on to a tremic trans sending that power to a 3:73 posi rear. Big ol’ Lincoln, luxurious velvet power seat, with matching diamon tucked upholstery on the doors and headliner. <3 Yeah, I can see it. Now, if I only had the wallet to pull it off! lol
Probably a little pricey, but so is $40,000 for a rusted out 70 Challanger. These are neat old trucks when fixed up, and pretty much everything it needs is available. Would be nice if the dash was at least complete, kinda makes it appear as though the end of it’s life started out as a parts truck.
A custom would be cheaper than a resto. Drop the body on a Crown Vic chassis – keeps the “purists” happy, and makes it drivable in modern traffic conditions. The seller is also open to offers for those who think $10 bucks is all it’s worth, like Crusty the Klown.
I’m not so sure I buy the whole story of the original owner ; taking pictures of it right next to rows of long junked trucks makes me think this one was dragged out of the dead truck line, had some new tires put on ( which off course don’t come with it) and a quick wash and vacuum to get rid of the mouse droppings and put it on Ebay
It sold. I don’t see a way to tell how much it bought but the $5500 had been scratched out.
My Father had one in the mid 70s. Red with black fenders front and rear. Beautiful truck with stock running gear. Wish I would’ve bought it from him but had a young family and needed my Ford Country Sedan. No extra money or room to keep it. Siiiiighhh!!
Yep. I could repeat this 50 times. Like I said in another Post, priorities dictate what we’ve owned in the past not wants.
This truck looks exactly like the one I have been seeing this year on Christmas cards and other decorations. Usually with a tree in the back.