Restored Mechanicals: 1971 Ford F-250
We rarely see a vehicle with a fully restored and powder-coated frame here at BarnFinds. This 1971 Ford F-250 presents an interesting mix of finished and unfinished work that may tempt buyers who likes what’s done. We’ll show the chassis in a minute but here we see the color change from white to what might be the Bahama Blue used on the patriotic 1976 Bicentennial Fords. Generally we think of Ford’s muted Wimbledon White but paint options for the ’71 F-Series included Pure White as well, according to AutoColorLibrary. A claimed newly rebuilt V8 needs some forensic engine work as the camshaft did not survive its break-in. Thanks to Russell G. for spotting this mixed-bag classic in Deer Park, Washington state.
Someone had big plans for this rig, and few truck buyers will find anything to complain about here. Note the coil spring front, part of Ford’s Twin I-Beam independent front suspension on two-wheel drive trucks of this era. As detailed by Hagerty, you can still order a Ford truck with the Twin I-Beam configuration today.
The small brake pedal tells us this rig gained an automatic transmission sometime after leaving the factory. That and the original-looking rubber floor mats suggest a column-shifted standard transmission, the “three on the tree.” The later blue seat and steering wheel match the blue paint job. I’d be tempted to ease off that blue paint and see if the white can be saved, especially since it looks like the decent-looking blue was sprayed over dents and other imperfections without any body work or prep. Note the left-side keys, giving right-handed drivers a daily dexterity test.
The Ranger package added exterior trim and some interior niceties as well, though not the heated, cooled, and massaging seats available on today’s high-end F-Series pickups. If you want a massage while driving this rig, you’ll have to sweet-talk a friendly passenger.
The sturdy 360 cid (5.9L) V8 pulled many a load and trailer around America, and this one’s been upgraded with electronic ignition, according to the listing here on eBay. A single $1000 bid tests the waters as we go to press. With two days left on this action, the blue and white project might find a new owner before the holiday weekend. What price would tempt you to finish this partially refurbished project?
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Comments
Best looking truck of the era, better than the more popular Chevs. Of course, that’s just my opinion and I respect all others. I had a ’70 and regret letting it go.This looks like a pretty decent chance for someone with ability. And thankfully it’s a long bed. I know I’m running counter to prevailing sentiment but I don’t get the preference for shortbeds. Thoughts on that anyone?
I’ve owned a ‘67, ‘68, and ‘72 in this series. All F100s, all work trucks, and all long beds. Short boxes look cool, but long boxes are better for hauling. These are great, tough, trucks. The frame rails are half again as thick as a contemporary Chevy/GMC. My favorite year of the group is the ‘67. Nice clean looking grill.
Short beds came about when quad cabs came along. More people buy them as regular transportation like a car, thus a truck doesn’t have to meet the same emissions as a car. It works for manufactures.
Short beds have been around as long as there have been pickup trucks.
Lovely looking truck. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, let alone a pickup truck, I remember trucks like this 1971 Ford F250. Given its condition, I’d pay between $5k and $10k. I’d drive it, enjoy it, use it for everything under the sun, work, play, family, etc.
Bummer about the camshaft. Best course would be a full disassembly. I like the blue- would prefer a period correct shade. BTW- only dents I see are in the tailgate. Obviously, the damage came after the paint. I’d fix that, and paint the interior to match. 360 might grow after disassembly…😉
I’m no mechanic but I do know what a camshaft is and how it works. I’m not sure how a camshaft goes “flat” without causing significant damage to the other elements of the valve train. So to me the engine is a big question mark. Although this truck has what appears to be “good bones”; it has enough cosmetic issues that combined with the engine problem, it’ll be a hard sell to the average hobbyist. But it probably is a good find for the guy that has expertise in engine rebuilding.
I’m confused about the bedsides and the fenders. I have a 70 model that my grandfather bought new. It came with side markers as original equipment. Side marker lights were a requirement in 68 and in 70 they added reflectors as well. There’s a cut out opening they fit into and they’re pretty much flat. The ones on this one are the surface mount type you’d see as an add-on for heavy trucks/buses.
Mr. Majestyk to the service department please, you forgot your melons!
Well now I have to agree with others that this year Ford pickup is one good looking truck. Now what I would do is pull the engine out it in my motor stand and completely disassemble it. Clean all the metal out of it check all bearings and journals remove all pistons from the rods and check the wrist pin bearings and blow out the oil galleys in the rods. Reassemble with what new parts are needed. I may have missed some things but I’m sure you get the jist of it. This truck is definitely worth the engine rebuid if the price stays low enough. GLWTA
I will have a long wheelbase anyday. Yes the shorties look nice but they all (especially a 4×4) rides like a goat wagon. Not only that but I like to sometimes work a truck.