Vehicle Description
The Ford F-series is known across the world as a hardworking truck.
That reputation is a big part of why it earned the title of
America's Bestselling Vehicle for 25 consecutive years at that
time. Of course, a lifetime of dedicated service should be rewarded
and, for a few chosen trucks, a leisurely retirement on the show
field awaits this one. This '50 Ford F-1 series panel is one of
those privileged few. The recipient of an extensive frame-off
restoration, every inch of this truck is ready for display.
Featuring a dressed up small block V8, an elegant mild custom
interior and a list of modifications, this Ford was built for sunny
day cruising and trophy collecting. If you're in the market for a
stand out Ford Panel truck, settle in and take a closer look at
this '50 F-1.
The first generation of F-Series was a sturdy looking truck, with
an imposing front end and a more composed look than previous years.
This clean show piece is capable of turning heads at the highest
levels. The all-steel body was restored and straightened out,
before having its current two-tone paint job applied.
Walking around the truck, mirror-like reflections can be found from
nearly every angle. The work is beyond reproach . Ford introduced
their commercial vehicles in late 1947. The F series was the first
post-war truck design from Ford. This first series of Ford would
remain the same until 1952. The F series trucks were produced at
sixteen different Ford factories at that time. The most common at
the time was the F 1 pick up with 6.5 foot beds. The panel trucks
were more rare than the common pick up.
A closer look shows a host of supporting details that make this
truck stand out in the crowd. Starting at the front, the flat stock
bumper is gone, Just the smooth front body panel remains without
the bumper, for a clean slick look, leaving only the chrome grille.
Naturally, the hood has been freed of any stock Ford badge and only
the Ford emblems remain just below the hood. The absence of
windshield wipers also comes into view. Along the sides of the
hood, all badges are gone, and the hood was fitted with tons of
custom louvers. Behind the front doors, the body side panels have
been thoroughly reworked. Every panel has been smoothed and filled
to perfection while, beneath the back doors, a roll pan connects
the lines between the bottom of the body and those deep built-in
rear fenders. While a lot of builders default to placing small LED
lights in the back end of these trucks, the taillights on this Ford
are stock, with the correct chrome housings, and a chrome rear
bumper finishes off the back end.
For 1950, F-1 panel truck buyers were given the option between a
Flathead V8 or a 215cid straight-six. Both were trustworthy enough
options but, with the stronger of the two producing 101hp in stock
form, getting anywhere quickly wasn't in the cards. This '50
addressed that issue by opting for a well-dressed GM 350 crate
motor. The block wears a smooth coat of black paint while nearly
everything else received a healthy dose of chrome. At the top, an
open element air cleaner is covered by a smooth chrome cover that
ties in well with the chrome valve covers at either side. In the
center, an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor delivers atomized fuel
through a polished intake manifold. Accessories are minimal with
only an aluminum water pump, chrome fan and a low mount chrome
alternator spinning off engine power. At the front of the bay, a
large radiator and overflow tank work to keep the set up cool.
Around the engine, cleanliness remained a high priority. The
firewall is completely cleaned up and painted and almost all wiring
is tucked neatly out of sight.
Turn the key and the small black fires to life immediately,
exhaling through the exhaust manifolds. Underneath this Panel
truck, show-quality work continues. The floors are as straight as
the body and covered in black paint. Factory clean hardware and
neatly tucked lines reinforce the attention to detail used
throughout the build. In the center, a reliable TH350 automatic
transmission makes easy work of extended cruising, channeling power
back to a rear-end packed with 3.55 gears. Around the drivetrain
rests a stock front suspension with a set of front disc brakes. The
rear-end is held in place by factory rear leaf springs. There is
also aluminized dual exhaust running down the center of the
undercarriage, and coming out at the back corners. For brakes, we
have front-wheel disc brakes, and reliable rear drums bring the
Panel truck to a halt with authority. In front of the brakes,
15-inch custom alloy wheels meet the ground through Firestone
FireHawk tires in sizes 235/70R15 in the rear, and up front
P215/70R15, respectively.
It's often said that there is elegance in simplicity and the inside
of this Ford definitely makes a case for that idea. Outfitted in a
mixture of black vinyl, polished pieces, and black painted
surfaces, there is enough contrast to keep the cab interesting
without breaking the limits of good taste. A pair of bucket seats
offer plenty of support and a touch of luxury thanks to the black
vinyl. At either side, stock black door panels match the seats
well, accented by polished metalwork and chrome power window
switches. Behind those buckets, the rear cab wall wears even more
black material. The floors and the side walls of this panel truck
are all completed in the same black carpeting. The dash wears a
factory looking steering wheel offers a connection to the front
wheels through a black factory-column. Above, a shiny black steel
dash has been reworked entirely, carrying an updated dash gauge
cluster which monitors oil pressure, water temperature, speed,
revs, voltage and fuel consumption. With a reliable well-dressed
drivetrain, a semi-custom interior and clean lines all around, this
Ford is dead-set on turning heads everywhere it goes.
If you'd like to join it in the spotlight, don't miss your chance
to bring this good-looking panel truck home, or to your business as
a delivery truck! We see many customers buying these and adding
their company Logo to the sides (similar to the removable vinyl
Ford logo currently on the truck) to help promote their businesses.
Well-built customs don't hang around showrooms for long. CALL US at
847-487-2272 and ask for Gary!