Vehicle Description
1949 Ford F1 Pickup
In January 1948, a new era began at the Ford Motor Company with the
release of an all-new line of trucks that Ford dubbed the
"F-Series". This new series, which Ford promoted as its "Bonus
Built Line" covered a wide range of models with different cab and
chassis combinations. The line started out with light-duty
1/2-ton-rated pickup trucks and ran all the way up to the Extra
Heavy-Duty, three-ton-rated F-8. These trucks used a completely
redesigned cab with all-new front-end sheet metal. And in a
departure from previous practice, the same cab served both
conventional and Cab-Over-Engine models.
For consignment, a second year offering of the new design F1
Pickup. Very nicely modified and updated in more ways than one can
count. This former flatbed ratrod truck with some minor damage to
the right front was completely reworked with all factory Ford
metal, the body was smoothed, chopped, suicide door converted, and
shaved. A custom interior by Dressler's Upholstery in
McAlisterville, PA, well built 400ci Chevrolet V8, brake upgrades
and a more modern suspension all work together to give you the
looks of 1949 and the technology of 2023. With less than 50 miles
on the build, you can rest assured this truck is fresh and ready to
show and go. Eat your heart out Henry Ford!
Exterior
Maroon metallic now bathes this truck's exterior with straight
steel panels and gaps that are beautifully minding themselves to be
consistent, and almost all chrome has been shaved off or finished
in gray. All Ford steel greets us up front with the pontoon style
fenders and bulbous hood that this truck came equipped with when
new. We note all the seams on the front end, including the grille,
headlights, and fenders have been shaved. The horizontal grille
ribbing and headlight trim rings have been finished in body
matching maroon and the headlights have been upgraded to assist
with lighting your way. With the gray hood trim and black
windshield trim complimenting the round chrome mirrors the look
comes together nicely. More steel for the rear fenders to frame the
steel bed and continue the pontoon look along with ribbed steel
running boards working to connect the front and rear fenders. At
the rear we note a shaved bumper, a thin and wide LED brake light
bar and dual chrome exhaust tips poking out from under the Ford
embossed tailgate. A black vinyl tonneau covers the bed, and upon
its removal we are greeted with a black spray in bedliner that
extends all the way to the outward canted bed tops. Gray spoke and
polished lip B/G Rod Works wheels in 18" and 20" form are wrapped
in nearly new staggered width rubber and respectively highlight
this truck's perfect stance.
Interior
Stamped steel makes up the upper third of the door panels, finished
in glossy maroon, and helps draw your eyes to the charcoal gray
vinyl lower with its smooth white U-shaped inlay and diamond
stitched insets. A mix of smooth charcoal and more diamond stitched
leather makes up the reclinable racing bucket seats nestled inside
and back up to the rear of the cab. More deep gloss red for the
dash which houses a Dakota Digital gauge cluster in the factory
metal background. To the center, where we note the original
electric shaver-esque chrome speaker cover looking just fine. A
black tilt steering column with its modern banjo style steering
wheel fronts the all steel dash and looks perfectly at home. A
litany of white face VDO gauges are sprinkled through the dash
along with a few knobs and pulls. Dash central also holds the
controls for the heat/AC and a modern AM/FM stereo. The headliner
and rear cab are all lined with the tight smooth charcoal vinyl
covering and black carpeting with clean floor mat coverings floods
the floor. A small black console rides the hump and holds a pair of
Kenwood speakers along with a 12 volt power and USB port
Drivetrain
Flipping of the bulbous hood and we can peer into the clean black
engine bay. A 400ci Chevrolet V8 is now taking up real estate where
the original engine used to reside. This beautiful block black
block sports some chrome dress up and is fed by a single 4-barrel
carburetor. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is on the back
of the healthy mill and sends power to a Ford 9" rear axle. All
parts are nicely cleaned up and the whole installation was very
well thought out under this hood.
Undercarriage
A rock solid black painted frame, independent torsion bar front
suspension courtesy of a Chrysler Cordoba, and a leaf sprung rear
suspension greet us up in the air. Miles of rust free black steel
is seen with a nearly new Turbo muffler equipped dual exhaust to
rack off those melodious V8 notes. Power front disc brakes and
power rear drums provide the whoah factor for this hauler and we
see the addition of power steering as well. Just a wonderful
presentation down below!
Drive-Ability
I just treasure these old trucks which I think have the best
aesthetic designs and they're even better with modern
underpinnings. That said I hopped in, started her right up, and
went for a nice cruise. It shifted smoothly, rode like a car, and
stopped on a dime. Even body sway was minimized with the upgraded
suspension and braking was on par with most modern cars and trucks.
A comfortable interior, and a really nice job in all facets.
A totally redone F1 truck keeps much of its original design, has a
new engine and transmission, an upgraded interior, power brakes,
and a modern suspension system all wrapped up under the guise of a
1949 F1. Load it up boys!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
