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.
For consignment, a 1949 Ford pickup truck with lots of new parts
but enough patina to warrant worry free driving. We see our fair
share of pristine and restored vehicles at Classic Auto Mall, cars
and trucks that we would hesitate to drive if there was any threat
of moisture in the air. So, it's refreshing to have a truck which
retains the appeal of a period piece and at the same time could get
a little dirty without losing sleep. This truck fulfills that
dream. It would also be a great start for an ambitious hobbyist who
might want to restore a classic Ford truck.
Exterior
From 20 feet, this truck looks like a gleaming black stallion
standing tall. The paint has a sheen to it but is not overly
glossy. Get up close and it's a different story with the paint, but
let's not go there yet. Let's look at the classic lines of the
truck and that distinctive nose with the grille and headlight
assembly seemingly cradled in the big fenders and pushed towards
the center of the truck. The metal here has a patina, it's not
painted or polished as we normally see. Same with both bumpers, and
we're okay with that! The "nostrils" on the hood have always been
epic and that metal detail on both sides of the hood complete a
beautifully designed front end. The tall, rounded cab,
unintentionally or not, probably accommodated the workman's hat,
because these trucks were work trucks and hats were worn! A simple
chrome side mirror is there for the driver and a spotlight is
mounted on the A-pillar. The boards on the bed are new and look
fantastic. As far as the paint goes, there are many imperfections;
scratches, cracking, some surface rust, swirls, dings, paint drips,
etc. That said, there are no major dents or anything that impacts
the overall look of the truck. Painted black 15-inch steelies are
the wheels for this truck and look good to us!
Interior
No door cards here, just painted black metal with the access panels
being the only "design" on the door interior. Window cranks and
door actuators live on the door and a clever hand grip is part of
the upper surface window frame, shaped in metal. Saddle and brown
vinyl cover a simple bench seat while a black rubber fitted mat
covers the entire floor. The mat is new as are the floorboards per
the consignor. Speaking of new, the headliner, and sidewall covers
are of the same brown vinyl material. The unrestored, three-spoke
steering wheel could probably tell some stories and it tells one
with a crack near the center cap. The dash with a simple
speedometer and four rectangular gauges, looks original and
yellowed with age. Love it! The center vent is shiny but far from
perfect and the ivory air control knobs on a cluster below it have
just the right amount of tarnish and discoloration. The top of the
shifter shaft is worn where there was once paint telling more
stories of hands that have shifted this truck for the past 75
years.
Drivetrain
The correct 239ci flathead V8 is in place looking about 75 years
old save for the shiny new 2-barrel carburetor and chrome cleaner
air element sitting on top. The carburetor is new as are the fuel
pump, brake master cylinder, and wiring harness. A 3-speed manual
sends power to the rear wheels where it meets a Dana 41 axle with
3.73 gears. The truck is fitted with drum brakes, standard for the
period.
Undercarriage
The black painted frame looks good and we don't see a ton of
surface rust under the truck. Some of the paint looks fresher and
some overspray is evident. The new boards look great from this
angle as do the new blue shock absorbers. A new exhaust is present
which emanates from headers and heads to glasspack type mufflers
then turns 90 degrees to exit the truck in front of the rear
wheels. Leaf springs are seen front and rear and w note a little
oil on the transmission. While we have the truck up in the air we
checked the bottom sides of the doors which shows some non invasive
rust.
Drive-Ability
With a little priming of the carb, we were off to the races and the
black stallion trotted along with 99 of his buddies. Acceleration
was smooth and impressive for a 1949 vehicle and we had no problem
imaging this truck on country roads or narrow city streets on a
delivery run in 1950. There's no radio to distract you from the
lovely flathead sound through dual exhausts. Relatively skinny
tires aren't going to win any autocross events but turn-in was fine
at moderate speeds and the brakes with the new master cylinder work
well to bring this horse to a stop. We note that the heater blower
does not function.
It's not time to put this black horse out to pasture yet, it's a
little rough around the edges but still runs well and has good
bones. Any way you cut it, it's a solid classic truck that you
could show as is or simply drive it for the pure pleasure of being
able to! Of course, there's always the option of restoring it
further and having a real thoroughbred in your stable. The choice
is yours so saddle up!
98RC231549
9-1949
8R-239ci 2bbl Flathead V8
C-1/2 Ton
231549-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
