Vehicle Description
1947 Ford F1 Pickup
Post war lots of changes were going on over at Ford Trucks. There
was a concerted effort to make the trucks more comfortable and
usable for various applications. A new frame, new suspension and a
completely reworked cab were in development and introduced in late
1947 for 1948 release. Prior to these major changes, the trucks in
1947 were the same models produced prewar in 1941.
For consignment, a surviving post war truck with the prewar design,
a 1947 F1 pickup. It's a long way from stock configuration with a
chopped top, shaved handles, and fat tires. It's got some modern
conveniences and a wood bed in an unusual herringbone layout. She's
a driver and a standout in bright yellow paint.
Exterior
Bright yellow is likely a color that would have raised some
eyebrows in 1947 and it certainly gets our attention today. The
distinctive tall vertical grille, the side vents, and the running
boards take on the yellow paint too, giving the truck a
monochromatic look. The chopped top is dramatic and narrows the
windshield and side windows, the cab now rising slightly over the
enormous, bulbous hood. Massive flared fenders connect to a running
board that's big enough to sleep on and the offset wheels help
create a muscular look. The fronts are 15-inch American Racing
wheels while the backs are deep steel wheels painted yellow with
massive 31x13.50-15LT tires. The taillights are in the shape of the
iron cross and the steel tailgate has been replaced with a Bully
net. The wood planks in the bed are delaminated and could use a
refresh. Other imperfections include bubbling paint at the wheel
arch, cracking paint on the door, some rust at the base of the cab,
heavy cracking on most of the cab, and various other cracks,
bubbles, chips, and rust spots around the vehicle.
Interior
A hodge podge of materials and colors begins with a tan and brown
vinyl and tweed door panel with a simple armrest and electric
window switches. Black leatherette sport bucket seats with red
stitching provide good side bolstering and seat support while the
high backs are prepped for a racing harness. A Grant steering wheel
is attached to a polished column that leads to a machined dash
housing Stewart Warner gauges with vintage font and white faces. An
AM/FM/CD player is in front of the passenger on the dash along with
an external digital screen. The automatic shifter is floor mounted.
While we're down there, we notice a fire extinguisher and some
wires that lead nowhere. The loop style carpet is in good shape but
areas to the side of the seats are a bit rough. The headliner is
covered in tan tweed and looks great.
Drivetrain
A 350ci GM Goodwrench crate V8 is installed and includes a Holley
4-barrel carburetor on top of an Edelbrock manifold. Chrome valve
covers, braided hoses, and an aluminum fire wall dress up the
engine bay which also features a 3 hole air scoop. The transmission
is a TH400 3-speed automatic sending power to the 12 bolt rear.
Disc brakes are supplied up front while drums are in the back.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath and since we start at the back, we have
to note the unharnessed wires that supply power to the trailer
hitch skull cover and taillights but also trail the length of the
truck underneath. There's minimal surface rust which we see
primarily on the driveshaft. The dual exhaust dump under the bed
before the rear axle but not before meeting a pair of Flowmaster
mufflers. We note some oil on the front axle coming from above and
mind your cats and dogs because there is no flywheel cover.
Suspension consists of leaf springs front and rear. While we have
it up on the lift, we note some rust on the pinch welds of the door
bottoms.
Drive-Ability
The chopped top makes occupants feel mysterious and maybe a little
mischievous too. But we proceed with confidence because we have no
rap sheet. The small block V8 sounds good but does run a little
rough, but does have good throttle response, moving this big pickup
with decent acceleration. Peering over that big hood takes some
getting used to, but before long, we were around the loop and
testing functions, and everything seemed to be in order. They used
some heavy steel back in the day, and you can feel it as this truck
rolls into the garage.
Here's a presentable cruiser truck that could also serve as the
basis for a great restoration. As is, however, it's a good running
truck with a big, bold body. Definitely an attention grabber and
part of a special era of trucks that roamed the streets during a
victorious time and a patriotic nation.
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.
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