Vehicle Description
To get the big jobs done, you need a heavy-duty truck. But if you
don't need dual rear wheels and fuel economy in the single digits,
a 1-ton is probably too much. That's where this 1971 Ford F-250
fits in. Outfitted with a 390 cubic inch V8 and the Camper Special
upgrade, it's ready, willing, and able to work hard but doesn't
beat you up while doing it.
The handsome maroon paint gives it a dignified look that's a good
fit on the handsome Ford sheetmetal. The angular look was popular
for many years, and for a lot of us, these trucks were ubiquitous
around job sites, farms, and other places where work was getting
done. Fortunately, this one seems to have survived its years as a
workhorse and as a result, offers a lot of value for the dollar.
The paint isn't original, of course, and when it was refinished,
some of the chrome and stainless was shaved to clean it up without
turning it into a custom. It's not perfect, not a show piece, but
more than presentable for the Friday night cruise while still being
able to head down to the general store to get some supplies, too.
The long bed means it'll carry just about anything you need to move
and it's outfitted for rugged duty with an aluminum tailgate
protector and a spray-in bedliner in the bed itself. The chrome and
bright trim that does remain is in very good condition, including
the heavy-duty rear bumper that's equipped with a hitch, just in
case.
Truck interiors in 1971 were still basic, but this one has been
dressed up a bit since then. The black bench seat is durable and
attractive, while still offering the wipe-it-off practicality of
the original. Black carpets definitely help with the upscale feel
and help control noise and heat inside the cab. And, of course,
there's that wood-rimmed Grant steering wheel, which really warms
things up in a good way. The factory gauges are standard Ford
rectangles, but they all seem to be working, plus a tachometer
tucked in underneath. Someone has also added an AM/FM/CD stereo
head unit in the center of the dash with new speakers in the door
panels. There's also an aftermarket sunroof, which makes the cab
feel bright and airy and when removed, provides plenty of breezy
ventilation so you won't even think about A/C when you're
driving.
Moving big loads takes big power, and the 390 cubic inch V8
definitely delivers. It's not pretty, but it runs great, starting
easily and pulling with big block torque from low RPM. Aside from
the chrome dress-up, it's also been enhanced with an Edelbrock
carburetor and aluminum intake manifold, plus a set of long-tube
headers, so it's got very sharp throttle response and plenty of
power. Heavy-duty upgrades that were part of the Camper Special
package include a giant radiator, a power steering cooler, and a
transmission cooler, all designed for a long, healthy life.
Underneath, there's a C6 3-speed automatic transmission, new
U-joints, and a beefy rear end that looks big enough to be under a
dump truck. Inside, there are 4.56 gears, so the truck feels snappy
around town and doesn't even flinch when pulling the big loads.
Recent alloy wheels with charcoal gray centers look fantastic and
are fitted with new Hankook radials all around.
This isn't a show piece, but it is a cool old truck that is fun to
drive and still doesn't mind doing truck-like things. Call
today!