Vehicle Description
In our workaday lives, we often overlook pickup trucks. We see
machines like this 1969 Ford F-100 rumbling along next to us loaded
with tools and ladders, we use them to haul our cars and boats, and
treat them as tools more than collectables. That has always been
the case, which is why finding older trucks like this is so
extraordinary. Offering a few smart upgrades and more than nice
enough to show on weekends, this truck is a very affordable way to
get into the hobby.
The current owner spent a lot of time straightening and sanding the
panels (and they are very big panels on this truck) to get it to
look this good. The glossy black paint is fresh both accentuates
the truck's length and gives it an upscale look that never shouts.
It's only when you get up close that you really see just how nice
it its. When they built these trucks, panel gaps were not a
concern, but those on this truck look like they have been trimmed
and adjusted quite a bit because it fits together quite sell. The
paint is fresh, and again, the goal wasn't trailer-queen perfection
but it's crisp and clean with a deep shine that will definitely
attract attention at shows. There's a surprising amount of
brightwork and trim on this big hauler, and it's all in good
condition, including the stainless side trim, the F100 emblems on
the sides of the hood, and the big grille up front. And before you
go thinking that this is a truck you'll have to baby, take a look
at the bed, which has a freshly applied spray-on bedliner for
durability.
The interior has been tastefully reupholstered in two-tone red and
black vinyl, again capturing the look and feel of the '60s. Imagine
the windows down, the Beach Boys on the radio, and a cool glass
bottle of Coca-Cola in your hand... that's exactly how this pickup
feels. Wide enough for three across seating, the cab is
surprisingly spacious, even in this age of extended and crew cab
pickups. Door panels are simple affairs, with a woodgrained insert
and a padded arm rest as the small but necessary concessions to
comfort. The simple but easy-to-read gauges are arrayed ahead of
the driver and seem to be in original condition, so the lenses are
cloudy, but that's relatively easy to fix. And yes, you're seeing
that correctly: this is a 3-on-the-tree truck, making it a lot of
fun to drive. Updating the interior only slightly is a newer
AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit (probably should be updated) and a
set of heavy-duty Ford rubber floor mats.
Power comes from a stout 302 cubic inch V8, which is plenty of
engine for a relatively lightweight truck like this. It's got some
Mustang DNA running through its veins, but it's modest with a
2-barrel carburetor that helps improve fuel economy without hurting
torque. Simple stamped steel valve covers and lots of Ford Blue
paint give it even more '60s cool, and you can tell from the
condition of the firewall and inner fenders that this truck was
never a rust bucket. A dual exhaust system with glasspack-style
mufflers gives the truck a very aggressive engine note, and the
3-speed transmission clicks through the gears smoothly with light
clutch action. Out back, there's a stout 9-inch rear that will
easily handle anything you throw at this truck, and the solid
condition of the chassis only reinforces that this one lived its
entire life in a warm, dry place. Awesome 20-inch steel wheels
(look these up, they're very expensive and well-manufactured) with
hubcaps and trim rings look almost stock and carry oversized
255/45/20 front and 295/45/20 rear performance radials that look
sporty and give it a perfect stance.
From the sensible '60s, this Ford F100 Ranger is a handsome hauler
that's always ready to play. Straight black trucks don't last long,
especially the '67-'69 F100s. Give us a call today!
