1951 Ford F3 3/4 Ton HD Long Bed Pickup 

Ford's F3 trucks were heavy work trucks, they served as wreckers, farm trucks, transporters, and a million other jobs that kept America running after World War II.  They earned every speck of their patina and when you see a shiny truck from that era today, it's likely been lovingly restored.  But they were whipped off assembly lines with the knowledge they'd probably be used up in a few years, and that was their job.  So having one around that's survived is kind of a big deal. 

For consignment, a truck known to have been a farm truck at some point and retaining every bit of story telling patina.  A shop can try to recreate patina like this, but it's nearly impossible to make it look natural.  This one literally looks like it came right off the field and is as desired an exterior as the finest gloss restoration.  Hagerty's magazine, and many others in recent years, have done entire features on the appeal of patina. 

Exterior
The 1951 was the first redesigned Ford F-series truck.  The grille became a huge steel cylindrical bar and the headlights were set out further.  Its broad fenders are like the strong shoulders of the country flanking a stern looking fascia.  The patina extends from the body to the running boards to the once white steel wheels.  It's sunburned in the right places, surface rusted in others.  Pitted chrome pieces shine no longer, while other metal parts retain some luster.  The windshield is cracked, somehow fittingly.  The rubber blade of the single wiper is hanging loose having wiped its last raindrop a long time ago.  The Coca-Cola bottle opener is a rusted relic and the planks of the long bed, and those that have not already returned to the earth are weathered and beaten.  There are plenty of areas where rust has broken through creating gaps, something the guys from Vice Grip Garage would call weight reduction. 

Interior
The doors are barren and weathered, missing the panels that hide the window and door inner workings.  The black vinyl bench is in good condition but has a hole on the front side exposing the springs.  The steering wheel is all there but its plastic is cracked in several places.  The green dash is the last remnant of the truck's exterior color but the gauges are rich with patina.  The metal panel and glove box, once shiny, are now red rust and actually looks good against the green dash.  The floorboards have been hastily patched and the headliner has flakey paint on top of rust.  The sun visors, if they were ever covered in material, are now rusted metal flaps.  

Drivetrain
The correct 239ci flathead V8 is in place, with patina of course, looking original except for the bright orange spark wires and green topped Interstate battery.  A 2-barrel carburetor sits on top of the engine along with the vintage air cleaner box.  A heavy-duty 3-speed manual transmission is present with 4.68 gears in the back.  The old F3 is equipped with drum brakes. 

Undercarriage
Oh sure, it's rusty, but we expected that.  But it's advanced and pitted surface rust on most parts with structural integrity seemingly intact here.  We wouldn't be doing any Bo and Luke Duke creek jumps in it, but for slow and straight rides it's likely to hold up.  Leaf springs are the mode of suspension at both ends.  The consignor states exhaust manifolds have been replaced along with the fuel pump and fuel tank. 

Drive-Ability
The new battery and wires helped light it up and we drove old Betsy out of the garage.  There was creaking and swaying, but the truck ran relatively smoothly.  We babied it around the test loop for fear more wood would drop from the bed and made it back in fine fashion.  From our notes, we list the inoperable items: brake lights, heater blower, radio, and the horn.  

This truck presents some options.  Leave it as is and bask in the beauty of its natural age and exposure to the elements.  Or throw some clear coat on it and preserve the patina in a more intentional way.  Of course, you could also consider a complete restoration, but you better be a metal master.   Whatever the case, this is a cool barn find quality truck that still drives, and that is a rare find indeed!

F3R1HM70449

F3-3/4 Ton Heavy Duty
R-239ci V8
1-1951
HM-Highland Park, MI Assy Plant
70449-Sequential Unit Number

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