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

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