1947 Ford F1 Pickup
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.
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