This 1951 FORD F1 pickup truck underwent a full mechanical, electrical, and aesthetic restoration completed in 2007, and has been meticulously maintained and cared for by the previous owner/builder, who drove it about 1,700 miles per year since completion. 1951 FORD F1 PICKUP TRUCK FOR SALE - YouTube Video will open in a new window [isdntekvideo] It is an all “Henry” steel truck, with no thin-gauge replacement panels, and the body itself is exceptionally straight and clean, with no bondo panels, chicken wire, beer cans, or any other “backyard” tricks done to it. All panels are all solid, smooth, and clean. Door gaps and fit are well-above what the factory ever turned out, and great attention was given to making sure the truck was show quality in appearance before paint was ever applied to it. DIAMONT Pur Black was applied as the basecoat, and then prepped for the final coats of DIABlack paint before being treated to the hand-rubbed clear-coat. The resulting finish is and exceptionally clean, incredibly glossy, and deep black finish that will reflect text messages off an iPhone so clearly you can read them! There are no signs of any damage or disrepair on the trucks finish, but as you would expect, it does show a handful of tiny blemishes like stone chips, light scuff marks, and other small blemishes in spots due to actually being driven since completed. If you review the 100 EXTRA LARGE PHOTOS and VIDEO below, you will see none of them are really even big enough to point out, and they certainly don’t detract from the trucks appearance, but I want you to know that it is NOT perfect. Just really, really nice. Since the truck was completely disassembled during the restoration and build, and painted in segments, you don’t see any masking lines, and all of the hardware, weather-stripping, seals, glass, trim, welting, and accessories were installed after the finish was complete, giving the truck a show-quality finished look from front to back. Bed wood is so nice it rivals most folk’s home furnishings in quality and finish. It is clean, neat, and issue free, and has not been used to haul anything. It is show ready, as are the polished strips and hardware used to install it. All of the original chrome components on the truck were removed and sent out be professionally re-chromed at Space Coast. Anything that was stainless was removed and polished to a show-quality finish, everything is still looks ready to win another trophy at any show you take it to, with only the lightest marks and signs of use evident. Stock steel wheels and the unruly bias-ply tires were scrapped in favor of a more show-worthy set of chrome plated 10 hole rims with chrome centers and lugs. They are wrapped in a fairly new set of modern radial tires with a wide white wall that look fantastic on the truck, and make driving and turning a breeze at any speed. Glass is clean, issue free, and has no laminate or discoloration issues. All seals, regulators, and hardware were replaced during the restoration, and still look and work exceptionally well today. Lollipop rear view mirrors look great, and provide a clear view behind you, while polished visors over the side windows keep the rain out while letting air in. FORD step plates were added for appearance, and to protect the running boards, and they still look great and do the job they were intended to. Opening the hood reveals a clean and neat engine bay with the venerable 239ci Ford Flathead V8 powering the truck. When the truck was pulled apart for the build, the engine and transmission were stripped to the block and case, and both were rebuilt using a combination of OEM stock parts and a variety of aftermarket components which have been developed over the years to keep the motor running at peak performance while staying cool doing it. We just recently serviced the truck, and found no known mechanical or functional issues with the powertrain, and we have personally put about 90 miles on the truck going to local shows and things over the past month, and found no items to address. It does not overheat. It does not sputter or hesitate. It has a clean idle. Just the lightest touch of the starter button, and the truck comes to life with that beautiful flatty sound, and it is ready to go when you are. Snick the 3-speed column shift into gear, release the clutch, and the truck takes off with a surprising amount of pep. Exhaust system was custom made to the truck, and it sounds fantastic burbling out from the dual chrome tipped exhaust exiting beneath the rear bumper. Glide through the gears easily up or down, and you will find the truck has plenty of power to make it usable on modern streets. Obviously, the truck is most comfortable around 55 with the current factory gearing, but I had no issue cruising on the highway for about 20 miles at that speed. Everything under the hood was replaced or redone during the build, and maintenance items have been replaced/upgraded accordingly ever since. It was converted to a 12V electrical system for reliability, and has a GM alternator keeping things charged. Powertrain rests in an original chassis and frame, and the entire undercarriage was redone during the build when it was separated from the body. Frame is clean and straight, and is not covered by goop or “undercoating” to hide flaws. Just real, straight, and clean steel, and well-maintained components. Brakes are proportioned and have been bled and adjusted to provide solid and sure braking from any speed without any odd pulling, excess fade, or chatter. Modern radial tires work with the fresh suspension components to provide a very confidence-inspiring driving experience. Ride quality is stiff enough to not wallow around corners and over highway bumps, but still soft enough to make a long trip enjoyable. Steering is direct and clean, without an excess slop or play to intrude when you want to change direction. There are no odd chassis noises, and lubrication has been done since the build along with all the other regular maintenance. Shocks and springs are all clean, and the truck shows no sagging or dropping at any of the four corners. Open the doors, and you are met with a custom-made interior combining the best of old-fashioned charm and modern materials and craftsmanship. FORD rubber mat is installed on the floor over a layer of sound and heat proofing, and is held down on the sides by new polished sill plates and hardware. Door panels are custom made units with a diamond pattern in Claret topped by Linen Beige trim. Hardware is original to the truck, and was cleaned and refurbished during the build, and a matching armrest on each side is a welcome spot for longer trips. The stock seat frame was cleaned and painted, and new springs were installed before it was rebuilt with new fill and covered in matching material. All of the fabric panels throughout are clean and show-worthy, and there are no rips, tears, seam pulls, or damage to be found. Headliner, rear panel, and pillar panel covers were covered in matching material as well, along with the dual sun visors. Kick panels were made for the truck to finish off the interior, and they look great. Color-matched seat belts were installed for safety. Glovebox functions as it should and has a clean liner. Ashtray operates as it should as well. Dash is original, clean, and finished in the same DIABlack glossy paint as the outside of the truck, and the rest of the inner cab. Gauge surrounds were cleaned and polished, and all new OEM gauge faces were installed including functional gauges for TEMP, BATT, and OIL pressure, along with a separate gauge cluster for Speedometer with odometer with HI-BEAM and signal lamp indicators. A new fuel tank was ordered from Dennis Carpenter, and installed with all the appropriate lines, hardware, inlet, and cap. Original pedals were cleaned and refurbished, and fit with new pads. Original under-dash heater box and controls show light patina on the control surround from age. Functional switchgear operates the windshield wipers, lights, etc. All of the exterior lights were upgraded and everything works as it should, including the headlights, high beams, turn signals, and brake lights. The truck has been without for a little over a month now, and I have personally put about 90 miles on it going to local cruise nights and events. It drives, performs, and handles wonderfully. It is definitely a show-quality truck, and is so well-sorted out mechanically and functionally that you could make it a regular driver too if you wanted. VIN decodes as follows:
F1- F1 Conventional
R – Engine code 239cid V8
1 – Production year 1951
RH – Assembly plant, Richmond, VA
17749 – Production sequence It comes with a clean, clear, and valid Florida title, ignition key, original owner manual, original repair manual, and an assortment of catalogs the prior owner used when sourcing restoration parts. I strongly encourage a private showing of the truck, and welcome your inspector too. It is a rare example of a truck that Bloomberg recently wrote about in a June of 2017 article entitled “Why now’s the time to invest in a vintage FORD pickup truck”. Currently, the only items we are aware of that are not functioning are the fuel gauge and the Speedo/Odo cluster. CALL WITH ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, OR IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH FINANCING, INSURING, WORLDWIDE OR DOMESTIC SHIPPING, or if you’re lonely and just need someone to talk to. | 
