1955 Ford F-250 on 2040-cars

General - Like so many other ads on eBay these days, this is a project that I can already see I will probably never finish, so I want to pass it along to someone who will.  It is a 1955 Ford pickup, one of the most sought after of the 1950s.  The best part about this one is it is an F-250 so you can actually do some work with it.  It is an excellent candidate for restoration, or with minimal work drive as is for a work truck, shop truck, advertise your business or whatever.  The truck is a retired U. S. Forest service truck and still has the vague outline of the Forest Service logo on its dash.   I bought it a couple years ago while I was doing quite a bit of landscaping and rather than beat up my new truck I thought it would be cool to arrive at the sand and gravel yard, Lowe’s and Home Depot and load up the old 55.  I did some clean up, primed it and gathered a few parts; got some work accomplished, but since it has mostly sat in my shop taking up space.  The truck has a clear Montana title, it is licensed and insured; I just never did get it to what I considered dependable status.

Body and frame - The best part about this truck is it is virtually rust free; we are very dry here in the northwest and use no salt.   No matter what your intentions are you are money and time ahead by starting with as solid and rust fee vehicle as you can possibly find.   It does however have 58 years of use, small stress cracks, welds, tears, dings, and dents and did have some surface rust, or as some of them call it "patina".  The back window is broken, however with the buy it now option I will include a brand new still in box replacement window glass. 

The bed was hammered beyond belief and after a great deal of search and some expense, I found one of the best beds I have seen for the year.  The metal is in great shape for its age and use, see pictures.  The wooden bed is still intact but the wood needs to be replaced, and a piece of one board is broken and is gone.  The fix for the bed can be a fancy oak restoration kit, or as many do, a sheet of steel or plywood over the existing bed.  If you need to save money and or use the truck for work, that is the way to go.   The parallel metal strips in between the bed boards are all present and in pretty good shape.  The tailgate is in good shape and functions properly in all three positions.  The wheels are stock steel, the tires should be replaced.  There was no spare that came with the truck, however for the buy it now option I will put in a spare wheel and tire. The running boards which are difficult to find and very expensive are intact and serviceable.   

Mechanical -   The engine is Ford’s Cost Clipper, 223 CID, six cylinder.  It has some blow by, the engine stalls occasionally and just will not idle properly.   My opinion is, it needs a kit in the carburetor.  The engine is mated to a four speed.  First gear is very low and requires a double clutch from second down.  The differential is correct, or of the right era.  The brakes are up, and stop the truck but I would check the entire system or have your mechanic do that as these old trucks had a single chamber master cylinder and any blown seal or line, or cylinder anywhere and you are out of brakes pretty quick.   Of note is, the emergency brake functions correctly and will hold the truck on a hill.  The truck has been converted to a 12 volt system and whoever did the conversion seems to have done a good job.   There was no battery, however for the buy it now option I will provide a good 12 volt battery out of one of my other vehicles.

Interior – Amazing, I don’t think I have ever seen a near perfect original headliner in an un-restored vehicle of this vintage, see pictures.  The truck has turn signals, (probably a government spec) in the day and of all things they actually cancel themselves when you complete your turn.  The heater works, probably another government spec, which is a major plus for northern states.   Also I could see the government specifying the headliner and heater as well as a cigar lighter, which this truck has. The seat has been replaced as the color does not match the rest of the interior.  It will require some attention, but could be used as is for a while to save money.

Summary – This old truck is an excellent example of originality with minimal rust.  With very little work it can be an everyday driver for work or play or both.  I would not like to see this one made into a hotrod.  It deserves to continue as is or have someone continue is restoration.   

Payment, Disclaimers, Storage, and Transportation -   I require a non refundable deposit of $500.00 within 48 hours and the remainder prior to me sending you the title.   Well I have tried to represent the truck as honestly and accurately as I can in my narrative; also please look closely at the pictures.  Make no mistake, it is a running vehicle but in some areas it needs some attention.  The truck is sold as is, where is, and with no guarantee nor warrantee implied or specified.   I am very proud of my 100% rating and will answer questions.  I will post some of them so that others may benefit.  If you have less than 10 bid history please contact me so I can be sure of your sincerity.  The truck is located at my home and can be stored as long as you want as long as I have been paid in full.  I do have a  truck and trailer and could deliver or do a partial delivery for $1.00 per loaded mile within a reasonable distance.  Please, New York City, Daytona Beach, and Tim-buk-2 are not reasonable driving distances of Clancy, Montana.

Good luck with your bidding and thank you for your interest.