1965 Ford F-350 Flat Bed is a Budget-friendly Workhorse Project
Get the engine running right and put this F-350 to work, or restore it and make a unique show truck.
The biggest complaint with the big, modern work trucks is that they are so expensive, but we wanted to remind you about this 1965 Ford F-350 Custom Cab that was once listed in the FTE Marketplace for just $1,800. This classic flatbed truck was only a good tune-up away from being a great work truck with plenty of hauling capacity and more character than anything available at the local dealership.
The Introduction
When “Mid-Engine F1TT” first introduced us to the 1965 Ford F-350 Custom Cab that he was selling in the Marketplace, he was fairly short-winded with the details.
In average condition for the year, rust on lower cab corners, some in bottom of doors. Runs and drives, idles rough.
Actual VIN is F35DR612327, not sure what was up with the listing tool.
Not sure about the mileage, that was what is on the OD.352CI engine
10,000 GVW
We also knew from the listing that this antique F-Series work truck has a manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive, spinning four tires across the rear axle. We can see some rust around the bottoms of the doors, so the cab floor near the doors could be rusting as well, but for the most part, this old Ford looks pretty clean for a 53-year-old work truck. After all, it isn’t like this truck left the assembly line in the 1960s only to spend winters and rainy days in a garage like a classic car.
Put It to Work
At the time, it seemed like the only thing that is really “wrong” with this 1965 F-350 is the rough idle. A good tune-up might fix that, but even in the worst-case situation, a 302 or 351 from a junkyard with a mild build would be inexpensive and far more powerful than the current engine.
Once a big, antique Ford flatbed truck like this one is running right, it would make an awesome delivery truck or farm truck. Maybe clean up the body just a bit, add some company logos and this will be the most unforgettable delivery truck your customers will ever see.
Restore It
While cleaning this F-350 up for working use is the most logical idea, some new sheet metal, a little body filler and a good paint job could get a truck like this into car show quality. Once complete, this 1965 Ford truck would most certainly be one of the most unique vehicles at any car show or truck show in America. Add some new wheels, clean up the chrome trim bits and paint up the engine bay and this 1965 Ford F-350 would be ready for the spotlight.
Anyway, we just wanted to remind you of this cool truck and the sweet things you can find in the FTE Marketplace.