1978 Ford F-150 4x4 Looks like a Flareside Fun Machine

The 1978 Ford F-150 is one of the most popular trucks of all time, but you sure don't see many Flareside four-wheel drive models like this one.

By Brett Foote - April 25, 2019
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Rare Sight
1 / 10
Different Proportions
2 / 10
Perfect Pickup
3 / 10
Working in Unison
4 / 10
Spartan Insides
5 / 10
Fresh Power
6 / 10
Too Good
7 / 10
All New
8 / 10
Pure Perfection
9 / 10
Fantastic Flareside
10 / 10

Rare Sight

These days, '70s Ford trucks are everywhere. Combine the fact that millions of them were sold with their inherent toughness and popularity, and it's easy to see why. But one thing you don't see very often is a Flareside '70s Ford like this 1978 F-150 we spotted over at Mecum Auctions.

Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Different Proportions

At first sight, this killer F-150 looks a bit oddly proportioned. But that's likely because we're typically looking at two-wheel drive, long bed pickups from this generation, the most popular configuration at the time.

Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Join the conversation about this 1978 F-150 4x4 Flareside right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Perfect Pickup

But aside from its unique configuration, this '78 has plenty going for it. For starters, it's received a full frame-off restoration and looks to be in absolutely perfect condition.

Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

Join the conversation about this 1978 F-150 4x4 Flareside right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Working in Unison

That extends to the interior, which is in fantastic shape as well. Matching Tangerine paint flanks the black bench seat and wood accents, and it all works together quite nicely.

Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Join the conversation about this 1978 F-150 4x4 Flareside right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Spartan Insides

You won't find too many luxury options here, however, despite the fact that this is a Ranger-trimmed pickup. It doesn't have any carpet, only a rubber mat covering the floor. And this truck also has a 4-speed manual transmission, so there are two floor-mounted levers to contend with.

Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Join the conversation about this 1978 F-150 4x4 Flareside right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Fresh Power

This truck's complete overhaul extends to the engine bay, where you'll find a rebuilt 351. While that work was being completed, the block was bored 0.030 over and an Edelbrock carb and manifold were added for a little extra power.

Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

Join the conversation about this 1978 F-150 4x4 Flareside right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Too Good

Not that we'd imagine anyone would use this gorgeous F-150 for hard work now, but it would be tough to throw any rocks in this stunning bed. With freshly stained wood and chrome strips, it simply looks too good to mess up.

Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Join the conversation about this 1978 F-150 4x4 Flareside right here in Ford-trucks.com.

All New

Most every wear item on the exterior of this gorgeous pickup was replaced along the way as well, including the glass, seals, grille, and remaining chrome.

Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

Join the conversation about this 1978 F-150 4x4 Flareside right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Pure Perfection

The only obvious aftermarket additions are a set of aluminum wheels and BF Goodrich off-road tires, as well as a lift of unknown origin. But we wouldn't change a thing about the way it sits now because it looks quite perfect to us.

Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Join the conversation about this 1978 F-150 4x4 Flareside right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Fantastic Flareside

The Flareside craze might have ended back in the '90s, but we're still digging the look today. And if you crave that curvy bed styling on an iconic '70s Ford, you'd be hard pressed to find one nicer than this!

Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

Join the conversation about this 1978 F-150 4x4 Flareside right here in Ford-trucks.com.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section right here in the forum.

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