Commercial to Comfort F-7 Big Job Retires in Style

Oversized Conversion

The 1952 Ford F-7 was never issued as a pickup truck, but somewhere along the line this Big Job got converted from commercial hauler to comfortable cruiser—relatively speaking. Although not always the case, this conversion is seamless. With dialed results, it really does look like the big rig rolled off the factory floor as an oversized pickup truck.

Photos courtesy of BaT.

Title Codes

Little is known about the truck's history, its restoration, or who performed the nine-foot pickup bed conversion. Making the auction rounds as of late, the truck previously had a Utah title, but now holds papers from Colorado. One report also states that the F-7 was originally painted green, either Glenmist Green or Meadow Green according to 1952 paint codes.

End Configurations

Ford began producing the F-Series in 1948, under the Bonus Built name tag. The series included the F-1, all the way up to the heavy-duty F-8. That same numbering format is still reflected in Motor Company's contemporary output of light and heavy trucks. Like today, a number of chassis configurations were available for the commercial end of Ford's new lineup.

Pickup Rating

The F-7 was often used as a semi tractor, but also could be purchased in a variety of configurations. These included a flatbed, grain or dump truck, fire engine and much more, but not as a pickup. This particular F-7 has a typical 19,000-pound Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. It rides on eight-lug 20'' steel wheels, with Sumitomo ST 727 tires.

Unloaded Machinery

Much of the auction listing's comment section was focused on the original split-rim wheel setup. Still in use today with heavy-duty machinery, the explosive nature of the split-rim format is potentially hazardous, even lethal if not handled correctly. The big tires make leisurely driving comfortable, but given the largely unloaded original suspension, bumps would certainly translate right to the cab.

Running Flow

Fitted with a wood deck, the truck's box is of particular interest. The bed appears to have been sourced from a smaller, first-generation, F-Series truck—possibly an F-3. To make everything fit right, the fender flares have been widened to accommodate the F-7 dual rear wheel configuration. Even the running boards have been lengthened to create a seamless flow to the big truck.

Modest Champion

The modified F-7 is still equipped with its original Lincoln Y-block. At 279 cubic-inch, the motor produces a modest 125 horsepower. The stock drivetrain consists of the factory-installed five-speed gearbox and a two-speed rear axle. Under the hood, an aftermarket Champion radiator helps keep things cool. The electrical system has also been converted to a modern 12-volt system

Mysterious Hauler

Sporting a paint-matching dash, the interior of the F-7 pickup truck is well-sorted. The bench seat was reupholstered in gray vinyl. The headliner, firewall insulation and floor mats have all been replaced, along with various handles. With just enough amenities, this commercial hauler turned weekend driver is enjoying retirement in style—along with its mysterious past.

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