Kindness of strangers unintentionally celebrates a life well-lived.
Listed Support
After losing a loved one, dealing with their estate can be difficult. Sometimes, support comes from the most unexpected places and unintentionally celebrates a life well-lived. Jlindsey (username) qualified that she did not want to be “over personal,” when she listed her late husband's 1959 F-100 Panel Van. As bidding rolled out, so did the truck's story, along with the kindness of strangers.
Photos courtesy of BaT.
Keen Owner
Jlindsey's husband had only owned the Panel Van for a short while before he fell ill and passed away in late 2021. A Snap-on franchise owner, he was best described as a “huge car fanatic.” Mixing work and pleasure, the truck was a hit with his clients and at car shows. Keen enthusiasts will note the 1957 frontend that replaces the expected quad headlight setup.
Tool Upgrades
There is a tinge of sadness when one realizes that dreams were cut short, but it was a cool dream regardless. Adding a neat novelty factor, the cargo space received some interesting upgrades. It has been outfitted with carpeting and lighting, along with red shelving that holds oversize tool replicas. Giant pliers have also been mounted to the swing-out, ambulance-style rear doors.
Ownership Wrap
The F-100 has an 'R' color code, which means that it left the factory in 1959 with a Tu-Tone, Vermilion Red, and Colonial White paint scheme. At some point during its previous ownership, the roof was painted gray. Along with the interior upgrades, Jlindsey's husband refinished the top with white vinyl wrap and added the large Snap-on logos.
Moon Stance
The Panel Van's number tag also indicates that it was assembled in California at Ford's San Jose plant, which closed in 1983. The F-100 rides on chromed, 15'' steel wheels, wrapped in Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires—finished with Baby Moon hubcaps. The truck gets its slight 'rubber rake' stance from 235/70 Coopers up front and slightly taller, 275/60 tires out back.
Sibling Muscle
The F-100 was originally equipped with a three-speed manual transmission and Ford's time-tested, 223 cubic-inch, straight-six. Under the hood now, and sporting even more Snap-on branding, is a 460 big block, paired with a late model C6 automatic transmission. Sibling to the 429, Ford's last true muscle car powerplant, the 460 was one of the Motor Company's most popular and longest-running V8 motors.
Safe Addition
Not to be outdone by the cargo space, the passenger compartment reveals a nicely-appointed interior. Creature comforts include modern bucket seats, aftermarket air conditioning, a Kenwood stereo system, USB charging outlets, and a phone mount. Practical applications were considered with the addition of a fire extinguisher, power door locks, and an alarm system to keep all the tools safe.
Fullest History
Magnaflow mufflers and remote-controlled cut-outs give the F-100 a fitting rumble. Out of over 157,000 F-100s built in 1959, this particular Panel Van is special. Not only has it endured the decades, but it also reminds us that life can be fragile but definitely worth living to the fullest. As one chapter of the truck's history ends, the next waits to be written.
>>Join the conversation about this Panel Truck right here in the forum.
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