302-Powered 1950 Ford F-1

Description

The Ford F-1 was part of Ford’s groundbreaking first-generation F-Series, introduced in 1948 as the company’s first post-war truck line built on a dedicated truck chassis. Prior to the F-1, Ford trucks were essentially modified car platforms. The half-ton F-1 model was designed for both rugged utility and everyday usability, making it a favorite among farmers, tradesmen, and small business owners. 

By 1950, the F-1 featured subtle refinements over earlier models and offered improved interior comfort, a one-piece windshield, a more robust grille design, and a choice of either an inline-six or V8 engine. The truck’s sturdy ladder frame, beam front axle, and leaf spring suspension made it durable and capable of handling tough jobs. 

This 1950 Ford F-1 underwent a full rebuild/restoration that was completed in February 2024. Upgrades included installation of a 1971 Ford 302 cu-in V8 (swapped for the original inline-six), Ford C-4 three-speed automatic transmission, body and paint work (Light Blue Metallic), new front bumpers, all new glass, and new wood in the truck bed, along with numerous additional improvements. 

Highlights 

• Full rebuild/restoration completed in February 2024 included: 

  • Body and paint by Big Jim Sullivan, West Richland, Washington  

  • Refinished in Light Blue Metallic (2003 Mitsubishi) 

  • New front and rear bumpers 

  • Fairlane Ford fiberglass running boards 

  • New bed wood (oak with stainless steel runners) 

  • Line-X coated bed sides 

  • All new glass and seals  

  • New gas tank by Blue Oval Ford Parts 

  • New 15-inch American Classic (Coker) whitewall tires 

  • 1971 Ford 302 cu-in V8 engine (rebuilt by David Deans Automotive) 

  • Four-barrel Holley carburetor (rebuilt by National Carburetor Inc.) 

  • Patriot Exhaust Products block hugger headers 

  • CompCam high lift cam 

  • PerTronix Flame-Thrower electronic ignition system 

  • Lokar throttle linkage 

  • New radiator by American Radiator 

  • Eagle Exhaust dual exhaust with Big Dog mufflers 

  • New Tallon Manufacturing drive shaft 

  • Ford C-4 three-speed automatic transmission rebuilt by ACE Motors (California) 

  • Dakota Digital shift indicator 

  • Speedway transmission cooler 

  • Autometer dash instruments 

  • Hampton Coach tan seat upholstery 

  • New electrical wiring by Rob Francis (retro kit) 

  • Vintage Ford headliner 

  • Speedway electric wipers 

  • Vintage Ford carpet 

  • Eastwood sound deadener 

  • Rebuilt steering box  

  • New stock springs, front and rear 

  • 1971 Ford F-100 9-inch rear end with 3.50:1 ratio 

  • CCP front disc brakes 

  • New stock brakes in rear 

  • New Monroe shocks, front and rear 

  • New kingpins, tie rod, tie rod ends, draglink, and tapered wheel bearings  

• The chassis number (97HC291937) decodes as: 

  • 9 – 1949-51 model year 

  • 7H – 226 cu-in inline-six engine (now 302 cu-in V8) 

  • C – Half-ton pickup 

  • 291937 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Half-ton pickup with 6.5-foot steel bed 

• Horizontal five-bar grille (unique to 1950) 

• One-piece curved glass (introduced in 1950)  

Known Imperfections 

• A few paint chips up front 

• Paint imperfections on interior of driver’s side door 

• Paint imperfections on exterior of passenger door and rear fender 

• Interior bed lining shows small spot that is fraying 

Included 

• Spare tire mounted on underside 

• Box of receipts and restoration documentation  

Ownership History 

The Washinton seller of this 1950 Ford F-1 has owned it since May 2024. The seller says, “This truck has been through a total restoration with all-new aftermarket gauges, including the odometer, which reads 0 miles. I have never calibrated the odometer/speedometer with the new instrument panel, only driven to dinner and car shows.”