Rare 1979 Ford F350 Supercab 4x4 one of 1682 built

If you know these sixth generation F-Series pickups, you know that this is a very rare find these days. 1979 was the end of the line for the sixth generation before evolving into the boxy, ugly 1980 body style of the seventh generation.

This 1979 Ford F350 Supercab 4x4 is one of 1682 made for the 1979 model year. This particular example with its rare combination of factory options including air conditioning and the Ranger Lariat trim package makes it 1 of 1. To put that into perspective, over 1 million F-Series pickups were manufactured for 1979. Simply put, it is indeed a 1 in a million vehicle. See the Marti Report for the breakdown for this truck.

This truck originally comes from the Pacific Northwest, which accounts for its remarkable state of condition. Most of these were used as work trucks and as a consequence, were driven until their destruction due to rust or overuse. There are probably no more than a handful of 79 F350 Supercab 4x4s remaining, and this is certainly the only one I have ever since in over 20 years of buying and driving vintage vehicles. Once this one is sold, it will be years before you will probably see another one for sale.

Body:

The body appears to be in good shape with no major dents or damage. It does not appear that the truck has ever been in an accident as the frame is straight in the front and rear. The bed has been lined with Line-X and the wheel wells are not bashed in like many that you see. The rubber seals around the door openings would need to be replaced, but are serviceable for now. The windows channels and scraper seals on the driver and passenger side doors have deteriorated and definitely need to be replaced. Rust is the killer on these Fords as you probably know, but this example has very little. Most of the observed rust is a light dusting on the pans and frame, but there is no heavy scaling or rot like you find on Mid-Western and East Coast vehicles. The only rust of note is some bubbling on the bottom inside of the doors where the door skin folds over. The other area is a small spot on front edge of the passenger floor pan. Both areas are easy repairs or just stabilize them with phosphoric acid and some POR-15 or similar product. The rear cab trim is not currently attached but it is included with vehicle along with the clips to reattach it.

Drivetrain:

The original 400 v8 was given as a core in the purchase of 466 (stroked 460) Ford big block engine. The year model of the engine is unknown, but appears to be an early 70s vintage, possibly from a Lincoln. The engine builder is reputed to be a well known Ford builder, but there is no paperwork to accompany that claim. The intake is a Weiand high rise with a Holley carburetor. The engine definitely is cammed as the idle has a lope and sounds great at a higher RPMs. The Duraspark ignition has been replaced with a GM HEI type distributor. Most of the engine drive pulleys have been replaced with billet aluminum (excluding some idlers) along with accompanying brackets from L&L Products of Rowlett, Texas.

The C6 automatic transmission shifts perfectly with no slipping or flares. Axles are the factory Dana 60 type in the front and rear with a 4.10 ratio. There is no clunking or whining from the axles. The 4 wheel drive engages in all ranges and does not pop out. It has a New Process 205 transfer case.

Brakes:

The brake master cylinder and booster were replaced. A LEED vacuum booster was added since the vehicle has a cam. Brake hoses were replaced on the front and rear.

Suspension:

There are new Monroe shocks on the front and rear.

Interior:

The truck has the factory bench seat in the front and in the Supercab area. The front has been recovered in a velour/vinyl pattern, while the rear appears to be the original black vinyl. All of the factory gauges work, unlike many of the trucks of this era which often have those awful three gauge aftermarket clusters hanging under the dash. The ventilation and fans function with working heat. The factory air conditioning is completely intact, but non-functional. The compressor spins freely, so the re-commissioning of the AC system should be straight-forward as all of the parts (hoses, drier, etc.) are all readily available and inexpensive. The dashboard top is cracked and currently a factory pattern cover is placed on top of it. The buyer can decide if they wish to permanently attach it or not.

Tires/Wheels

The previous owner installed these on the truck at great expense as you probably know. If you don’t like them, you can sell them for a decent price as they are practically new.

Notes:

Please be aware that this is a 40 year vehicle, not a new truck. As a buyer you must realize that there are things that you will have to repair and service to get the truck to your individual expectations.