1978 Ford F-150 Crew Cab 4x4 Fuel Injected (rare one-off build)

1978 Ford F-150 XLT Description

I bought this from a classic car collector in 2017and you can see his original ebay posting comments at the bottom of this posting. What makes this truck a “one-off build” is that it’s a crew cab. Back in ‘78 you couldn’t buy a 1/2 ton crew cab. They only came in the 3/4 or 1 ton. This has a 1/2 ton chassis and drive train with the crew cab and bed from a 3/4 ton High Desert pickup.

Truck has 31,000 miles since the build. I drove this back from Iowa to Spring, TX with no trouble which is 1,000 miles, and put an additional 80 miles on it post mods listed below. I was very impressed by the smooth ride and power from the stock 351W engine from Iowa to Texas.

After I purchased the pickup I immediately took it to a local vintage restoration shop for some upgrades. Improvements I’ve had done are as follows:

Mechanical:

• fuel injection system – Edelbrock Fro-Flow 3 EFI and all associated pressurized fuel system+ oxygen sensor. Android tablet comes with pickup and has app to Bluetooth for performance adjustments.
• Champion aluminum radiator with dual electric fans
• hydroboost brake system with GM style master cylinder
• water pump
• custom battery tray w/ yellow Optima battery
• black powder coated Ford Performance cast aluminum valve covers, air breathers, and air cleaner.
• door locks
• hood hinges
• freeze plug block heater
• Flaming River stainless steel tilt steering wheel painted black with steering wheel
• Painless PowerBraids engine wire dress up kit
• heater core
• starter – Ultima life time warranty
• u-joints
• sending unit to single 32 gal tank

Exterior:

• entire engine bay painted the color I used for my 67 mustang, 2018 Lamborghini Gregio Titan Grey (which is at Streetside Classics Dallas - check it out)
• undercoated with gloss black POR15
• hood ornament
• rear cab brake light gasket
• Decked 8’ Bed Integration
• very nice truck cover

Interior:

• Dakota Digital gauge cluster with red illumination
• replaced door weather stripping and widow gliders
• new seat belts

I am not in need of money nor am I in a rush to sell. I am posting this because I am moving international and it is going into storage in Montrose, Colorado. When I get back stateside my plan is to have it truly restored to top tier show quality. However, if I can get what I have put into it I am okay to let it go to someone who is truly excited for this rare build. I have a family of 6 and we loved driving this around the neighborhood and to the pool. We all would hate to see it go and if it did I would probably hire a company to build another from the ground up.

It is a real head turner but not show quality and the mechanical craftsmanship does not meet my expectation. However, it starts right up, has absolutely no rattles, and drives extremely smooth. The interior has not been restored but if you are like me and have a bunch of kiddos then it won’t bother youbut if you want it nice I would recommend replacing the interior.All gauges and lights work. The original owner says the engine is a 400M (at the bottom of this posting) but he is incorrect. I cross-referenced the block prior to EFI work and it is a 351W (block number D9AE-6015-ED-23). The Tires are Nitto Terra Grappler LT305/55R20. I am not sure of the rim brand but they are very nice and shiny.

Please see the YouTube links for a quick walkaround. I’ll try to add another including underneath before it gets shipped to CO and stored.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0ABJA5IU1I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zYY0pjQrdo

Note this truck will be in storage so I will not be able to send additional photos or videos. I will try to take some more before it’s stored. Also, in all these pictures the truck has not been washed. I just got a random hair and decided to post it. It really shines when it’s cleaned up.

Also, I am open to international purchasers and the individuals onsite at storage can assist with pick up from carrier and will have title in hand with two sets of keys. There is no warranty on this vehicle so it is sold as is. Feel free to reach out with any questions and I’ll do my best to answer.

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Comments from original owner when I bought it, “As you know Ford never built a 1978 crew-cab ½ ton. This truck was a frame off custom build. Cab and box are from a high desert ¾ ton, frame is from ½ ton high desert. The seats are out a 1995 F-350. Color is 2015 F-150 Ruby Red ($5,000 in just paint materials) All systems work as new on this truck. Cold A/C, power steering, power brakes, and tilt steering. I am a new car dealer, but this truck is from my personal collection. I have over 40 classic cars and trucks and I am trying to get down to 10. I just don’t use them and want them to be enjoyed. I have over $65,000 in this build. I didn’t want a ride of a ¾ ton so I built the truck I wanted on a ½ ton. Rides very smooth and doesn’t shake your kidneys loose. 4x4 works great. 400 with automatic transmission. Truck has 30,000 miles since the build. All drive train was new at zero miles. I drove this truck daily when weather was nice. Never off-roaded. Body is laser straight. Zero rust anywhere except surface rust on running board brackets (Looks better without running boards but needed them for my young kids).”