RECENTLY RESTORED RANGER, FRESH PAINT, 20" STEELIES, 302 V8, MANUAL, SLICK F100!

In our workaday lives, we often overlook pickup trucks. We see machines like this 1969 Ford F-100 rumbling along next to us loaded with tools and ladders, we use them to haul our cars and boats, and treat them as tools more than collectables. That has always been the case, which is why finding older trucks like this is so extraordinary. Offering a few smart upgrades and more than nice enough to show on weekends, this truck is a very affordable way to get into the hobby.The current owner spent a lot of time straightening and sanding the panels (and they are very big panels on this truck) to get it to look this good. The glossy black paint is fresh both accentuates the truck's length and gives it an upscale look that never shouts. It's only when you get up close that you really see just how nice it its. When they built these trucks, panel gaps were not a concern, but those on this truck look like they have been trimmed and adjusted quite a bit because it fits together quite sell. The paint is fresh, and again, the goal wasn't trailer-queen perfection but it's crisp and clean with a deep shine that will definitely attract attention at shows. There's a surprising amount of brightwork and trim on this big hauler, and it's all in good condition, including the stainless side trim, the F100 emblems on the sides of the hood, and the big grille up front. And before you go thinking that this is a truck you'll have to baby, take a look at the bed, which has a freshly applied spray-on bedliner for durability.The interior has been tastefully reupholstered in two-tone red and black vinyl, again capturing the look and feel of the '60s. Imagine the windows down, the Beach Boys on the radio, and a cool glass bottle of Coca-Cola in your hand... that's exactly how this pickup feels. Wide enough for three across seating, the cab is surprisingly spacious, even in this age of extended and crew cab pickups. Door panels are simple affairs, with a woodgrained insert and a padded arm rest as the small but necessary concessions to comfort. The simple but easy-to-read gauges are arrayed ahead of the driver and seem to be in original condition, so the lenses are cloudy, but that's relatively easy to fix. And yes, you're seeing that correctly: this is a 3-on-the-tree truck, making it a lot of fun to drive. Updating the interior only slightly is a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit (probably should be updated) and a set of heavy-duty Ford rubber floor mats.Power comes from a stout 302 cubic inch V8, which is plenty of engine for a relatively lightweight truck like this. It's got some Mustang DNA running through its veins, but it's modest with a 2-barrel carburetor that helps improve fuel economy without hurting torque. Simple stamped steel valve covers and lots of Ford Blue paint give it even more '60s cool, and you can tell from the condition of the firewall and inner fenders that this truck was never a rust bucket. A dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers gives the truck a very aggressive engine note, and the 3-speed transmission clicks through the gears smoothly with light clutch action. Out back, there's a stout 9-inch rear that will easily handle anything you throw at this truck, and the solid condition of the chassis only reinforces that this one lived its entire life in a warm, dry place. Awesome 20-inch steel wheels (look these up, they're very expensive and well-manufactured) with hubcaps and trim rings look almost stock and carry oversized 255/45/20 front and 295/45/20 rear performance radials that look sporty and give it a perfect stance.From the sensible '60s, this Ford F100 Ranger is a handsome hauler that's always ready to play. Straight black trucks don't last long, especially the '67-'69 F100s. Give us a call today!