1969 Ford F-100

302 V8

Manual

Clear

Up for auction is my beautiful 1969 Ford F-100 Explorer with only 78K actual miles. The truck is in its original, un-restored state, and it is likely one of the cleanest original F-100s you will find in the Midwest. It even still has the sticker from the dealer where it was sold new in Wilmar, MN. I purchased the truck from the grandson of the man who bought the truck in 1971, and who babied it through its entire life. What makes this truck unique is the fact that in 1969, the Explorer package was a late year addition to the F-100 line of trucks, so ’69 Explorers are harder to come by. In addition to this, the color combo of this truck is also rare (Calypso Coral with Black Crinkle top) because the Calypso Coral orange was also a late in the year option, and was not even listed as a paint code for the year. Interestingly, the truck Ford used to advertise the Explorer package in 1969 had this very same color combo (as well as the same interior, see photo below) but aside from that, I have never found another example like this. I have also been told by two Ford truck "experts" that they have never seen another F-100 of this generation with a black crinkle top in the 40 years they have worked on them. For more information about the rare Explorer package, visit http://www.fordification.com/tech/explorer.htm Mechanically, this truck is in wonderful shape. The original 302 fires up right away and runs excellent. Oil was changed 300 miles ago, along with the spark plugs, oil filter and fuel filter. All gauges work and are accurate. Wipers, choke, overdrive lever and parking break all work as they should. It really is a very comfortable truck to drive down the road, as there are no engine hiccups or suspension problems of any sort. Brakes are also good, and the tires have less than 1000 miles on them. All hubcaps are matching "Explorer" hubcaps. An interesting feature from the factory that I am often asked about is the big lever system that drops the spare tire if needed. This can be seen in the pictures, and yes, I do have the key to remove the padlock from it. Perhaps the best part of this truck though is the fact that is gets over 20 MPG highway! This is because it is equipped with a rare, column shifted 3-speed overdrive transmission that has overdrive in both 2 and 3 gear. Once in the gear you want, and above 28mph, you simply let off the gas and get back on it, and it automatically goes into overdrive. To get back into lower gear, you press the pedal to the floor. It works great, and I have never had any problems with it. It really is quite an interesting and rare transmission, and if you would like to know more, visit http://www.fordification.com/tech/overdrive.htm. While the body and paint of this truck is in great shape for being 44 years old, it does have imperfections. It appears that whenever the truck got a tiny scratch, the owner would take a large brush and touch up the spot, so there are some touch up marks over the paint. A wetsand and a buff would take care of this, and while it wouldn’t make perfect, it would brighten up the paint, which has lost its glossy shine. Also, the right side headlight door had dents in it (see pic). Both front quarter panel corners do appear to have previous rust repairs. I was given a quote of $600 by a local body shop to fix the repaired spots, wetsand and buff the truck. This was what I planned to do, as I did not want to paint over the original paint. The pictures are a good indication of the condition of the exterior, which is by no means perfect, but again, in good condition for being 44 years old. The interior of the truck is original and in excellent shape, and the paint shines like it did from the factory. Again, everything is original, right down to the AM radio. The dash is in great shape with no cracks. The bench seat does have a tear on the drivers side, I was quoted $100 by a local upholsterer to fix this. The arm rests on the doors have a few cracks, but really do not need replacement. If one wishes to make the truck perfect, they can be bought new. As you can see from the pictures, these are the only issues and the interior is very clean. I really wish I did not have to sell this truck, but I am living in Minneapolis for graduate school and do not feel like having to parallel park this big truck everywhere I go. It has tons of character and can be enjoyed as is, or it would make a great restoration candidate. It gets looks everywhere I go! I hope it goes to a good home. I encourage potential buyers to come view the truck, and to call me with any questions at 218-330-1398. Truck is located in Nisswa, MN. Of course, it is sold as-is. Good luck bidding!