1952 Ford F-7 Big Job
The first-generation of the Ford F-Series (also known as the Ford Bonus-Built trucks) is a series of trucks that was produced by Ford from the 1948 to the 1952 model years. The introduction of the F-Series marked the divergence of Ford car and truck design, developing a chassis intended specifically for truck use. Alongside pickup trucks, the model line included also panel vans, bare and cowled chassis, and marked the entry of Ford into the medium and heavy-duty truck segment.
Sometimes when a commercial truck gets retired from service, someone comes around and converts it into a pickup. The result is often garish, with feet of ground clearance and a bed that doesn’t fit the cab’s design. For a time, this niche was just popular enough that even commercial truck manufacturers joined in on the madness. But despite its handsome looks, this 1952 Ford F-7 Big Job never left the factory looking as good as it does now.
It is a 1952 Ford F7, part of the “Big Job” line, and someone has made it gorgeous. The original truck would have come equipped with the 145-hp 279ci Y-block V8 mated to five-speed manual transmission and a two-speed rear axle. The chassis in ’52 was available in a variety of lengths, ranging from a 135 to 195-inch WB, and the cab was either the 5-Star Cab or the 5-Star Extra. The “extra” consisted of things like sound deadener, custom door panel trim, sun visors, arm rests, door locks, chrome windshield molding and an illuminated cigar lighter.
The interior continues that OEM+ theme with a reupholstered gray vinyl bench seat and a slew of new parts including the door panels, headliner, wiring, and door handles, along with a rebuilt heater core and wiper motor. A three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a body-color steel dashboard and instruments including a 90-mph speedometer and a replacement combination gauge.
The result is a truly fascinating machine that is also one of a kind – a difficult feat to pull off in this modern world full of copycats. It’s truly unfortunate that we don’t have all the details on this vintage Ford pickup, but perhaps more information will be unearthed one day. However big the job, it would be a blast to work it in this beast!
