The Ultra Rare 70s Ford Truck You Never Knew Existed

[@DentsideDepot]

If you happen to be driving North on Rt1 in Delaware, the passenger side mud flap is sitting on the side of the road right at the entrance to the William V Roth Bridge. Apologies to the B5 Blue Durango that had to dip into the other lane when that stainless frisbee took flight!

[@DentsideDepot]

This may be the only time in my life I leave a 79 F350 4x4 behind. Yes that faded red truck next to the Dearborn in the intro was a legit F36 with the Dana 60 front still in it. I had to leave her though, hopefully someone else grabbed it.

[@jeffrob073]

That would be awesome to buy that. I’m in Quarryville PA

[@DentsideDepot]

@@jeffrob073 the problem was the body was shot and it was just a base custom with no options, there was a hornet's nest in the bed, and really the only good part left on it was the dana 60 front. Still hopefully someone grabs it. If it wasnt 3-4 hours away I would prob go back and get it

[@jeffrob073]

@@DentsideDepot the frame would be my option

[@erikswensen425]

I'm from Delaware, but don't know when I'll be near the bridge 😮, I go as far north as Smyrna for work. You must've been not too far away from where i live if you had to go to Annapolis

[@Tim_Adams-h3d]

I own one of those units. Same his and hers sunroofs, there was evidence of the roll bar in the original bed, factory raven black (repainted later), funky conversion seat with flip down console, and most importantly the Dearborn badge on the glovebox door. I’ve found it almost impossible to find sunroof parts as they went completely out of production some time back. Yours is a much more original example but figured I’d share that there was at least 1 more out there.

[@DentsideDepot]

Hey Tim this is awesome to know. Would you mind emailing me pics of it to [e-mail] please? thanks for the response!!

[@scottnelson-o4t]

That is a super cool crazy find! I saved a 79 f150 short box 4x4 from the crusher. Literally 2 hours before he was going to haul it in for scrap. He had already torched the bumpers to pieces for 3 foot clean scrap. A friend of mine, 2 hours away, called me and said his coworker was going to haul this truck in on his lunch break. I don't even remember what I paid the guy for it. The poor thing hadn't been run for years and the roof of his shed collapsed on it, wrecking the hood, cab, and that same "light bar". He had put a 460 in it and it only took a couple hours to briefly start it. I rebuilt it, sandblasted and painted the frame and axles, completely rebuilt everything, restored a good cab that I had, I had the inner fenders and radiator support powder coated black, fired it up only to find out that the guy put in the wrong flex plate that was for an internally balanced engine. That explained the wiped out main bearings and the reason he parked it after losing oil pressure. I put the correct flex plate in, had custom dual exhaust done, and it runs perfect! Now I just need to finish the box sides, doors, and the good used hood that I had laying around and it should be ready to go! I put a mid 80's flexsteel seat in, with a console, in near perfect condition! And I chose viper red. It's been a project for the last decade as I have many other projects going on, but this is definitely my favorite! Watching your video makes me want to get the rest of the body done and terrorize the town! I'm super jealous of that truck! You're very lucky! (Also, I have an audiovox 8 track from a 78 extended cab long bed. I can't do it. It's going to get something that bumps. That's my Gen x thinking... 😂)

[@DentsideDepot]

Wow great story!

[@scottnelson-o4t]

Thank you! I hardly ever post anything, but I thought some fellow dent side guys might appreciate it!

[@DMSII-vn5hp]

The paperwork makes this really cool.

[@DentsideDepot]

i agree!

[@Brodyturm_Ranger90]

This guy is living my dream, having all of these awesome pickups!!

[@DentsideDepot]

Hey thanks man!

[@tylerthomas1339]

I love all those old Fords

[@DentsideDepot]

Same here!

[@rogerstlaurent8704]

Dang Mr Dentside man you hit a Homerun finding that Truck If i was you do a 100% restore from the ground up BTW i am old enough i have seen the 79 Dearborn Truck Brand new at a dealership let me tell you back in 79 that was one hell of a Sexy looking Truck one of the best looking F 150s i have ever seen .. Great history lesson on the Dearborn Truck .. Now get that Beautiful looking Truck a lot of love put it in the Garage and start the Restoration ASAP .. Take care and enjoy your Weekend

[@DentsideDepot]

Thanks Roger, so you can confirm seeing one on a dealer lot back in the day? What color was it?

[@wyattoneable]

I'm not a Ford car guy but I do like old Ford trucks. This one is very special for the reasons you explained. Congratulations on finding and saving this rare piece of automotive history.

[@stevepitzing2343]

Super cool find. 👍👍

[@DentsideDepot]

Thanks I agree!

[@DavidLeslie65]

There was one in Portland Oregon in the early 80's i assumed it was simply a dealer modification. Never put together Dearborn being Dearborn. Nice find

[@DentsideDepot]

Thats cool to know because it shows they were out there. What color was it?

[@jedclampett6466]

FYI factory bucket seats were a factory option in '68...I had one with factory air.

[@DentsideDepot]

Yes you are correct, my channel is Dentside specific, so I don't include information about other generations. In that instance, they put the mustang seats in them correct?

[@FORDCAMPERSPECIAL]

​@@DentsideDepot correct

[@jeffnoordyke9351]

So yes my good friend had one of these Dearborn F150's As soon as I saw the Thumbnail I remembered it. Black with roll bar and grill guard.

[@DentsideDepot]

Hey awesome thanks for sharing!

[@jimmyhorton8297]

I had a 74 custom dent side when I was a kid. It had a Ford branded cassette deck in it that had a slide bar to record off of the radio. I swapped the old original straight 6 for a 1984 300. I also swapped in the door panels with the pockets and a vented head liner panel with the chrome trim. Drove that thing til it fell apart.

[@bw3506]

Had no idea those were ever made. Cool rig even without that package!!

[@aidenschwartz]

Another awesome truck and video. Thanks again. 🇺🇸👍

[@brianhdueck3372]

Sweet find. Congrats Man,

[@DentsideDepot]

Thanks Brian!

[@jimmillet1442]

There's alot more people that know about these than you know. There was one of these in a salvage yard local to me that still had very bright stripes on it.Same yard had a freewheeling package truck also which isn't seen that often anymore.

[@galaxieman1964]

Great find. Great blessing.

[@DentsideDepot]

amen!

[@DanEBoyd]

You're right. I've never heard of this edition!

[@minnesotatomcat]

Oh man those captains seats! That’s worth whatever added price it cost you, that was the only thing I ever hated about old trucks was the uncomfortable bench seats.

[@tdotw77]

Thats some amazing paperwork hoading right there! So awesome! I also never heard of this edition but its certainly a sweet truck! I had a 79 250 rcsb\flatbed in my youger years hopefully ill be able to find another in the future, I'd love an ext cab 250\350 someday! Nice find man and thanx for the history lesson on this!👍🏻👌🏻🛠️🔧🔩 ✊🏻🇺🇲🦅🇺🇲✊🏻

[@lgbfjb6450]

With the rarity, condition and level of documentation, I think that truck would definitely be worth a frame-off nut/bolt/washer restoration.

[@briang4470]

Are you planning on restoring it? I think a truck like this would be better off just getting running, safe to drive and cleaned up as good as it can for what it is. It would be ashame to tear this whole truck apart and the project to get abandoned/put off for years when you can spend a few months going through it and get it back on the road as a "as found survivor" especially with how original it still is.

[@DentsideDepot]

That is exactly what I am going to do, everything is there and it is in good enough shape to keep as is

[@phaedrussmith1949]

That CB antenna is sweet!

[@DentsideDepot]

Shes a sweet riddeeeeee

[@deepcow]

I’m hope you do a full restoration, I’d love to see it as it was new.

[@arcadiaoutlaw]

What a cool find ! That carpet was horrible lol

[@barrybaker7699]

Sweet vid!!! 👍🏼

[@DentsideDepot]

thanks!

[@erics2506]

Plowed snow with a short bed Ford had the 390 with a 4 speed was a beast. But the only truck I ever wished was an automatic.

[@DentsideDepot]

nice!

[@Kent-dz3bk]

Cool piece of history

[@DentsideDepot]

I agree!

[@AnthonyMarino-w6j]

Could you make a video just listing all the special edition Dentsides? (Freewheeling, pace truck, sandbox, etc). I’m genuinely curious to know just how many there are

[@DentsideDepot]

That sounds like a great idea for a future video!

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

Man this has to be super rare when I cant even find one picture of one of these besides the thumbnail of your video. It would be a very hard decision between restoration or preservation.

[@redbeastgaming130mm4]

My buddy has an 87 F-250 with the 7.3 IDI and I kinda want to convert it to a Cummins

[@DentsideDepot]

the IDI is a great engine, but I can understand why you would want to do that

[@redbeastgaming130mm4]

@@DentsideDepot I'm looking for "Easy to repair and lasts a long time", and as long as it does what I need it to, I'm fine with either one

[@gregerickson6924]

This truck is a Conversion company truck, like vans, very common in the 70's/80's, nothing special about it. There were many companies such as Pathfinder, Waldoch, Mark III, Cabriolet, Centurion and many others that purchased base fleet models from Ford, GM, and Dodge/Chrysler, and dressed them up like what was done to this truck. The fore-mentioned factories only involvement was to sell it to them through the fleet sales process and offer some sort of "Floor plan" financing minus the cost of the conversion package that would follow the vehicle to the final selling dealer that bought it from the conversion company. None of the modifications are "Factory Parts" or authorized as a warrantable factory option, the ad-on's were warrantied through the conversion company.

[@hilltopmachineworks2131]

Wow a true survivor.

[@DentsideDepot]

it sure is!

[@bassinshankles]

I remember seeing Dearborn on the side of a truck in 90s in North Alabama i was with my Dad and he said he didn't know what Dearborn meant.

[@roberthahn3710]

You should think about WRITING A BOOK on all the different variants of DENTSIDE Ford trucks. It could make you ALOT OF MONEY.

[@DentsideDepot]

Hahah I will keep that in mind!

[@charlesgreer7245]

Isn't that Bud and sissies pickup? Feeling some urban cowboy.

[@billhirschfeld4284]

Just wanted to say how much I appreciate your love for the 78-79 Ford trucks. I have a question for you if I may? I have a 79 F350 4x4 step side with a 4 speed. My Marti report says it's a Borg not a np435. Was this common in the late dentsides? My 72 Highboy has a new process and you can definitely tell the difference although I love them both. Thanks again. Bill from New Jersey.

[@brianwolgamot7076]

Is this the equivalent of the Roll-a-long and Centurian conversion package?

[@DentsideDepot]

I think thats a fair statement, there were quite a few companies that did these types of sweet mods to new trucks

[@jasontaber1981]

Are those snaps down the bedside? For a soft cover? Wouldn't really fit in and around a rollbar would it?

[@DentsideDepot]

Yes you are correct i forgot to.mention the tonneua cover!

[@dexburwell]

- todays old when learned of this… never heard/seen these before today 🤔

[@DentsideDepot]

Its a really rare truck for sure

[@DWH072]

When does the restoration start ?

[@DentsideDepot]

TBD I gotta get this Cummins swap truck done its killing me!

[@DWH072]

@ fair enough

[@frankfurther3828]

I bought the Marti for my F150 and it's one of 538.

[@DentsideDepot]

sweet!

[@JeronWhite]

Cool old ford

[@michaellauer3397]

I was a parts man at a large Ford dealer in San Antonio, Texas in the late 70s. Those seats, console, door panels, carpet, radio, alarm, sunroof(s), stripes, brush guard, wheels, light bar(because it’s not a “roll bar” for legal reasons) Are not Ford parts. They’re the same cheap aftermarket crap that came from Good Times vans. And they were not available nationwide. Very localized. There were several custom shops that would offer this kind of product in the late 70s. The steering wheel and quad shocks is actually Ford. Simply, a (lightly) modified truck, sold at a Ford dealer. Far above the most expensive F150 I’ve ever heard of being sold in the 70s. I ordered a 78 Bronco at the dealership where I worked in 1977 for under $6000. Love your Chanel. Dentsides have always been my favorite

[@DentsideDepot]

Yes, I stated as such throughout the video, and showed all the paperwork that prove this is true and correct. Your the first person ive heard to say turbine wheels are crap, but to each his own I guess.

[@michaellauer3397]

@ I like those turbine wheels. Have a set on a Jeep. We had to deal with so many complaints on the cheap aftermarket stuff that was used on those vehicles. You shouldn’t be so touchy in this biz.

[@brentbeiler7051]

Did you listen? He said that! It’s not crap it’s cool old style. Maybe your a grumpy old man!

[@geraldburmeister9637]

Where I grew up up in Iowa the city police had a dearborn bronco.

[@ralphday4842]

Truck was previously the Dearborn Dumpster.

[@DentsideDepot]

Haha yes if sure was man that thing was full of crap haha

[@hickerbilly345]

Now it just needs a boss 9.

[@DentsideDepot]

That would truly be the ultimate!

[@gohphaqurselfeeputhy622]

So you said that Ford trucks never came with an 8-Trak player in them? Then I guess the one in my dad’s 1978 F150 ranger was aftermarket. I mean it said Ford on it and it was an eight track player.

[@sooverit5529]

OEM 8-track stereos were not available for the Dentsides. They were thought to be too large to fit. But I actually installed a Quadrasonic 8-track unit out of a Lincoln into my 77 F-350. It needed a slight mod to the bezel, but looks and works excellent.

[@DentsideDepot]

Yes, many companies like audiovox made them, the Ford ones were to long to fit.

[@DentsideDepot]

@@sooverit5529 correcrt

[@richardvalitalo3670]

I seen people do this with every accessory from Canadian Tire. Looked terrible & nothing special but I love 79 f150 trucks.

[@jedk9523]

i did know this existed, i have a bed to one of these in my back yard

[@earlwright8147]

Cant believe they used it as a dumpster.

[@DentsideDepot]

Literally! A true piece of American history! I filled the guys entire dumpster before I left it was insane!

[@minnesotatomcat]

So were all the Dearborn editions regular cab short bed 4wd trucks or could they be ordered in other configurations?

[@bigc8300]

Lets talk about that Chevelle.

[@DentsideDepot]

SS 396 convertible, has a snowflake 427 in it and a 5 speed.

[@bigc8300]

@@DentsideDepot Cool thanks. I watched some Ford reps testing the f150 midas touch back in 1979.

[@DentsideDepot]

@@bigc8300 That is really cool. Its a good thing I wasn't an adult in 79 or I would have financed a new truck every other day haha

[@prairiestrong1106]

That truck is stupid super rare. How in the hell did you find it?

[@chubzz8837]

There is still one kicking around here in ct

[@DentsideDepot]

Email me pics

[@randyfowler6928]

I still looking for Lund windshield visor with light. Dentside depot Please help

[@DentsideDepot]

Haha Hey Randy I still have yet to ever have one! My rec is to browse facebook marketplace on the daily until one pops up for sale near you. Thanks as always for watching to one of my longest watching fans, I appreciate you!

[@summerfox9292]

Nooo!, don't do that to your truck

[@markmielnik1031]

Hey Randy. I do have a Lund Visor but unfortunately it does not have the light package. I am located in Alberta, Canada and could send you pictures of it if you’re interested.

[@randyfowler6928]

@ I am

[@randyfowler6928]

@@DentsideDepot no problem. It give me more motivation and inspiration and information about this classic. Keep me in mind

[@JoelLindahl-cn8ej]

I have a 78 flare side 4x4 that was modified by Leisure Time Products Inc saying it had a 15x8 rim. So would those have been the same turbine wheel you have there? That is a very cool find. That is the first time I have ever heard of that edition, love the channel with all the information you provide.

[@DentsideDepot]

I just measured the 5th wheel spare in my shop here and it is 9.35" wide, so I am not sure. Can you email me information about that truck? My email is in the channel bio on my home page. Thanks!

[@ringerson4x4]

That center console looks just like the ones in the broncos. I learned to drive in my parents 85 bronco, got my license at 17 in 1992.😁

[@DentsideDepot]

I have a few of the bronco center consoles, they are very different than those ones. Very cool truck to learn in, I learned how to drive in a 79 Dent!

[@CharlesMccullough-g2h]

Never heard of them.

[@DentsideDepot]

Most people havent

[@CharlesMccullough-g2h]

@ it’s good to learn something new every day.Appreciate your channel.Semper Fi!

[@DentsideDepot]

@@CharlesMccullough-g2h Thank you Sir appreciate it!

[@summerfox9292]

That is a conversion van truck version back in the day. Different companies did that, they ruined that truck

[@DentsideDepot]

LOL I completely disagree with you, it looks freaking awesome but hey to each his own.

[@brentbeiler7051]

Your wrong puppy.

[@davidbryant3532]

Not the first time to see a truck with the same package. Several of these in the Houston area.

[@DentsideDepot]

I find that very hard to believe "several". Send me pics, my email is in the channel bio.

[@davidbryant3532]

@DentsideDepot find it how you wish.

[@brentbeiler7051]

Oh several eh damn their everywhere!!

[@marxfish]

that's over $65K in todays funny money

[@DentsideDepot]

Hah well fully restored for sure

[@marxfish]

@@DentsideDepot I'll clarify: Pointing out the inflation from '78 to 2024. About 384%

[@amandastyles-uh6zx]

Did you get the one beside it also?

[@DentsideDepot]

I only had a 1 vehicle trailer and that one was totally shot and had a hornets nest in it. I would have taken the axle but it was already starting to get dark by the time I got it loaded so I had to roll

[@dnacenturion]

So it's a coverson like centerion and explorer?

[@DentsideDepot]

Centurion yes explorer was ford factory

[@brentbeiler7051]

Wow you know alot!

[@CachingCadre]

What plant was the truck built at?

[@DentsideDepot]

its a MI built truck

[@CachingCadre]

@DentsideDepot that explains the Dearborn name of the customizer. Dearborn is where Henry's favorite plant was, and it's a name closely tied to him, even if the customkzer wasn't owned by Ford.

[@jj-eo7bj]

Just under 60,000 in today’s dollars

[@jasonmelendez5216]

Is this truck in Delaware??

[@DentsideDepot]

It was near Annapolis MD and is now back at my HQ in Philly PA area.

[@repete2362]

there was also a Northland edition .farther west

[@demiller74]

Do you think Jessie Ventura ever sat in it?

[@DallonManasco]

would you ever sell one of your trucks?

[@DentsideDepot]

Everything has a price

[@LRCII72]

Why does that tag in the door have F140 on it ?

[@LRCII72]

I see my answer on the Marti Report ( F150 4x4 regular cab pickup truck )

[@DentsideDepot]

Its just like how the 250s and 350s were 26 and 36 to indicate it was a 4x4.

[@calvins1837]

Did i miss what engine it had?

[@DentsideDepot]

Its a 351 (typically referred to as M) not a W or C

[@calvins1837]

@DentsideDepot know it well, built a few. Ty for the response.

[@chargermopar]

If that truck was here in Florida it would be nothing but a pile of iron oxide.

[@DentsideDepot]

Sounds like a dodge then

[@robertmoulton2656]

Apparently you dont know what a moon roof is . But thats ok

[@CodyWatkins-ik9zd]

It’s funny listening you guys. Yeah it was bad ass brand new. Still got a nice paint job on it but got a lot of work to do just like my piece of shit. Good luck Goldmine. It’s like you hit a gold mine watching too much grease monkey garage. everything goes up to 100 grand all shut up take me Nabor 130 grand for Broncos no motor in it no tires no still better my super duty or piece of shit sorry about my language. I’ll give that away 76 is a lot better. If you need any parts, let me know I got a bunch. I’m a hoarder on Jeep parts and Ford, high boys the first 150 I had wanted to bronco but it wasn’t gonna pay that much for it 1:46

[@joegeezer6375]

Amazing find!! What does that girl have under to hood for engine?

[@davidbryant3532]

Those ones?