13 Aug Original Paint Survivor – 65 Ford Pickup
I bought this truck around 2003, while looking for a project. I placed an ad in the paper and was contacted by a guy who said he had a ’65 pickup for sale. I went to look and he had it in a tarp shelter. As soon as I saw it I knew it was the one. After a cash deal I actually drove it home.
The truck was built in Mahwah, N.J. It was bought new by the “Somerset Bridle Path Assn” July 22, 1965. SBPA is an equestrian organization that promotes horse back riding, and trail preservation. It is still existing today. The name of the association was painted on both doors, although its very faded now. When I bought the truck it had 27,000 original miles, it now has 33,000 miles. It still retains its original 47 year old paint, complete with surface rust and dents. I wanted to make the truck something I could drive and enjoy, I upgraded to power disc brakes, rebuilt some mechanical things, lowered it and added new tires/wheels. I kept the original 300 straight six engine as it runs fine, as well as the 3-on-the-tree. I love the fact that its an original paint survivor, showing its character and telling the story about its past life. I’ve owned it for almost 10 years now. The truck is a blast to drive and gets lots of attention.