My first Truck:1976 Ford F150 flatbed truck, a quick look back finding this beast in Ennismore

The Wheels of Time: A Nostalgic Truck Journey

When I was 16 years old, I spotted it on the way home - a 1976 Ford F150 flatbed truck. It had a flat black matte paint colour that was so ugly, it was beautiful. I stopped and inquired about the truck, and they were asking $750 uncertified.

The truck had a flatbed with a ramping system that fit perfectly underneath, which was ideal for my lawn cutting business. I could easily load and unload my riding lawnmower. It had a reliable six-cylinder motor, but the column shifter paired with a clutch pedal was a bit of a mystery until my father explained it was a "three on the tree" transmission.

I still remember the feeling of purchasing this truck and driving it home illegally without a license plate, with my father in front of me. I had no idea how to properly change gears with the strange three-on-the-tree setup, but I figured it out on the way home. The first and second gears had a bit of power, but the third gear, which was an overdrive, felt sluggish.

The truck was uncertified and needed some work - there was a hole in the floor and the brakes needed to be replaced. My dad helped me fix the floor with an old real estate sign, and a sister's old boyfriend showed me how to replace the drum brakes. Once it was certified, I was on the road.

In the winter, the heater worked but didn't seem to get warm until I reached my destination, no matter how long the drive. But the truck never left me stranded - it always worked.

The freedom this truck gave me was amazing. I could drive to school instead of taking the bus. I remember guys in the back parking lot yelling at me to "light them up," meaning to squeal the tires, but I never did - I was too cheap to replace the tires, and I'm not sure that old Ford 300 6-cylinder had enough power to do it anyway, which was probably a good thing for a 16-year-old.

Like everyone else my age, I regret selling my first vehicle. I would love to recreate this experience for my own son someday.

Brought to you by: Your local Realtor®

If you are looking to either Buy or Sell, contact me at 705-927-6236

Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative

Team Lead at The Brad Sinclair Team

Royal Heritage Realty

Your inside source to cottage country

Not intended to solicit clients under contract 

The 1976 Ford F150, part of the sixth-generation F-Series, was a robust half-ton pickup known for its versatility and durability. It offered various engine options, including a 302 CID V8, 360 CID V8, 390 CID V8, and a 460 CID V8. The F150 was available with both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and featured Ford's Mono-Beam front suspension and a full-floating front axle. 

Key Features and Specifications:

• Engines:
  • 302 CID V8 (130 hp) 
  • 360 CID FE V8 (143 hp) 
  • 390 CID FE V8 (161 hp) 
  • 460 CID 385 V8 (200-239 hp) 
• Transmission: Offered with both automatic and manual transmissions. 
• Suspension: Ford's Mono-Beam front suspension with a full-floating front axle, coil springs, and forged-steel radius rods. 
• Brakes: Power disc/drum brakes with a steering linkage shock absorber. 
• Drivetrain: Offered with both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. 
• Other notable features:
  • Standard drip moldings to prevent water leaks. 
  • Easy-to-use one-hand tailgate latch. 
  • Large in-cab storage area (on most models) due to relocation of the gas tank. 
  • Available with a variety of "Free Wheelin'" graphics and option packages. 
  • SuperCab option available for increased passenger space. 
• F-150 vs. F-100: The F-150 was a heavier-duty half-tonner compared to the F-100, and could handle regular fuel. The F-150 also offered power brakes as standard, which were optional on the F-100.