Garrett’s dad ordered this 1969 Ford new from Paul Swanson Ford in Los Gatos, California. He needed a truck that could do it all, and this was the one he chose.
The story
Before his dad handed over the keys, Garrett took him for a drive around the area where he grew up. This time, his dad rode shotgun.
For Garrett, it was a chance to reverse all those childhood miles in the passenger seat and reminisce together. In his January 2026 submission, he described that drive with his 85-year-old dad as priceless.
The truck
The Ford was ordered with a 390, an extra fuel tank and a limited-slip rear end. Garrett says the odometer shows 115,000 miles and the truck has never been wrecked.
Changes include MSD ignition, later factory aluminum wheels and a Lecarra steering wheel. Its three-speed manual with overdrive was replaced by a C6 with a Gear Vendors overdrive.
What comes next
Garrett wants to restore its factory appearance and add Vintage Air during the work. He also wants to enjoy it with his wife and grandchildren, passing along the stories that began in the right-hand seat.
Owner: Garrett | 1969 Ford
Follow the owner: @Norcalbeemerguy
Keep the old Ford story going
Find your kind of truck in our Bumpside merchandise, or choose a year’s front end from the Grille Series.
Visit Highboy University for truck guides. Read Bumpside vs. Dentside: Ford Truck Generations Explained, then meet the people behind Sara’s 1969 Ford: The Truck Dad Thought He’d Never Own.
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