[updated:LAST EDITED ON 29-Aug-02 AT 06:32 PM (EST)]I normally hang out in the 1948-1960 forum but this is a more appropriate place to post this. I currently have a 1997 Ford Ranger 4x4. Our second child is on the way and I need a bigger truck. Something to hold two child seats. I am currently restoring a '53 and am thinking about going with an older truck. I found a 1968 F-100 for sale about an hour away.

This would be my daily driver in central Illinois. I wonder how it will compare to my current vehicle? Obviously it won't handle snow and ice as well as my 4x4 but I would think a set of snow tires and some weight in the bed would help in that regard. Was power steering/power brakes common by 1968? What year did the crumple zone frame/bodywork start showing up (not that I plan on crashing it!)? How about heating/cooling? I don't believe it has AC. Probably have to make do with the old 2/65.

I'm guessing it would drive pretty well. Will it be eaten alive by road salt in the winter? What about parts availability such as alternator, water pump, brakes, common engine parts, etc. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and could probably fix most problems without much trouble. And if I can't fix it, I have friends that can. Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Kevin Kessler
1953 Ford F-100

 

That 68 is a pretty good choice. The windshield and most of the mechanical parts are common all the way to 79, so you'll have no problem getting parts. Newer seats all the way up to 96 are easily swapped in. P/s and p/b are also a straightforward swap. What I like about these trucks is the short turning radius-very maneuverable. Lots of good guys on this list are ready to help with your questions, too.

 

is that true that 67 - 79 windshields are interchangable ??
Thanks !!
Dave

 

yes the windsheilds are the same 67-79. 2 car seats and 2 people in a regular cab pickup? where are you gonna sit? i think you need to get a car or a van for the family wagon. i know it aint no fun, but safety of the younguns is more important than than what you drive. i dont think you can leagaly put 2 people and 2 car seats in a pickup in any state.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 29-Aug-02 AT 11:57 PM (EST)]Well, of course the safety of my children comes first. I posted my questions since I'm not that familiar with the '68. I'm still wondering about the in-cab gas tank. How easy are they to relocate, say between the frame rails under the bed? So the '68 doesn't have power steering or brakes?

We have my wife's VW wagon for family trips. I'll just need a way to get the kids to daycare across town in the morning (me and two car seats).

Thanks!

Kevin Kessler
1953 Ford F-100

 

Thanks Jim !!

 

Power brakes and steering were options back then. Power steering would be more likely than power brakes IMO. Mine as Power steering and manual brakes. But like said if you have weekend and a garage most of the things that aren't there that you want can be add fairly easily. Hope this helps.


Scotty

 

Kevin, I am afraid you are mixing with the wrong spoon. Any old Ford is good, the gas tank has no real problems, unless the rubber needs replacing and you ger fumes in the cab. You can use the I-beams from the newer trucks up through 79 to put power steering and disc brakes on the 68.

Child safety now that is another thing all together. Children should be in a two seat vehicles, in the back seat. Our wonderful old trucks and child safety just don't mix well. Enjoy your truck, find another way to transport the little ones.
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