I am in the middle of a frame-off on a 62 unibody. The chassis is all done. The title says 62, but I think it has a 61 grille. How can I tell? Also, the doors say "Custom Cab" Did the Custom Cab trucks have chrome grille/bumper and rear bumper? The origina paint seems to have been the aqua green and white 2tone. Where can I find examples of how this was divided originally? Thanks Bruce

 

The '61 grille has the "F-O-R-D" letters across the center of the grille itself, while the '62 grille has a "starburst" in the center with the "F-O-R-D" letters on the panel between the grille and hood.

Custom Cab trucks were equipped in a variety of ways, though many did have the chrome trim. They are certainly not all the same. I have seen Custom Cabs with a chrome front and painted rear bumper (dealerships would often install their own rear bumpers). I have a '63 Custom Cab that has painted front and rear bumpers with an aluminum grille and chrome around the windshield (all original). I also have a '64 Custom Cab with no chrome, no aluminum; the trim is all Wimbledon White. Some Custom Cabs had a driver's door armrest, passenger side visor, brightmetal instrument cluster, lighter, etc. and some didn't. It seems the only consistency is the "Custom Cab" door logo.

You can check your paint schemes and trim options by checking out some books that are available at many bookstores (or online). My favorites are "Ford Pickups 1957-67", "Ford Pickup Color History" and "Ford Trucks Since 1905". These do not have a lot of technical data, but they may answer some of the body/trim production questions. Good luck!

Dan

'63 F100 split fleetside 223
'64 F100 LWB flareside 262
'64 F100 SWB fleetside 292
'64 F100 LWB fleetside 223

 

Bruce, two tone paint was part of the custom cab, as well as bright trim.

You may call Carolina Classics, Tom or Rick, they sell parts for older Ford trucks. They also can mail you their cat. for $3.00 (to pay for the shipping) the # is 800-598-4211. These guys build their trucks and know a lot about the Fords.