61-64 Floorboards vs 65/66

[37 Ford guy]

I'm in the market for a 61-66 F100 and I've noticed a difference in the floorboards/leg room between the 61-64 and the 65/66. Does anybody know what that difference is in terms of inches or comfort level? I'm guessing it also affects one's choices for adding different seats, too, right? This is a great site. I'm enjoying learing about these cool trucks from you guys and hopefully will be posting up one of my own soon. Thanks. Randy

[jowilker]

Randy FYI: There is a world of difference between the 64 and 65 year models.

64 back had straight front axles, good trucks but upgrade parts like power steering and brakes are super expensive.


In 65 Ford introduced the Twin I-beam front axle that were used through 96. There are many windows open that were not available before 65.

There is minor body changes from 61-66 and if you don't have one pulling at you, I would suggest going to a 65-66 if just for the modern parts available.



John

[37 Ford guy]

Originally Posted by jowilker

Randy FYI: There is a world of difference between the 64 and 65 year models.

64 back had straight front axles, good trucks but upgrade parts like power steering and brakes are super expensive.


In 65 Ford introduced the Twin I-beam front axle that were used through 96. There are many windows open that were not available before 65.

There is minor body changes from 61-66 and if you don't have one pulling at you, I would suggest going to a 65-66 if just for the modern parts available.



John

Thanks for the response, John. Yes, I was aware of the other changes you mentioned with suspension, grilles etc.The suspension is not such a big issue because I want to do the Crown Vic front end swap anyway. I love the look of the short unibody but don't know if I'd be happy with the less legroom, steering column angle, etc.

[BIG DADDYS 62 UNI]

I am 6ft 3in and am a big boy, as in 4 bills. The leg room is a little tight but with the factory seat and the angles of the column it is tight bit feels ok. You can tell by my name what I have, and yes it is a shorty as well. I have no ps and a 10inch chain link steering wheel. It is your choice, comfort or cool. I put comfort second. Happy hunting.

[66fdtrucknut]

I may be in the minority but I like the feel of the 61-64's, with your feet higher and stepping up to get in.
Charlie

[37 Ford guy]

Yeah, I gotta admit the "cool factor" is very high on the shorty unibody, especially with a low stance and nice rims! Shorty 66 is another one who is doing some really cool stuff with his 66 shorty. I guess if I really wanted to test my fabrication skills, I could cut the firewall & floorboards out of the unibody and install the firewall & floorboards from a 65/66! Then I could have the best of both worlds! Either way, they are both very cool trucks. I'll get it sorted out and let you guys know what I come up with.
Has anybody tried changing the angle of the steering column in the Unibody with different front suspension? Just curious how that works out?
Thanks again for the input.
Have a great day guys.

[Wyatt66f100]

I got a 66 long bed and i've never been happyer. i think the grill that came in the 66 are the best out side looking part. as for the inside, the leg room is good and im 6 foot. always perfered the metal dash rather then the leather one. and when you look, look for floor boards thats the only spot that isnt resoration fixable because replacement floorboards skip 66

[Pro-Street/StateTK]

I really like the 61--64 the last one that I drove of these years was a 1964 it was mine I was

17 years old, I restored a 1969 ranger before I bought the 64 I really liked both of the

old trucks. I found a 1965 (X state truck) for my dad when he was looking to buy a truck, I found this truck for him when I was 15 YEARS OLD!

I did all the body work on this 1965, when I was 15 also, I really started liking this old truck when he would let

me drive it on the (DIRT ROADS) when I was 15 years old ! Then when I bought a 1971

when I was 18 years old, and I drove that truck for years, after that I went though lots,and

LOTS of dentsides I fixed up lots of these trucks, and really started liking these the best!

The main reason for the love of the dentsides was the (BRAKES)! Now I know There are

Lots of good kits to make for a more safe ride brake wise on the 61--64 so that is a real plus

Bottom line is I vote for 65 and up, btw. My 65 has had 1978 brakes for years and Loving

it!

P.S. These 78 brakes on the 65 of mine, cost little to nothing! Gota love that?

Wally Womack

[garbz2]

Seat mounts are in the same position for 61 through 66. All the difference is in the firewall and front floor boards/trans tunnel as the later floors are extended forward and down. The steering wheel is also higher and at a flatter angle on the 65 66 cabs.

Garbz

[37 Ford guy]

Originally Posted by garbz2

Seat mounts are in the same position for 61 through 66. All the difference is in the firewall and front floor boards/trans tunnel as the later floors are extended forward and down. The steering wheel is also higher and at a flatter angle on the 65 66 cabs.

Garbz

That's what I thought Garbz. Thanks for the confirmation.

For you guys who have switched to later model seats, what seats are you using that still look good in that cab? Buckets or bench? Do you gain much seat room by mounting the fuel tank under the bed?

Thanks for all the input guys.
Randy