So, I stupidly introduced myself in absolutely the wrong section, so figured I'd eventually find myself coming over here.

I'm originally from NW Iowa, but am working overseas. I sold my daily driver Series 80 Toyota Landcruiser before I deployed, and when I get back stateside this summer some time, I'd like to find and buy a mid-60s or older F-series. My Grandfather and dad were both Ford truck guys, and had several F-series, so I grew up around them.

If I'd have to pick a dream truck, it'd be a 1965-66 4x4 F250, but a two wheel drive F100 anywhere in the 1961-66 timeframe would make me deliriously happy. FE powered if possible.

This will be a truck that will earn its living; I don't have any "collectors cars" on the payroll; my 1967 Mustang Convertible is my summer daily driver and my lazy old 1938 Dodge Sedan project is headed out the door because it just doesn't fit my lifestyle.

My plans will be to baseline the truck and make it mechanically sound in every way, and as I have time and money, address cosmetics. I'm happy with the F-series as designed, am not interested in Concours or Resto-Mod anything. Just want a solid Ford truck, suitable for pulling my car trailer or driving out in the country with a future dog-to-be-named-later, (a rescue shelter mutt, of course) sitting in the seat next to me. I'm also currently collecting parts for a replica of one of the early 427 Cobras, complete with stroked 445 FE, TKO 600 Road Race tranny, 3.73 IRS and dual quads. This truck will be that car's soul mate, and facilitate travel to some Great Roads suitable for "spirited driving".

So, I don't have the truck, am idly looking for one, and am here to learn as much as I can about the mid-sixties F-series before I go out and plunk down my money on one.

Thanks for advice and tolerating my annoying questions in advance.

Drew

 

Welcome. You've come to the right place. I have a good friend who is getting ready to ship out to Afghanistan. He works as a PA in the medical field.
I would start reading some of the builds that people have done and look at some of the issues they have had to deal with. I'm amazed at the amount of work some guys have had to do to their cabs because of rust. Read and learn and then you'll know what to look for when you start shopping.
john

 

I've been doing that very thing. Also watching the TV shows on YouTube, with an eye specifically toward body issues.

I've come to the conclusion that I am willing to travel to find a straight cab and frame. Or pick up someone elses' project with the cab already done.

Though I have been hanging out here: All MetalShaping - Powered by vBulletin and here: Metal Meet Forums to learn how to deal with body cancer properly.

Thanks for your kind words, and I look forward to more as I do my self-education and search.

 

Hi Drew Welcome to and the Slick Forum

Glad to see you are starting a plan. The FE 352 was introduced to pickups in 65 along with the Twin Ibeam so while the pre 65s look similar there is a huge difference in the not seen. The chassis are basically unchanged from the rear cab mounts to the front bumper from 65-79. In 73 power disc brakes were introduced and power steering pretty much made standard. I bought a 76 swapped the C6 tranny, pdb, ps into my 66. I then had a good driving truck that could shift it's own gears.

Arizona, NM, S Cali are good places to look for low rust trucks. There are guys here from that area that might be able to help you find a truck.

Stay safe and come home.


John

 

My wife and I are traveling to Tucson for the last week in July this year. I had planned on doing some looking around while we were there.

 

Tucson is a hot market. Anything with a decent body and lower price is bought fast. The Phoenix metro area always has a better selection and better prices.

 

Thanks for the advice. We'll probably fly into PHX and then rent a car to drive down to Tucson, as we both have friends/family there.

Drew

 

check the cab mounts.
check the cab mounts.
CHECK THE CAB MOUNTS!

haha.

 

There are no trucks cooler than a 1966 F250 4x4. Here is a shot of my friends truck in the June 1970 time frame on a long hill climb. He still owns this truck today - 50 years later.

Chad

.

 

Except maybe a 1966 Mercury 100 shortbox Ranger 😜 It is cool that he still owns it though

 

This is a close second.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-crew-cab.html

Chad

.

 

And I thought the Super Duty script and scoop were my idea about twenty years ago...I got scooped by thirty years...

 

I live in Tucson and have a friend who has a '65 F250 4x4 project truck that might still be available when you come to visit in July. It will need a lot of work from what I understand. Let me know if you are interested. Also, I have fitted my '66 F100 out to work as a tow vehicle when necessary. It's pretty heavily upgraded (restomodded) which you said you weren't paricularly interested in, but I would argue that improving the braking and suspension, not to mention creature comforts like power steering and air conditioning are worth considering. Let me know if you are interessted in seeing it when you are out here.

 

Once the time gets closer, I'll be in touch about your friend's car.

I'm not a stickler on originality by any means. If a truck already had upgrades, I wouldn't turn them down. I'm just saying for my purposes, the stock setup is sufficient, provided it has been maintained/baselined properly. I drive like it's 1965 and the Midwest supports that mindset.

Just not interested in 10" Lifts, "slamming" or converting it to a police car with a pickup body. That's all.

 

First if all, thank you for your service!
Saw your wishbook and can tell you they are indeed out there.
Stay safe on the deployment.