I've noticed on a few instrument clusters for the 66 custom cab, some, but not all, have 2 extra gauges. An ALT. and a OIL gauge. Was this an optional gauge package or was it just for the "Camper Special"?

What options made a truck a "Camper Special"?

 

Those gauges were optional on standard cabs also.

 

Look in the glovebox. If there is a can of 'bear repellant' it is probably a "Camper Special"

Actually, though, run a search for 'Camper Special' there are quite a few CS owners that know every option found on these jewels.

 

Thanks OldHarley! Since you refered to them as jewels am I correct in assuming they are a bit on the rarer side?

 

Osiyo I believe they were optional for all 65-66s, but was definitely on the camper special option list.

 

Camper Special is a package ford offered for 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks starting with the 1965 model year...there are 3 different levels of the CS package for the F250 2WD trucks...the things that make up whats called the Deluxe Camper pkg is as follows:

1125 lb or 1250 lb front springs 6 cyl and V8 respectively
Extra cooling radiator
fender inserts identifying it as a CS...the ONLY exception is on Ranger package trucks which receive a Ranger insert instead.
HD 70 amp/hr battery
55amp alternator-825 watt
Dual Western- type mirrors...I call them Mickey Mouse ears as they are large
they are I believe 6X8 inches and have three door mount points and arent
swing lock type. They were shipped loose in the back of the bed from the
factory.
Extended tailpipe
Oil and Amp gauges
Camper wiring harness(where available)
--Minimum required extra cost optional equipment--
300 6 cylinder or 352 V8 engine
2400 lb rear main springs
4 speed manual or 3 speed Crise-O-Matic
Tires and wheels: 2-7.50x16-6 PR(TT) on front
3-7.50x16-8 PR (TT)rear and spare, 16x 5.50F split rims

Custom Camper pkg:
All of the above plus: Custom Cab package
Deluxe Fresh Air heater
2 speed wipers
LH door storage compartment
Dual horns

Deluxe Camper Package(Styleside only)
All of the above plus: Padded visors
Chrome front bumper
Body side moldings
RH tool stowage compartment(in the bed)

The package was offered on F100 2WD and F100 4WD(1966 only)
The F100 package was offered in one level only...Their composition is as follows:
129" wheelbase Styleside truck
front springs, radiator, fender emblems, battery, alternator, mirrors,tailpipe
instruments, wiring harness,engine, rear springs, transmission, are ALL same
as the F250 above.
Wheels and tires: 5-7.00x 15-6PR (TT), 15x50F split rims

1966 F100 4WD is the same as 2WD F100, CS not offered on F250 4WD at
all in 1965 and 1966.
The easiest way I have come to tell the HD cooling is the dual groove
pulleys used on these trucks.

The above info is from the 1966 Salesmans book I have...genuine ford literature. The 1965 F100 4WD used a different bed and cab vs their 1966
counterparts thus there not being a 1965 F100 4WD Camper Special truck
offered.

The oil and amp gauge package was optional with all of the trucks.

If you have any other CS questions...ask away...



- cs65

 

I'm guessing it was an option. My 66 has the plastic chrome dash pannel with the extra gauges. Mine is a Custom Cab. That might be the difference. ??

 

Now that was the info I was looking for! Thanks CS65 and every one else that contributed.