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1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

Difference in 1971 and 1973 bed?

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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 07:45 PM
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Difference in 1971 and 1973 bed?

I am trying to find a tonneau cover for my 1971 F-100 Sport Custom. The cover I am interested in is the Roll-N-Lock M Series.

On this website I noticed the earliest vehicles listed that it fits is the 1973.

On another website I tried typing in 1971 with no results but when I tried 1973 I found the it.

I am wondering if it would fit even though it is my truck is a 1971? Or does anyone know of a hard, locking tonneau cover that would fit?
 
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 05:08 AM
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71 Welcome to FTE & the Bumps forum.

I wouldn't want you to spend that kind of money on my say so, I believe the bed opens are very close in measurement. The covers are close fit not exact. I believe they are very similar from the 60s to the 90s.

Why don't you take & post measurements length & width of your bed at the top and we can compare different trucks with you.



John
 
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Old Aug 24, 2012 | 04:59 AM
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Thanks for replying. Sorry it took so long to reply.

The measurement from the inside of the bed is: 97in x 65in.

The measurement from the outside of the bed is: 100in x 74in.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2012 | 06:39 PM
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Pretty much the same for my 66.


John
 
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Old Aug 25, 2012 | 04:22 PM
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k thank you
 
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Old Aug 25, 2012 | 04:36 PM
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Was hoping someone that had a 73 & up would check their bed opening and report.



John
 
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Old Aug 25, 2012 | 05:08 PM
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I measured my 70 and 76 HB CC's, and even though short bed's, should give you an idea. 70- 65X76" inner and 74X79 3/4" outer
76- 65X80 1/2" inner, 73X83 1/2" outer
It depends how much would ride over the sides as the 73+ sides have a thicker sidewall and a different curve to them.
 
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Old Aug 26, 2012 | 12:36 PM
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The '73-'79 trucks (dentside) are 2 in. longer hence the bed will be 2 in. longer. People who do a bumpside on a dentside frame run into this all the time.
 
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Old Aug 26, 2012 | 04:32 PM
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Tim, The chassis on the 73 Up is actually 4 in longer. 4" was added to the rear of the cab starting in 73.



John
 
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Old Aug 26, 2012 | 04:49 PM
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From: Lacey
Originally Posted by jowilker
Tim, The chassis on the 73 Up is actually 4 in longer. 4" was added to the rear of the cab starting in 73.John
I just meant to point out the bed length but thanks for that I did not know.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2012 | 07:07 AM
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Originally Posted by jowilker
Tim, The chassis on the 73 Up is actually 4 in longer. 4" was added to the rear of the cab starting in 73.
8' bed Regular Cab: 1967/72: The wheelbase is 131" / 1973/79: The wheelbase is 133"

Beginning in 1973, Ford increased the width between the inner frame rails behind the cab by 4" on everything except 1973/77 F250 4WD's (High Boys) & 1973/79 F350's on the 140" wheelbase.

So, all 1973/79 F100/350's have 37 1/2" inner frame rails except as noted that have 33 1/2" inner frame rails, the same width between the inner rear frame rails that all 1961/72 F100/350's have.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2012 | 08:37 AM
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Bill, I didn't say nothing about no wheelbase or width. If you have a chance to look one day the 4in added to the rear of the cab floor pan it is as plane as day to see. Ford used the same pan as 65-72 with the extra added. It is behind the rear mounts. That is why a 65-79 cab front clip is a bolt hole exchange.

The reason I know this, I pulled the carpet out of a 76 while it was still sitting beside a 66 and started noticing the similarity. I then got my tape measure out and measured the to cab floors every way but sunday. They are identical until you get to the plain view extension that is fitted under the original.

Stop standing on my fingers.



John
 
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Old Sep 15, 2015 | 06:31 PM
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I am in the same fix. I want to get an extang trifecta vinyl cover. Pretty sure the top rail of the 73 to 79 is narrower so inside measures could be mis leading. Can anyone get to outside distance width between the stake pockets, since I want my cover to overlap the openings on both sides. Then the length from the front edge of the front rail, to the back edge of the tailgate. Even better if any one has a cover model number they know will fit. You guys kind of got off track with all the other dimensional Sabre rattling. Getting the linex spray in bed liner as well.


 
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