Howdy,
I'm beginning to look around and save up for my first classic truck -- wanted one since I was a kid and figure I ain't getting any younger. Though I like really like classic 40's pickups, I figure it makes more sense to go for a 60's Ford as it will be a (hopefully) daily driver. I am a big fan of the Twin I-Beam 65 and 66 Ford F-series. I have a minimum of mechanical skills, and have access to a shop and a father-in-law who knows his way around old fords. I find them for sale around here in the $3000-4500 range in what looks to be unrestored, good shape. I'm not interested in really "cherry-ing" it out, but would like to keep it stock.
Would this make a good 'starter' truck for someone interested in a classic ride?
Do you find parts relatively easy to get a hold of?
Are they a good dependable truck when maintained?
(Roughly) what do get for gas mileage?
Any other advice, comments, ideas etc etc appreciated. I'm real new with this, so go easy on me!
Thanks
Pete

 

Welcome to FTE

If you're looking for good MPG, look elsewhere. These truck have the aerodynamics of a brick, a gallon of 105 octane back then was about 37 cents, no one gave a hoot about MPG.

Expect 8-12 city, you might get 15-17 hwy if you drive like Uncle Fudd (55 MPH).

I'm a fan of these trucks too, but haven't a chance of fitting behind the steering wheel any longer. Bought one new in 1965, sold it in 2009.

Last 10 years it sat mostly undriven, cuz "Arthur" and spinal stenosis had arrived.

 

Yes. Easy to work on. Decent driving. Pretty good looking.
The parts availability of the trucks from the 60s is pretty good depending on where your at in the US.
Yes. But anything is near as dependable as you want it to be.
6-20 MPG depending on engine, trans, rear end ratio, and driving style.

 

Hi New Guy.
I wrote a column, "What is my 61-66 Truck Worth?" that may be helpful to you. Ford
I bought a pretty original '65 quite a few years ago. You can read about it via the same link. I actually use mine as a truck, hauling stuff and towing my race car to the track a couple times a year. These trucks are rock simple, and easy for most anyone to work on. I've seen 15 mpg from mine, but I do drive it like a grandpa to get that. They certainly can be driven every day (hey, the sixties weren't exactly the Dark Ages, or that long ago) but you will give up some creature comforts that may or may not annoy you. The 65-66 2wd is a more comfortable truck than the ones that preceded it thanks to a cab redesign that give a bit more room. Steering wheel is still huge (no power steering, so you need the leverage). Steering response is slow and 'involving', particularly when parking. Manual brakes need to be applied with authority to accomplish slowing, but they will do it. Disc brakes are a simple bolt-in upgrade and, along with a dual master cylinder, I strongly suggest for a DD to compete with the insane people out there today. Heater is adequate. Vent windows and ankle coolers make a/c almost unnecessary in most parts of the country. The column shift manual trans is clunky, slow and an excellent deterrent against theft. Unless you have to have the V8 rumble the I6 is not a bad choice, particularly if upgraded to a 300 ci. Pretty much anything to keep it running is available. Body parts are more difficult; there are no hoods. No new grilles other than 1966 and it's very pricey. No 'correct' tailgates but you can use the newer one; only difference is the lettering. Repro bumpers are cheap junk and don't fit right. All the rubber is available but you only want Dennis Carpenter branded stuff; the others doesn't fit well. Rust is the big killer on these, so don't buy a rusty truck. You are better off buying one from a 'dry' climate that is solid and paying $1000 to have it shipped than trying to weld a crusty one back together. With proper gearing (not found on a F250!) they cruise nice on the highway at 70 mph. There really is no difference in driving or living with one of these vs a 'bump side' or later truck up to 1979; the driving experience will be pretty much the same. Drive one and decide for yourself if it's going to be charming or annoying.

 

Here are some parts places I have come across...I'm sure others can add to the list.
Dennis Carpenter Ford Car, F-100 Pickup Truck, 8N, 9N Tractor and Cushman Scooter Restoration Parts
66 Ford F100 Truck Parts > LMC Truck Has 66 Ford F100 Truck Parts In Stock
61-66 Ford F100 Parts at Andy's Auto Sport
Carolina Classics, Obsolete Ford Truck Parts, truck part, ford truck part, truck body parts, classic truck part, pickup truck part, old truck part, classic ford truck part, antique truck part, old ford truck part, auto truck part, ford truck restorat
Blue Oval Truck Parts: Truck Parts, Truck Accessories, F-Series Trucks Parts, Ford Truck F250 Accessories
NPD - Restoring American History | Mustang Parts | Camaro Parts | Chevelle Parts | Ford Truck Parts | T-Bird Parts | Firebird Parts
Chevy Car Parts | Vintage - GMC Car, Classic Truck Parts
1966 ford truck | eBay

Welcome and good luck!!

 

These trucks are many things to many people.Yeah,they are like bricks and yada yada yada...But there are some good things in there as well.Such as,you can disconnect the battery as long as you want w/o fear of screwing up a computer or sensor of some kind.You won't spend 85ish dollars finding out you need to replace the air intake sensor.Not to fix it mind you,just to find out!You'll never spend 300plus dollars replacing one side of your tail lights.You'll be able to replace points with a screwdriver on the side of the road.You can always use a drive up bank teller window cuz your power windows will always work.You can do 60mph with both windows down and talk with your bud at normal volume.You'll enjoy the thumbs up on the road wherever you go.You can enjoy better insurance rates cuz there's no way your truck can cost 40grand.You can upgrade to power discs and steering w/o spending an arm and leg and left testi...And you don't need computer degree from MIT to work on it yourself.Both tail light bulbs and turn signal bulbs cost about 2bucks.And my personel favorite..your best girl can sit right next to ya where God intended.I can go on but I would rather you discover these things for yourself, besides that could be a new thread altogether.Good luck to you in your search and welcome to the site.There's many many good people here.BTW,I'm in Tulsa if ya need some help.

 

6 months ago I was in the same boat as you. I had always loved the 60's F100's and always wanted to purchase one. I came across a 66 flareside and bought it that day.

At the time I still thought they were called stepsides. I had no idea what a 300 six was even though that is what was in my truck. (I knew it was a 6 cylinder but had no idea the 300 was the motor it was).

After being a member of the forums for the last 6 months I have learned a wealth of knowledge from all the great members here. I've found that most any question you have there is someone who frequents the forums that knows. There is also 10+ years of previous posts that have tons of great information.

I recommend getting the chiltons manual for 65-86 ford trucks as it has tons of great information there. I also recommend getting the shop manual for the 66 fords as well. Get it digitally as the actual book is hard to find. I found my digital copy online for around 25 bucks. The wiring diagram is also a must, I've seen it posted here a few times and you can also buy it online.

As for buying one I'd recommend posting here before you make the purchase. There are people here that will tell you right off the bat whether that particular truck is worth it. That is one thing I wish I would've done because I probably paid a bit too much for my truck, and could've talked the guy down!