53-79 stepside bed questions
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Cross-Country
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From: Central MS
53-79 stepside bed questions
New to FTE ... been surfing the posts a while to learn more about old Ford trucks and have picked up quite a bit so far. My question concerns subtle changes to the 53 & up 6-1/2, 8 & 9 foot stepside beds. I know that the rear fender location was raised approx. 1-1/2" on the bed side. Did this occur beginning in 57' or later? I'm guessing the cab redesign drove this change?? Also, the center stake pocket(s) were (1 on the 8' & 2 on the 9') were shortened & the lower form was modified slightly ... did this coincide with the fender repositioning? When were the flareboards changed from 40 to 90 degrees? Any other noteworthy changes on these bed designs?
Thanks, Jim.
Thanks, Jim.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1953-79 Flareside bed questions.
1957: Ford replaced all the sheet metal used 1953/56 with 1957 sheet metal, including the rear fenders, bed steps, same thru 1960. Some of the sheet metal changed in 1961, again in 1973.
Two different tailgates: 1957/72 6 1/2' bed F100's: 49 13/16" long, All other 1957/72's and all 1973/79's: 54 13/16" long.
9' Express Flareside (a stepside is a Chevrolet
) beds installed only on F350's thru 1966.
This bed does not require a left rear fender with the 'cut-out' to mount the spare tire. It mounts directly to the bed side.
Two different tailgates: 1957/72 6 1/2' bed F100's: 49 13/16" long, All other 1957/72's and all 1973/79's: 54 13/16" long.
9' Express Flareside (a stepside is a Chevrolet
) beds installed only on F350's thru 1966.This bed does not require a left rear fender with the 'cut-out' to mount the spare tire. It mounts directly to the bed side.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,431
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From: Central PA
I can't answer all your questions but here are the ones I can answer:
Q: I know that the rear fender location was raised approx. 1-1/2" on the bed side. Did this occur beginning in 57' or later?
A: Yes the fenders mounted higher on the bed started in 57.
Q: Also, the center stake pocket(s) were (1 on the 8' & 2 on the 9') were shortened & the lower form was modified slightly ... did this coincide with the fender repositioning?
A: Good point I wasn't aware of that but it makes sense. My guess is yes it had to do with the fender repositioning.
Q: When were the flareboards changed from 40 to 90 degrees?
A: Nov. 3, 1975 Ford started production of the flareside pickup with the old style body which had been discontinued after the 72 model year. In the spring of 1976 they started producing bedsides with the 90 degree flares.
Q: I know that the rear fender location was raised approx. 1-1/2" on the bed side. Did this occur beginning in 57' or later?
A: Yes the fenders mounted higher on the bed started in 57.
Q: Also, the center stake pocket(s) were (1 on the 8' & 2 on the 9') were shortened & the lower form was modified slightly ... did this coincide with the fender repositioning?
A: Good point I wasn't aware of that but it makes sense. My guess is yes it had to do with the fender repositioning.
Q: When were the flareboards changed from 40 to 90 degrees?
A: Nov. 3, 1975 Ford started production of the flareside pickup with the old style body which had been discontinued after the 72 model year. In the spring of 1976 they started producing bedsides with the 90 degree flares.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 67
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From: Central MS
1957: Ford replaced all the sheet metal used 1953/56 with 1957 sheet metal, including the rear fenders, bed steps, same thru 1960. Some of the sheet metal changed in 1961, again in 1973.
Two different tailgates: 1957/72 6 1/2' bed F100's: 49 13/16" long, All other 1957/72's and all 1973/79's: 54 13/16" long.
9' Express Flareside (a stepside is a Chevrolet) beds installed only on F350's thru 1966.
This bed does not require a left rear fender with the 'cut-out' to mount the spare tire. It mounts directly to the bed side.
Two different tailgates: 1957/72 6 1/2' bed F100's: 49 13/16" long, All other 1957/72's and all 1973/79's: 54 13/16" long.
9' Express Flareside (a stepside is a Chevrolet
) beds installed only on F350's thru 1966.This bed does not require a left rear fender with the 'cut-out' to mount the spare tire. It mounts directly to the bed side.
Also aware of the spare mount to the 9' bed w/o fender 'cut-out'. I have a 56' F350 express pickup with this set-up. Sorry for using the GM terminology stepside vs. flareside, I did know better, somehow my computer didn't.
Jim
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 67
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From: Central MS
I can't answer all your questions but here are the ones I can answer:
Q: I know that the rear fender location was raised approx. 1-1/2" on the bed side. Did this occur beginning in 57' or later?
A: Yes the fenders mounted higher on the bed started in 57.
Q: Also, the center stake pocket(s) were (1 on the 8' & 2 on the 9') were shortened & the lower form was modified slightly ... did this coincide with the fender repositioning?
A: Good point I wasn't aware of that but it makes sense. My guess is yes it had to do with the fender repositioning.
Q: When were the flareboards changed from 40 to 90 degrees?
A: Nov. 3, 1975 Ford started production of the flareside pickup with the old style body which had been discontinued after the 72 model year. In the spring of 1976 they started producing bedsides with the 90 degree flares.
Q: I know that the rear fender location was raised approx. 1-1/2" on the bed side. Did this occur beginning in 57' or later?
A: Yes the fenders mounted higher on the bed started in 57.
Q: Also, the center stake pocket(s) were (1 on the 8' & 2 on the 9') were shortened & the lower form was modified slightly ... did this coincide with the fender repositioning?
A: Good point I wasn't aware of that but it makes sense. My guess is yes it had to do with the fender repositioning.
Q: When were the flareboards changed from 40 to 90 degrees?
A: Nov. 3, 1975 Ford started production of the flareside pickup with the old style body which had been discontinued after the 72 model year. In the spring of 1976 they started producing bedsides with the 90 degree flares.
I thought 57' was the year since the cab was significantly changed from 53-56'. Must have raised the short runningboards & fenders to match new cab elevation.
I have a 56' F350 express pickup w/9' bed and a spare 9' bed from a later year & I noticed the difference in the 2 center stake pockets and the fender studs are approx. 1 1/2" higher on the later bed. The wheel well is stamped in the same position, just fender studs relocated. It also has short runningboards that attach to the lower extension panels in front of the fenders. I bought it to replace the 56' bed until I noticed these changes.
Didn't realize the flareside bed was absent 73-75 ... just remember seeing flat 90 degree flares show up in mid 70's thru 79. The new 80' & up beds kept the flat flares too. Appreciate the update, Abe.
Jim
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