replacement bed
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: Enon,Ohio
replacement bed
Sorry if this is an old, worn out topic (I did a search...), but I was wondering what years are interchangeable with a 1980 F-150 bed.
Also, where can I find a summary of F-series truck changes over the last 30 or so years.
Thanks
Stan
Also, where can I find a summary of F-series truck changes over the last 30 or so years.
Thanks
Stan
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
replacement bed
'80-96, but there was a minor change in the body line at the wheelwells in '87-96. Your old taillights will fit a new bed if you want to keep them, but I prefer '87-91s for the wraparound backup lights.
This is about Broncos, but some of it is applicable to F-Series:
1966 The latest addition to the truck line was the four-wheel drive Bronco utility vehicle. Built on a 92-inch wheelbase, the Bronco was powered by the 170ci inline six, and later in the year, the 289ci V-8 became optional. The Bronco was available in three styles: the standard Bronco was the roadster, with no roof or doors and a fold-down windshield; the sports utility was a pickup with a bolted-on, removable steel roof over, the front seat; and the Bronco wagon came with a full-length roof and large side windows.
1967 New additions to the basically unchanged Bronco included variable-speed windshield wipers, padded sun visors, back-up lights, a dual brake master cylinder and self-adjusting brakes. The sports utility model is now called a pickup. A new Sport Package available for the wagon and pickup included bright horn rings, headlight bezels, taillight bezels, tailgate handle, windshield rails, instrument panel trim, side window frames, a grille, chrome plated bumpers with bumper guards, dual armrests, trimmed headboard liner, wheel covers, cigar lighter and a floor mat for the wagon.
1968 The Bronco continued with the same body shell, which now got side marker lights on the front and reflectors on the lower rear quarter panels. The front bumpers were new as well, featuring curved rather than squared off ends. The interior's door handles and window cranks were improved, and a heater and defroster were standard. Freewheeling front hubs and the Bronco's swing away spare tire carrier were new.
1969 The Bronco roadster model was deleted and the other Bronco models got minor cosmetic changes. However, many mechanical improvements were made to reduce noise and improve Bronco's structural integrity, including elimination of the Bronco's folding windshield.
1970 The most noticeable change on the Bronco was the now flush mounted side marker lamps, which were also positioned higher. The base engine was still the 170ci, 105hp inline six. The Sport Package still included bright exterior moldings and trim, an argent grille, Parchment pleated upholstery, floor mats, lighter, chrome front and rear bumpers, wheel covers and Sport Bronco emblem.
1971 Basically no changes were made to the Bronco. It did get a heavier duty front axle and 12.7 gallon gas tank. Only three speed manual transmission available.
1972 Basically no changes were made to the Bronco. When fitted with the optional 302ci V-8 engine, bucket seats and a 3.5:1 rear axle were included.
1973 Bronco now one model series, as the pickup version was dropped. Base engine was 200ci version of the in line six, and the 302ci V-8 was optional. Power steering and the Cruise-O-Matic transmission were new options on V-8 equipped Broncos.
1974 Exterior was unchanged. Selector dial for transmission was lighted and a dome light replaced the map light, which became an option. New is a different steering gear mechanism. Six-cylinder engine was phased out during the year.
1975 Exterior was unchanged but underwent several mechanical changes, including new use of a catalytic converter.
1976 Mechanical enhancements like heavier axle and front disc brakes were made. New options included front stabilizer bar, quicker power steering system and heavy-duty shocks. Also new was the Special Decor Group consisting of a blacked-out grille, color-keyed hood and bodyside tape stripe, bright windshield moldings and window frames and bright wheel covers, 200ci inline six with a 3-speed transmission. Optional was the 302ci V-8 and Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission.
1977 The Bronco had minor refinements for its last year with this body style.
1978-1979 Beginning with the 1978 model year, Bronco was completely redesigned. Bearing no relationship with the earlier models. 1978-79 Bronco is built on an F150 pick-up chassis. The 1978-79 models are identical insofar as equipment goes. Engine availability was limited to a base 351 ci V8 with an optional 400 V8 also available.
1980 The4x4 Bronco trimmed down a bit for 1980. Although the front-end treatment resembled the 1978-79 models, it was different. The grille was revised and the parking lights were now recessed directly beneath the headlights. New wrap-around taillights were used. Also new was twin beam independent front suspension, replacing the former rigid axle.
1981 Styling of the four-wheel drive Bronco was unchanged for 1981. Standard features included: Bucket seats, vinyl sun visors, padded instrument panel, armrests, door lock buttons and inside hood release.
1982 The 4x4 Bronco received a mild face-lift for 1982. The revised grille had only three vertical bars and the Ford script in an oval emblem in its center. This emblem was also placed on the lower left corner of the tailgate
1983 Styling of the four-wheel drive Bronco was carried over from the previous year. Convenience options included a headlamp-on warning buzzer. The underhood light had a 20-foot cord.
1984 Styling of the four-wheel Bronco was carried over from the previous year. Standard features included: Black front and rear bumpers; bright hubcaps and black scuff plates. Options included an underhood toolbox.
1985 Outside of some new options, the four-wheel drive Bronco was unchanged for 1985. New options included white, styled steel wheels.
1986 The attractive full-size Bronco was basically unchanged for 1986. The Eddie Bauer Bronco included two-tone paint, dual bodyside paint stripes, privacy glass, all-terrain raised white-letter tires and Eddie Bauer garment and equipment bags.
Also, check:
Performance Unlimited
This is about Broncos, but some of it is applicable to F-Series:
1966 The latest addition to the truck line was the four-wheel drive Bronco utility vehicle. Built on a 92-inch wheelbase, the Bronco was powered by the 170ci inline six, and later in the year, the 289ci V-8 became optional. The Bronco was available in three styles: the standard Bronco was the roadster, with no roof or doors and a fold-down windshield; the sports utility was a pickup with a bolted-on, removable steel roof over, the front seat; and the Bronco wagon came with a full-length roof and large side windows.
1967 New additions to the basically unchanged Bronco included variable-speed windshield wipers, padded sun visors, back-up lights, a dual brake master cylinder and self-adjusting brakes. The sports utility model is now called a pickup. A new Sport Package available for the wagon and pickup included bright horn rings, headlight bezels, taillight bezels, tailgate handle, windshield rails, instrument panel trim, side window frames, a grille, chrome plated bumpers with bumper guards, dual armrests, trimmed headboard liner, wheel covers, cigar lighter and a floor mat for the wagon.
1968 The Bronco continued with the same body shell, which now got side marker lights on the front and reflectors on the lower rear quarter panels. The front bumpers were new as well, featuring curved rather than squared off ends. The interior's door handles and window cranks were improved, and a heater and defroster were standard. Freewheeling front hubs and the Bronco's swing away spare tire carrier were new.
1969 The Bronco roadster model was deleted and the other Bronco models got minor cosmetic changes. However, many mechanical improvements were made to reduce noise and improve Bronco's structural integrity, including elimination of the Bronco's folding windshield.
1970 The most noticeable change on the Bronco was the now flush mounted side marker lamps, which were also positioned higher. The base engine was still the 170ci, 105hp inline six. The Sport Package still included bright exterior moldings and trim, an argent grille, Parchment pleated upholstery, floor mats, lighter, chrome front and rear bumpers, wheel covers and Sport Bronco emblem.
1971 Basically no changes were made to the Bronco. It did get a heavier duty front axle and 12.7 gallon gas tank. Only three speed manual transmission available.
1972 Basically no changes were made to the Bronco. When fitted with the optional 302ci V-8 engine, bucket seats and a 3.5:1 rear axle were included.
1973 Bronco now one model series, as the pickup version was dropped. Base engine was 200ci version of the in line six, and the 302ci V-8 was optional. Power steering and the Cruise-O-Matic transmission were new options on V-8 equipped Broncos.
1974 Exterior was unchanged. Selector dial for transmission was lighted and a dome light replaced the map light, which became an option. New is a different steering gear mechanism. Six-cylinder engine was phased out during the year.
1975 Exterior was unchanged but underwent several mechanical changes, including new use of a catalytic converter.
1976 Mechanical enhancements like heavier axle and front disc brakes were made. New options included front stabilizer bar, quicker power steering system and heavy-duty shocks. Also new was the Special Decor Group consisting of a blacked-out grille, color-keyed hood and bodyside tape stripe, bright windshield moldings and window frames and bright wheel covers, 200ci inline six with a 3-speed transmission. Optional was the 302ci V-8 and Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission.
1977 The Bronco had minor refinements for its last year with this body style.
1978-1979 Beginning with the 1978 model year, Bronco was completely redesigned. Bearing no relationship with the earlier models. 1978-79 Bronco is built on an F150 pick-up chassis. The 1978-79 models are identical insofar as equipment goes. Engine availability was limited to a base 351 ci V8 with an optional 400 V8 also available.
1980 The4x4 Bronco trimmed down a bit for 1980. Although the front-end treatment resembled the 1978-79 models, it was different. The grille was revised and the parking lights were now recessed directly beneath the headlights. New wrap-around taillights were used. Also new was twin beam independent front suspension, replacing the former rigid axle.
1981 Styling of the four-wheel drive Bronco was unchanged for 1981. Standard features included: Bucket seats, vinyl sun visors, padded instrument panel, armrests, door lock buttons and inside hood release.
1982 The 4x4 Bronco received a mild face-lift for 1982. The revised grille had only three vertical bars and the Ford script in an oval emblem in its center. This emblem was also placed on the lower left corner of the tailgate
1983 Styling of the four-wheel drive Bronco was carried over from the previous year. Convenience options included a headlamp-on warning buzzer. The underhood light had a 20-foot cord.
1984 Styling of the four-wheel Bronco was carried over from the previous year. Standard features included: Black front and rear bumpers; bright hubcaps and black scuff plates. Options included an underhood toolbox.
1985 Outside of some new options, the four-wheel drive Bronco was unchanged for 1985. New options included white, styled steel wheels.
1986 The attractive full-size Bronco was basically unchanged for 1986. The Eddie Bauer Bronco included two-tone paint, dual bodyside paint stripes, privacy glass, all-terrain raised white-letter tires and Eddie Bauer garment and equipment bags.
Also, check:
Performance Unlimited
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville USA
replacement bed
Has anyone ever seen an 80-86 truck with one of the newer beds on it? I was just wondering how it looked?
I have an 84 that the bed has been brutally abused, so I've been kind of looking around for one. Finding a good one that old isn't easy.
I work with a guy that has a 93. I've parked beside him, trying to determine whether it would look right or not. One time I'll look, and think the lines line up well, but then I'll look again, and think they might not.
The thing I am most concerned about is the contour line that goes down the side of the bed and lines up with the line on the cab.
Thanks!
Rick
I have an 84 that the bed has been brutally abused, so I've been kind of looking around for one. Finding a good one that old isn't easy.
I work with a guy that has a 93. I've parked beside him, trying to determine whether it would look right or not. One time I'll look, and think the lines line up well, but then I'll look again, and think they might not.
The thing I am most concerned about is the contour line that goes down the side of the bed and lines up with the line on the cab.
Thanks!
Rick
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
replacement bed
i've seen a lot around here. the only differences are the fenderwell opening, the taillights and the tailgate. they look pretty good to me. the lines are the exact same. I'm probably going to get one myself. if it really bothered you, you could find a bed with rusted wheel wells and cut them out and weld in a patch from an 80-86 bed.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville USA
replacement bed
Thanks Bremen. I'll have to check in to that. I can handle the wheel wells. I was just worried about the transition from the cab to the bed.
It should be easier to find a good bed from a truck in the early to mid '90s than in the 80s.
It should be easier to find a good bed from a truck in the early to mid '90s than in the 80s.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
replacement bed
in PA the later the better. here the only beds you'll find good are like 92 and up.. however, you might find a salvage yard that imports them from the south. I seen some good early 80's bed from there.
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
replacement bed
A buddy of mine has an 81' F250 with an 89' bed on it. If he hadn't told me it was an 89 bed, I probably would have never known the difference. He does however have the 89 tailgate but an 80 should fit on yours. The body lines do match up and a few minor details distinguish the 89 from the 81 such as fenders. I would definetely recommend doing this.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville USA
replacement bed
Thanks for the feedback guys. I just bought a bed off a 94 a couple of hours ago. I think I got a pretty good deal. No dents, no rust, bed liner, bed rails, tailgate and tail lights for $600.
Oh, and I got him to throw in a spare tire carrier, and deliver it to my house too.
Do you think that was a decent deal?
Thanks,
Rick
84/94 F150
Oh, and I got him to throw in a spare tire carrier, and deliver it to my house too.
Do you think that was a decent deal?
Thanks,
Rick
84/94 F150
