Starting trouble...
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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Starting trouble...
So I'm new to the group and trying to learn. I've been trying to decide on my favorite truck, as I'm in the market, and while I prefer a '65 or '66 so far, I keep coming across deals on '64s.
Visual appeal, price, rust, and engine aside... Am I going to regret ending up with a '64? The main difference seems to be the twin - I beam. Is it worth waiting to find? What other differences matter?
Also, I enjoy a manual, but read automatics are easier on the wallet. True?
Hopefully no one looses an eye over this one.
Visual appeal, price, rust, and engine aside... Am I going to regret ending up with a '64? The main difference seems to be the twin - I beam. Is it worth waiting to find? What other differences matter?
Also, I enjoy a manual, but read automatics are easier on the wallet. True?
Hopefully no one looses an eye over this one.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 14
From: Tucson, Arizona
Many (most?) people would suggest the ride is better with the Twin I-Beam suspension than with the straight axle. It is also easier to modify the '65 and later trucks with disc brakes, including power, and power steering. Also, you get more modern engines (if still old by today's standards) in the 240/300/352 than with the older truck. Usually, a manual transmission from back in the day will be a bit more fuel efficient than the automatic, but there are a lot of "depends ons" (gearing, engine, trans, driving habits, state of tune, modifications done). Hope this helps and that you find the truck you're looking for. There are a lot of them out there so hold on for the one you want. Good luck!
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Senior User
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Thanks for taking the time to answer. I figured this would get more opinions, but yours helps me. I guess it's just hard to wait...I need to stop looking at pictures of other people's trucks, haha.
Thanks again for your input.
Thanks again for your input.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 75
Likes: 3
From: Cypress, TX
I was in the same boat as you are. I swore up and down that I wanted a 65-66 short bed, with twin I beams. I never could find a good deal on one, especially not a short bed. I ended up with a 64 for a good deal, and can't be happier (so far).
The big advantage that I see to the twin I beam trucks is the ability to mix and match parts to later trucks (disc brakes/power steering). It seems like the parts are available for the solid axle trucks, you are just going to pay more as they are aftermarket.
You will also get arguments of which motor is better, 292 or 352. This seams like the a preference thing. I thought I would be disapointed in the 292 (had my mind set on 352), but I have been impressed with it so far, in stock form.
So far, I have been able to find parts to turn my 64 into what I want out of it, I just need to find the time.
The big advantage that I see to the twin I beam trucks is the ability to mix and match parts to later trucks (disc brakes/power steering). It seems like the parts are available for the solid axle trucks, you are just going to pay more as they are aftermarket.
You will also get arguments of which motor is better, 292 or 352. This seams like the a preference thing. I thought I would be disapointed in the 292 (had my mind set on 352), but I have been impressed with it so far, in stock form.
So far, I have been able to find parts to turn my 64 into what I want out of it, I just need to find the time.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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I hear you MCD. I imagine any type of truck you're driving is better than waiting for one to appear; a 292 runs way better than a couch and a dream. 
Thankfully i'm not in a rush...yet. Let's hope the cold can keep the "I must have a truck now" bug from making me buy something to early.
Thankfully i'm not in a rush...yet. Let's hope the cold can keep the "I must have a truck now" bug from making me buy something to early.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Sounds like you are doing your homework. The trick is not falling in love with the first gal that comes along. What you will find is that Ford made significant changes from year to year on either sides of 64 and it kind of makes them an orphan at times when it comes to parts availability, kinda. As a practical matter a truck that has had the brakes either upgraded professionally or at least restored to a safe condition is wise, along with a bearing repack and/or replacement all around. You can be selective and smart if you take your time a little bit. I tend to like original restorations or one that hasn't been buggered all to hell. They are getting tough to find. Sure, a new engine, disc brakes, power steering, auto xmsn, and all that, makes a nice ride but that's what new trucks are for. To each his own, though.
I would look for for an original rust-free example of what you are looking for where somebody has done the legwork for you. If you have the cash saved up you can deal and get a good truck at a great price, there's no way to recoup the time and money involved and the book value is about 800 bucks no matter how nice, if you think about it.
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I would look for for an original rust-free example of what you are looking for where somebody has done the legwork for you. If you have the cash saved up you can deal and get a good truck at a great price, there's no way to recoup the time and money involved and the book value is about 800 bucks no matter how nice, if you think about it.
Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 676
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From: Glendale, AZ
Two big factors for me are leg room and seat position. Going from a '63 to a '66 was a world of difference for me. I'm more comfortable in the '66. The steering wheel position in the '63 was not to my liking. The wheel almost sat in my lap. It was a full time job manually shifting that beast while steering around corners and turns. I live in the city where speeds are higher and more idiots are on the road. The '66 rides much better as well.
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 603
Likes: 3
From: San Antonio
I chose the '64 because it is the year of my birth. It is also the last year of the 292 Y block second generation V8, solid axle, and the drop down step inside. I have manual brakes and steering and even like my generator. This makes it an old truck to me and sets it a part from the more modern trucks. To me 65 was the turning point where Ford started making trucks comfortable and complicated.
I like the old feel. Me and my 5 year old adjusted the valves on the old truck this afternoon and went for ice cream. You will not do that on a 65, for some that is good, for me it adds to the charm as does the all metal interior and a little bump steer.
The most important thing is to get what you want. You will spend an lot of time and money on a old truck and hopefully a lot of time riding in it. Choose wisely. Their resale value is a fraction of what you spend on them so it is real expense if you change your mind later and decide you have to have a 65 or 66.
I like the old feel. Me and my 5 year old adjusted the valves on the old truck this afternoon and went for ice cream. You will not do that on a 65, for some that is good, for me it adds to the charm as does the all metal interior and a little bump steer.
The most important thing is to get what you want. You will spend an lot of time and money on a old truck and hopefully a lot of time riding in it. Choose wisely. Their resale value is a fraction of what you spend on them so it is real expense if you change your mind later and decide you have to have a 65 or 66.
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