I was just wondering how scarce the side tool option was?I found a 66 Merc long box Custom cab with one.

 

I believe the side tool compartment is even more rare in short bed format. Long bed tool compartment not super rare. I got lucky and found this NOS compartment with all the bits and pieces. My original wasn't too bad (California truck) but the latch is not good and no keys to be had so was thrilled to find this one.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14104693


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I have 3 F-100s. 2/65s & 1/66. They are all short boxes. 2 of them have the storage compartments.
I see them now and then at the wrecking yards but since I'm not in the market, I usually pass them up. Didn't really think anyone might be interested. Don't really have a lot of room to store a bunch of parts but if I knew someone was really interested, I'd keep my eyes open. Don't find many short boxes, mainly long beds.
Great place to keep jack and stuff for tire repair/replace.

 

From my observations most of the higher spec versions have them, but barely any low spec versions have them. Also they seem to be on 250's a lot more then 100's.

I have only seen short bed versions on the internet never in person.

I have 3 long box versions, and will put 2 on my project when it drives again.

 

I was just curious,I have only ever seen a couple or so in Saskatchewan.I would guess these are a dealer installed option.

 

They were also factory installed on some trucks. The 1966 Deluxe Camper Special model, which required the Styleside bed, had the tool compartment installed on the assembly line as a standard item.


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The long one is certainly not rare. The short one is uncommon but not terribly scarce. What is really rare, and maybe unavailable, is the weather strip for either. In my opinion the box is not useful if it is not weatherproof.
Eric

 

I hear that! I got the weatherstrip with my NOS box and was glad because I can't find it anyplace.


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...8&d=1393297613


You can see the location of the weatherstrip in the instructions here. It's the darkest line in the print.


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...9&d=1393297613



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Yeah, for years I looked everywhere for that rubber and I finally concluded that it is unique. It seems to me that the contours should be common with something - '57-59 retractable or Lincoln convertible or who knows what - but nope.
Eric

 

Both of my '66 F100 4x4's have them, one is long bed, one is short bed, m.

 

THe tool storage box option would be rare option on a F 350 with the old design styleside or 4x4 pickups with old design styleside .

 

Are we talking about this storage area?

 

Really rare since it doesn't fit well at all. The contours of the tool compartment outside panel are not the same as the contours of the older styleside bed. I was going to do it since I have 2 tool compartments and 3 trucks (two have the older styleside) and could tell that wouldn't work without some surgery beyond just cutting an opening for it.


I've never seen the combination, have you seen one Oak?


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Yes, that's the one.


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My 63 has one. i plan to remove it and put it on my 66 short bed.