Hi! I've been looking around this forum for awhile during my 1 year search for the right truck. The site has been a great resource while comparing different models and trying to understand parts availability. My dad and I did a '66 mustang which was my first car around 1990 and more recently I've been into BMW motorcycles. One of the most challenging things with the BMWs are finding original parts- the repop's are pretty poor quality and it dramatically impacts value.

So now I'm taking on a 1963 F250 custom cab with 4wd. Previous owner did a pretty good job and I think it's 80-90% there. Mechanically/ electrically solid which leaves me with some cosmetic stuff. Two big items are replace truck bed and find a bench seat (I've read other forums about compatibility of other trucks from '57-79 and I've been inquiring here and there). I've also seen some T-bird and Galaxie 500 bench seats- will they work as a base assuming new padding and upholstery?

I would really appreciate a heads up on any local(ish) resources on these trucks as this is pretty new to me. I live in Seattle. PM me if you want.

Thanks again- looking forward to what's ahead!

 

Sounds like a fun project. Post up all the numbers from your Warranty Plate including the VIN and we can decode it for you. I'm in the Seattle area, too. Welcome aboard!


.

 

Let's see if this works from my mobile devise. Unfortunately the plate is painted over which I will attempt to lightly strip:

 

F26 = F250-4 x 4


C = 292 2V


R = San Jose, CA assembly plant


325624 = Assembled August 1962 for the 1963 model year


120 = 120" Wheelbase


Y = Glacier Blue - Ford Code M-1553


F260 = F250-4 x 4 - 6,600 lbs G.V.W Rating


81B = Custom Cab


F = Warner T98A


B4 = Dana (Spicer) 60 limited slip - 4.56:1 ratio - 5,200 lbs load capacity


6600 = G.V.W.R


135 net hp @
3800 RPM


74 = Seattle district sales office


1033 = Domestic Special Order. Not bought off the lot.


.

 

Thanks- nice that I am returning it to Seattle!

 

Cool another NW 4x4, seems we are lucky out here to have access to some intact Slicks. I am starting a resto in Jan on my truck and can't emphasize enough the value of this site and the knowledge you can gain from these guys! TA455's posts/help on here are absolutely awesome as well as the venerable NumberDummy. TA is in our neighborhood and always seems to be there for all us 'Newbies' just startin our journey. In any event lookin forward to seeing you post some pics of your new ride! Congrats! My two cents: get your hands on a set of shop manuals for your truck. I just SCORED a whole original set from Paul Politis out of Greencastle, PA he has a ebay store, he might just have an original set for you. I got all of my shop manuals including shipping for around $70 bucks. Well worth it.

 

Here's a couple of pics of the truck on Day 1. Interesting that the "original" grille appears to be a '62: