I have a '65 Deluxe Camper Special with as best I can tell, all available factory original options, including the dash mounted clock. While I have seen a couple other trucks with the clock, 1 thing has me puzzled. I have headrests on my bench seat. Now I know a lot can happen in 50plus years but they appear to be original. My truck was purchased from a storage house where it had been sitting for many years. While it is by no means new, everything in it is original. Has anyone seen these headrests on a '65? Maybe a dealer option? They are similar to the rotunda style mustang headrests of that time, but are different. I've uploaded an album to my profile since I can't post pictures.

 

Wow, those look pretty cool. They definitely look the part of a period-correct add-on, either as a dealer option or something available in the aftermarket at the time. Unfortunately I don't have any knowledge that would help answer your question; just thought I'd give my thumbs-up to something I've never seen in one of these trucks before.

 

Can you post pictures of your warranty plate on your drivers door? I was just looking at the grill on your truck and it looks like 1966. I don't think the carpets were original and the stereo isn't. There doesn't seem to be the Ford logo embossed on the seat back like I often see. And the door handles are turned around backwards which is often done to clear other seats that have been swapped in. Just some things that looked a little off, but not a big deal. I like the headrests. But, it is the first time I've ever seen something like that on one of these old timers.

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I've added a picture of the warranty tag to my profile. Definitely a '65. Manufactured Dec '64 according to my research. There's evidence that the hood and driver's fender have been replaced. Figured grill probably was too and a '66 used instead. Am searching for a '65 grill as well as a replacement radio.

Figured the armrests had been swapped from driver's to passenger's due to wear. Had wondered about the logo on the seat back but never gave the carpet a second thought.

 

Yes, 1965. If it had been 1966 then the seat for sure would not be correct material for a Custom Cab, but I don't know 1965 as well as 1966. I assume that is correct material and think it is, but odd no Ford logo. Still looks good.

I think the automatic shift lever arm on the column has been replaced. The **** is quite a bit different. Originally it matched the turn signal lever, but larger. Some things are easier to tell in person so just trying to look close at some of your photos.

Here's a picture of an original automatic column shift lever for at least 1965 and 1966. My truck had a later design swapped in, too, so I bought an automatic column from a buddy but it is the wrong color so I took it apart for refurbishment and repainting.



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Good eye TH455HO. Guess I've got 1 more thing to add to my list.

 

Just keep in mind - I am clinically insane when it comes to these trucks.

Here's a shot of an original interior truck still in very nice condition. You can see the **** here. This truck is really clean.

 

Just keep in mind - I am clinically insane when it comes to these trucks.


Ya know, when I was still searching for the right truck, I had lots of ideas as to what I would want the finished truck to look like. Most of that went out the window after purchasing my '65. Since it is so unmolested and original, I've found myself wanting to keep it that way. I constantly get the "You're being too picky-Only you would know the difference." My biggest obstacle this far though is convincing myself that I like the God awful color they call holly green.

 

Where is this truck located? It looks like a museum. Do you have any more pictures, especially under hood? I'd love to see it in person and get some reference pictures for restoring mine.

 

Looks like just the **** was different for 64-66. Same lever 'till '72?

 

"The Astronaut" has a phenomenal US '66 Custom Cab rebuild thread, lots of great pics in there:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ld-thread.html

I got a lot of great ideas from his build, even though I have a Canadian '65 Mercury.

 

Can one really ever be too picky? OK, probably yes.

Here's an example. The same shift lever with original **** on top - and then the NOS **** that is the replacement called out in the MPC. Notice it is close, but not quite the same style. The right end is not rounded and the left end is shaped differently, plus it has more grooves. And the date on the box of 4/73 - April 1973 would indicate when this part became the supercede, I believe.

Transmission Gear Shift Lever Ball - 2 1/4" overall length - 24 grooves C0AZ-7213-A 1

So, even if you go all NOS, it is sometimes not quite correct looking compared to original.



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Now you've got me started. The **** in the first photo looks pre 1960. '64 -'66 should have a recessed end similar to the dash ***** (not rounded like the photo). Either way, mine ain't the right one.

 

I know what you are saying...and they did use a lot of the older parts from earlier vehicles on these trucks with automatics. The MX Cruise-O-Matic itself shares many internal parts in common with the older Ford-O-Matic.

The service replacement C0AZ-7213-A is actually a car part from

60/62 A and B Models - 6&8 cylinder - All C.I.D. - All 3/speed - C0AZ-7213-A - Gear Shift Lever **** Assembly

I guarantee you the one with the rounded end is original to these trucks.

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I almost missed this post. TripleFrame found it for sale on eBay - 11,754 original miles and it really looks like it. Build sheet, window sticker - a real GEM.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15702818

I snagged all of their attached pictures from the eBay ad back when it was still up.

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