All. Since acquiring a new to me 1961 f100 flarside, I have been pouring over this forum looking for information needed for my restoration. During that time, I've noticed that threads related to 65 and 66 trucks nearly monopolize this forum. Discussions on 61s are rarer than hens teeth. I can't help but wonder what is driving this trend.
1. Are those years more popular or in demand?
2. Are there simply more of them around?
3. Was there some societal change such as recession, shift from cars to trucks, etc?I would be interested in hearing any theories from members. Thanks.

 

There were a lot less 1961's built than 1965 or 1966. Looking at just F100 it would look like this for yearly totals.

1961 F100 = 99,546
1965 F100 = 220,306
1966 F100 = 260,873

1965 and 1966 combined is nearly half a million. Almost five times as many as just 1961 alone.

1961, 62 and 63 F100 Unibody trucks numbered nearly as many as the 1961-1966 F100 Flaresides. Only 5,000 less in the 3 years (171,928) compared to the 6 years for the Flareside (176,922).

The new Styleside bed introduced in 1964 became very popular right away. 1964 F100 Stylesides (152,272) were double the number of 1963 F100 Stylesides (76,728).

1964, 65 and 66 F100 Stylesides totaled 555,350.

Chad

 

 

The main reason I chose my 65 over a nearly identical ,"appearance wise", 64 that was priced the same, was 65 to 79's share a lot of parts. Getting power steering and power disc brakes is just a matter of swapping parts. Also the engines and transmissions mount in a more conventional way which makes engine swaps a simple bolt in. And I believe the cabs have a tiny bit more room in them. Plus what Chad, said there is simply more of them left around.

 

4. Or are there simply less of the earlier models due to the "unpopular" unibody?

Please explain "unpopular". Thanks

 

I think a higher percentage of Uni's also ended up in the scrap yard. Also, '65 and '66 had better engines and better front suspension which which helped keep more of them on the road longer.

 

You did notice this segment devoted to 61-63 right?

 

Major Difference Twin I-Beam..........................

 

Twin I beam would sway the younger guys more than the old guys, for some reason a straight axle scares a lot of people. I've always been a 4x4 kind of guy so I'm used to a straight front end.

 

Here goes.
1. I'm not at all bitter, just curious.
2. A special night devoted to 61 flaresides is not necessary as I enjoy learning about other years as well.
3. Unpopular was probably not the best choice of words. There are a lot of unibodies out there and their owners are proud to own them. But, I can't help but think that if the design was really "the cat's meow" then Ford would have continued making them.
4. Finally, I have no regrets on my truck purchase. I love my old truck and am having a blast working on her restoration.

 

+1 on the straight axle.

 

I think your first two questions are correctly answered but your third one is kind of interesting. You use the term "societal changes" and there is a trace of truth there. In 1965, in response to the perceived notion that people wanted more than simple utility from light trucks , Ford introduced a number of higher end models. The Camper Special in several trim levels, the Ranger package with bucket seats, optional power brakes, power steering, One could even order a crew cab. These units were the most expensive models Ford offered and I believe owners tended to take better care of them. CS's and Rangers seem to have a better than average survival rate , in my uneducated opinion.
The trucks may all look similar but beneath the sheet metal there is a world of difference. The models through '64 ran on the engineering and powerplants of the fifties. The 65 platform and subsequent years shared many parts until 79 and are more easily modified for modern driving trends.
Another smaller point is that prior to 64 all stylesides carried the 'wrong box'/ I'm guessing those weren't real hot sellers on the trade-in market ( altho I'd grab one if I found a good one. I'm partial to mutts))
61-63s are less well represented but they're still damn good trucks.

 

They were unpopular when new due to the doors jamming when there was a load in the box. The unibody , or as Ford called it Integral body, is more of a fullsize Ranchero showy truck not a workhorse. The load needs to float on the chassis separate from the passenger compartment when the loads get heavier. Just my opinion. Also, they were not available in 4x4 and Ford put the 57-60 wrongbox as an option for 62-63. There had to be a reason for that blunder scramble.

 

Never a Fan of a Ranchero, and that's what I think of when I see a Uni. Ford Engineers wanted an Independent Front end to Keep with the Market, no other reason for Twin I's, but I am glad they did, Strong as Hell Love'm. Love the Straights also.