Notices
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Paint question - 1963 tailgate

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 19, 2021 | 02:53 PM
  #1  
Bishicka's Avatar
Bishicka
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 145
Likes: 13
Question Paint question - 1963 tailgate

Hi all,

I’ve been trying to discover how the F O R D letters on the tailgate of the ‘63 came from the factory. I’ve seen them with the thin outline of the letters in white, the letters all filled in, and with no accent at all … the tailgate all one color. I can’t find any original Ford materials that help. Does anyone know for sure?

Mike

P.S. I’m looking for a period correct “work” rear bumper for my truck. I know they were all aftermarket … if anyone has one they want to part with please let me know!
 
Reply
Old Aug 19, 2021 | 06:15 PM
  #2  
tripleframe's Avatar
tripleframe
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,219
Likes: 649
The outline of the letters were painted on '63's, assuming this style bed. Outlined letters were red on white trucks, white on most all others in '63.

 
Reply
Old Aug 19, 2021 | 06:21 PM
  #3  
Bishicka's Avatar
Bishicka
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 145
Likes: 13
Originally Posted by tripleframe
The outline of the letters were painted on '63's, assuming this style bed. Outlined letters were red on white trucks, white on most all others in '63.
Thank you! And yes … I have a wrongbed. I assume in the ‘60’s it was paint, and not vinyl stickers … do you happen to know?

Mike
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2021 | 08:35 PM
  #4  
tripleframe's Avatar
tripleframe
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,219
Likes: 649
No decals back then, paint! Ford had a stencil system for applying paint to letters on tailgates. On the barden bumper, find one that came off a similar year bed, they were custom fit to each application.
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2021 | 09:42 PM
  #5  
Bishicka's Avatar
Bishicka
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 145
Likes: 13
Originally Posted by tripleframe
No decals back then, paint! Ford had a stencil system for applying paint to letters on tailgates. On the barden bumper, find one that came off a similar year bed, they were custom fit to each application.
yeah … I knew there were no stickers … but I ask because I’ve been wrong too many times!

Thanks for the comments on the bumper … I’m having a tough time finding one … going to speak to a local metal fabricator … but I’m afraid that will be really expensive!
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 09:11 AM
  #6  
tripleframe's Avatar
tripleframe
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,219
Likes: 649
There were many styles of step bumpers built by various aftermarket companies. Photo #1, common step. Photo #2 Edge step ( allows tailgate to drop 180 degrees ) Photo #3 custom fit step.


 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 09:18 AM
  #7  
Bishicka's Avatar
Bishicka
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 145
Likes: 13
@tripleframe thanks for the photos! The one I'm familiar with is the first one; I've never seen the second even in photos. I'm having trouble finding old bumpers in general. I realized (I think) I need one from a style side for my styleside ... a bumper from a step side won't work.

Based on another thread I looked at the Fey bumpers (now owned by Westin). They make new ones that I think would work ... but I can't stomach that. I will either wait out finding an old one, or maybe have one fabricated.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 01:52 PM
  #8  
tripleframe's Avatar
tripleframe
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,219
Likes: 649
There is a company that specializes in these year trucks in CA. They might have a bumper Vintage Ford truck parts from 1945 to 1972/ F1 / F100 - auto parts -... (craigslist.org)
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 02:22 PM
  #9  
Bishicka's Avatar
Bishicka
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 145
Likes: 13
Originally Posted by tripleframe
There is a company that specializes in these year trucks in CA. They might have a bumper Vintage Ford truck parts from 1945 to 1972/ F1 / F100 - auto parts -... (craigslist.org)
THANK YOU! I sent the gent a text.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 03:53 PM
  #10  
7BercMerc's Avatar
7BercMerc
More Turbo
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 643
Likes: 210
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
I have a rear bumper that I believe would work for you on my '61 Uni parts truck! The Unibody frame rails are 34.25" outside to outside. A couple of problems though.. First, I am in S. Oregon. Second, right now it is holding up the rear of the truck as rear axle has been pulled. It has some bends in it, but is restorable. The good thing, It can be yours for $20 + shipping, just need to pay my son to re-jack the truck and pull it off . Here are a couple bad photos, I will take some better ones when I trim a few branches... LMK





 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 04:01 PM
  #11  
Bishicka's Avatar
Bishicka
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 145
Likes: 13
Originally Posted by 7BercMerc
I have a rear bumper that I believe would work for you on my '61 Uni parts truck! The Unibody frame rails are 34.25" outside to outside. A couple of problems though.. First, I am in S. Oregon. Second, right now it is holding up the rear of the truck as rear axle has been pulled. It has some bends in it, but is restorable. The good thing, It can be yours for $20 + shipping, just need to pay my son to re-jack the truck and pull it off . Here are a couple bad photos, I will take some better ones when I trim a few branches... LMK




Hi, and thank you! I’m def interested … I actually like the character. I have no idea about how to ship such a thing … I’ll PM you . - Mike
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 06:02 PM
  #12  
ibuzzard's Avatar
ibuzzard
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,942
Likes: 703
From: Mariposa, Ca.
Club FTE Gold Member
You might want to ask about a bumper in the 57-60 forum, since you have the “wrong bed”? Used to be guys would give these step bumpers away, what with them not being cool, and all.
I wouldn’t be without one, function over form.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 06:11 PM
  #13  
Bishicka's Avatar
Bishicka
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 145
Likes: 13
Originally Posted by ibuzzard
You might want to ask about a bumper in the 57-60 forum, since you have the “wrong bed”? Used to be guys would give these step bumpers away, what with them not being cool, and all.
I wouldn’t be without one, function over form.
great idea! Thank you!
 
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2021 | 12:26 AM
  #14  
tbm3fan's Avatar
tbm3fan
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
Originally Posted by Bishicka
@tripleframe thanks for the photos! The one I'm familiar with is the first one; I've never seen the second even in photos. I'm having trouble finding old bumpers in general. I realized (I think) I need one from a style side for my styleside ... a bumper from a step side won't work.

Based on another thread I looked at the Fey bumpers (now owned by Westin). They make new ones that I think would work ... but I can't stomach that. I will either wait out finding an old one, or maybe have one fabricated.
Did someone say "styleside"? Where is that bar of French soap I have as they are extra large bars...
 
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2021 | 03:15 PM
  #15  
7BercMerc's Avatar
7BercMerc
More Turbo
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 643
Likes: 210
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
Originally Posted by tbm3fan
Did someone say "styleside"? Where is that bar of French soap I have as they are extra large bars...
Yes... "Styleside" is correct. This is a Ford forum after all.... You may need the soap...
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:27 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE