New old Slick
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
65-66
I'd go with either a 65-66..last and best of the breed. Improved mechanics over the earlier models...352 V8. Cruiso, or full syncro 3 speed. The unique Ranger and Camper Special models. Tu-tone paint option..and because of steering column mounting changes...somewhat better interior ergonomics.
I'd look for a rare Crew Cab. With the added interior space, all sorts of things could be done interior wise to improve legroom, which these trucks sadly lack. And you won't see one everyday, either...I've seen exactly two in person.
Before finding FTE...I never heard of the term "slick" that describes these trucks...I assume it's because of the slab sided exterior styling.
Problems? I don't got no problems...I don't got to show you any steenkin' problems!
Never had any problems...except for interior legroom...which affected me little in 1965, when I was 21. Since Arthur has arrived, that's changed a mite!
I'd look for a rare Crew Cab. With the added interior space, all sorts of things could be done interior wise to improve legroom, which these trucks sadly lack. And you won't see one everyday, either...I've seen exactly two in person.
Before finding FTE...I never heard of the term "slick" that describes these trucks...I assume it's because of the slab sided exterior styling.
Problems? I don't got no problems...I don't got to show you any steenkin' problems!
Never had any problems...except for interior legroom...which affected me little in 1965, when I was 21. Since Arthur has arrived, that's changed a mite!
Last edited by NumberDummy; Dec 21, 2006 at 02:57 AM.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Kansas
Rust, rust and more RUST! Rust is the enemy!! Any truck you consider make sure you check the following areas:
Cab mounts
Floor boards
Radiator mount
These are the common areas that rust out on these old gems. Take a screw driver along and poke around these areas and find yourself one with as little rust as possible. While all these areas can be repaired or replaced relatively easily, you will be miles ahead if you can find one with minimal rust to begin with.
Cab mounts
Floor boards
Radiator mount
These are the common areas that rust out on these old gems. Take a screw driver along and poke around these areas and find yourself one with as little rust as possible. While all these areas can be repaired or replaced relatively easily, you will be miles ahead if you can find one with minimal rust to begin with.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 260
Likes: 4
From: Massachusetts
Expect you'll be getting answers similar to asking who has the best kids. Everyone's partial to their own.
Also, if you buy correctly, give at least equal weight to the emotional-buy as you do to the logical-buy. You probably can't go wrong w/ ANY year Ford truck -- so buy what looks good to YOU and which needs work which is within your grasp to do (and within your interest to do). The more work you do on it... the more the truck will feel like yours. Just don't get in over your head.
So buy one...and join the happy owners club!
Also, if you buy correctly, give at least equal weight to the emotional-buy as you do to the logical-buy. You probably can't go wrong w/ ANY year Ford truck -- so buy what looks good to YOU and which needs work which is within your grasp to do (and within your interest to do). The more work you do on it... the more the truck will feel like yours. Just don't get in over your head.
So buy one...and join the happy owners club!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
Before finding FTE...I never heard of the term "slick" that describes these trucks...I assume it's because of the slab sided exterior styling.
John
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
65-66 is your best bet if you want to do a little (or a lot!) of upgrading. These last two years have twin I-beam suspension, and the disc brake front end components up to '79 will bolt right in. Having had both, I also think the twin I-beam rides better and handles better, but you'll find people on both sides of that argument. Also, these trucks are designed to take 'modern' engines, so things like 302's and 351's are bolt-ins w/ the right towers and motor mounts. The 61-64 would take an aftermarket mount to use a later engine. As chadwickma said- check for rust. The front of the hood is prone to rust, and they're hard to find. Check w/ a magnet- a lot can be hidden under layers of bondo!
