I own a 1972 Ford F-250 pickup (automatic, 360 V8) that used to belong to my grandfather, who has since passed away. This truck has less than 65,000 original miles on it and is in exquisite condition for it's age. My grandfather took very good care of it. But as with anything, time takes its toll, and things eventually need replacing.

I'm trying to find a place where I can find NEW parts for this truck, particularly the insides. I have a few large cracks in the dash, and I have a cracked steering wheel. I'd like to replace both of them in due time.

Now, I know LMC Truck carries a lot of that stuff, but it is rediculously expensive, and they don't have the right color. All they offer (in steering wheel replacements, anyway) is black.

The truck has an eggshell white exterior and a navy blue interior. The painted parts on the inside still look good, but some of the plastic pieces have cracked, simply from age.

So my question is, is there another place to find parts for this truck?

 

Welcome to FTE ...... Sorry to hear that your grandfather passed away.

65k mi is a real low millage truck for a 35 yr old/young truck.

Blue Oval, a sponsor of this site carries some parts. If you look on the side you will see sponsors of this site. All sell parts that will work on these classic trucks. You will find some for the parts expensive, while other very reasonable. The small price you pay for these Classic Trucks. Dennis Carpenter has bought ford's dies, and some of their parts are NEW Reproduction Ford parts. These meet fords new spec, since they were molded/built with original dies. There are a few users on this forum that also have a lot of ford parts. Some parts for these old trucks are still carried by ford dealers. And you local parts house will have some.

But the dash pad is expensive no matter where you look. You can put a cover over it, but you still have a cracked pad. Armrest are around $30 each for black. But if you try to buy a new car armrest they are 2-3x that.

 

Yes, 65,000 is very little for such an old truck. My grandfather bought the truck so he could tote his camper around. He was a member of the Good Sam RV club, which was a big thing in the area at the time.

But he got ill and passed away some time ago (10 years ago, actually, so it's been a long time). I have had a struggle finding the money, time and expertise to get it running right. I'm in a rural area, and although many claim to be mechanics, few really know what they are doing.

The truck is not 4x4, but it does have power steering, power brakes, etc. It runs nice and smooth, even for such an old truck. It was a "camper special" - a "custom". The interior is white/blue. The doors have metallic blue inset panels with blue armrests/handles. The seat (covered) is blue vinyl (which I hate).

I just got rid the old split rims last year and replaced them with new aluminum ones, which really add to the truck's appeal. Now it's time to look at other aspects of the truck, which is why I'm inquiring about parts.

I don't see those sponsors on this site. Do you have a URL?

 

Blue Oval Truck parts is http://blueovaltruckparts.com/catalog/
Dennis Carpenter is http://www.dennis-carpenter.com/

If you look in the left side of the thread there is a complete list of Sponsors. Visit there sites to know what they have to offer. DC is not but is well know for hard to get parts.

I have always done my own work, and know what you mean on finding knowledge mechanics. A lot of the younger mechanics seam to only know how to read scanners. You just need to find a elder mechanic that grew up with these truck.

This site has a wealth of info, and many knowledgeable folks to help you.

We all like photos, so if you get a chance create you own gallery and upload a few pictures.

 

Blue68F100; has provided you with awealth of good info; I also welcome you to this forum; you won't find a better bunch of Truck Enthusiast anywhere. To help with some of your questions; I would ask (what's the condition of your steering wheel?) If it only has alittle stress cracks; I recommend repairing it yourself; I've done several; I use a product from a plumbing store call propoxy; its in a little gray metal tube in a roll black & white like a tootise roll until you knead it and then turns gray; after I prep the area; I fill/ push the puddy into the cracks let dry 24hrs; lightly sand off excess then use Fusion spray paint to paint; they make a dark blue color; I mostly paint mine black. I then place a imitated leather steering wheel wrap. It looks good as new and save me over $150 everytime.
Again welcome and enjoy your truck...

Mitch

 

1965/70: Dennis Carpenter is the one that has reproduced the steering wheel. It's the exact same one used on the 1963 Falcon: C3DZ-3600-A .. Black Steering Wheel ~ 3 Spoke, 17" in diameter.

The 1971/72 steering wheels are the same ones used thru 1977. Originally Ford part number: D1TZ-3600-A...Ford replaced that p/n in 1974 with D4TZ-3600-A. These were also used on 1975/77 Econolines, and 1974/77 Bronco's. 16 1/2" in diameter, 2 spoke. Carpenter is making these too.

Steering wheel paint is available and the new epoxy based paint is far better than what was available years ago.

 

utahnix
Sounds like your truck is a close match to mine (except mine is a 69). Put some pics up of it.

George

 

Hi and Welcome to the site!

I looked for a dash pad for a long time, didn't want to fork out the bucks for one though. Most I found in wrecking yards were as bad as, if not worse than mine, till I cam across a '67 with a perfect dash pad that was even still fairly soft and pliable. Got it for 30 bucks. Just goes to show that there are still some decent used ones out there, keep looking. Check our classifieds here too, I recall a member selling one a year or so ago...