Could the 65/66 Ranger package be ordered with a bench seat? I am looking at a '66 F100 Ranger and trying to determine if it's real. It does have faded Ranger script emblems where the "Twin-I-Beam" emblem usually resides. Body code is U81 meaning custom cab. It is a 390 (originally a 352) and was originally a 3 on the tree. It originally had air conditioning which has been removed. It is a longbed with the side trim and originally had the two tone paint scheme. It does however have a bench seat and I'm not sure if it's the original seat or not. I didn't get a chance to check for the bucket seat bracket holes in the floor or the tank cover holes in the back of the cab. Any info appreciated.

 

I would be interested to know as well. It does seem that these trucks could be ordered pretty much how the owner wanted it. On the other hand, I think many people try to sell theirs as a Ranger because it does have a higher perceived value.

 

The Ranger packages main feature is the bucket seats....check my gallery for the package composition. As for getting a Ranger with a bench seat...My guess is no.


- cs65

 

IF the Warranty Plate (on the left door face below the latch) is the correct one (does the VIN on the plate match the one on the registration?), then someone removed the bucket seats/center console and swapped in a bench seat.

How do I know that?

Because the Body Code of U81 decodes to:

1966 F100/250 / 81B BUCKET SEATS

U = Parchment Crinkle Vinyl and Black Rosette Pattern Vinyl

81B = Bucket Seats = Custom Cab with Ranger Package

The Body Code as listed on the Warranty Plate is the only way to tell if the truck is an authentic Ranger...or not.

1966 Rangers have three distinct Body Codes (T81; U81; V81), not shared with any other models.

Air conditioning was a dealer installed option for all 1966 F100/350's. It did not come with the Ranger package.

Tutone paint was also an option on all models, it wasn't part of the Ranger package, either.

The side mouldings were a part of the Ranger package, optional on all other F100/350's whether Custom or Standard Cab.

 

I'm not concerned with the motor. I don't care if it's a 352, 360, or 390. I'm just trying to determine if it's a real Ranger. Will the code on the door actually be "U81B"? This one just says "U81". Is this just a bench seat Custom Cab with Ranger emblems? The body code part is confusing me somewhat. Appreciate your help.

 

U81 IS IS IS a Ranger...I have seen many trucks that are C/C trucks...mine for one that has no letter after the 81 and is still a CC truck...the U81 is the ticket to a Ranger...the other thing, as was mentioned above is to check the VIN on door tag to VIN on registration, and if you wanna be 1000% positive, look at the VIN on the topside of the RF frame rail. Its located about a foot in front of the engine crossmemeber...if you are looking at the truck from the side, its about parallel with where the alternator would be.

The bodyside moldings and t/light bezels were optional on stylesides across the board..its not part of the Custom Cab package on F100 or F250 2WD trucks. The ONLY trucks that had the bodyside moldings standard were the F250 that had the Deluxe Camper Package...there was 3 Camper Packages...the 2nd 2 added to the initial C/S package...this is all shown in my gallery of package composition.
The bodyside moldings and t/light bezel moldings were optional on ALL other styleside models.


- cs65

 

Why are you confused...??

On the Warranty Plate, the Body Code is U81.

When U81 is decoded using the 1966 trim section of the 64/72 Ford truck parts catalog...this is what's listed > >

U = 1966 F100/250 / 81B BUCKET SEATS = Parchment Vinyl & Black Rosette Pattern Vinyl.

81 = 81B Custom Cab with RANGER package.

These three BODY CODES are the only way to determine if it's a true 1966 Ranger or not.

1965 Rangers have three different distinct BODY CODES.
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Don (CS65): Your ref that sez body side mouldings came standard on F250 Camper Specials is a lotta CACA del TORO!

Why would Ford make them standard on F250 CS's and not F100 CS's?

The mouldings were optional on all Stylesides, whether it was a Custom or a Standard Cab...with ONE exception.

The only model that came standard with body side mouldings is the Ranger...PERIOD!

 

Bill, check out my gallery of package compositions...I got the CC listed for both F100 and F250 as well as the different C/S packages for F100 and F250...F100s didnt have what Ford called the Deluxe Camper Package...this is the only package that shows the side moldings and t/light bezels as part of any package...The Ranger packages prerequisite was the CC package...no bodyside moldings in that package...only grill,headlight doors, w/shield as far as outside moldings...
Its crazy I know, but I also know as well as you...even though I wasnt thought of when these trucks were made, that you could get almost anything you wanted on your new car/truck... My hunch, as the moldings were on tons of trucks is that it was a super cheap option.


- cs65

 

Are you trying to get that one down in K-Falls?

Jeff

 

sounds like it...Im STILL awaiting more pics from them on it...ughhhh

 

Thanks Bill, it was just the "B" that was confusing me but I've got it now. I was thinking the "B" had to actually be on the plate.

Yes it is the one in KFalls. I did check the truck out this weekend and I took some pics. It is a rough but restorable longbed. The original bucket seats and console are gone. Body is pretty straight. It does have rust in the core support, pass side cab mount and the pass side of the torque box under the cab. Floorboards looked okay. Some rust in the front of the bed as well on pass side. No visible rust in drip rails. It has doors for side saddle tanks in both sides of the bed. The front bumper is chrome and decent, the rear bumper is an aftermarket wrap around metal unit. I can post pics of it when I get back to California (tomorrow). This truck still had the screws where the gas tank cover hung with fragments of the original carpet still dangling from the screws like someone just ripped the piece out of there. It originally had A/C but was removed years ago. Still has the two holes in the firewall where the hoses passed through. It was originally a three-on-the-tree but now has a floor shifter. There is just the bottom part of a bench seat frame bolted in the cab (the backrest part is laying in the bed). There is new foam and black material to recover the seat in the cab. The truck has been sitting for awhile. If anyone has any questions on it, feel free to ask.