What was the last model year with the same style rear fenders and tailgate as the 53-56? I've located a 70's truck with an 8 foot bed that I'm considering for parts. I have two 56 models. One is a SWB and the other a LWB. I have obtained another SWB frame and bed (in need of work) because I was considering making the LWB 56 a SWB. Anyway, along comes this 8 foot long bed (70s model) which has the factory wheel tubs in the bed (which I really like) so I have some questions.

1. Will this later LWB bed fit my 56 LWB frame?
2. Not having seen a 56 LWB bed is there a differance?
3. Could the LWB bed be shortened to fit a SWB frame i.e. by cutting off the front 10 inches or so of the bed sides? Understanding it isn't going to be just that simple. It's the factory wheel tubs that has my attention.

 

OK, it looks like the 8 foot bed is taller than a six footer. Well I guess i could cut out the tubs and graft them into a six foot bed.

 

53-56 short beds had what they call "hay side" they look like this \ /
l l

not like this __ __
l l
l l

The later beds were the second type with the flat top on the bed sides.

Kevin Bigwin

 

Also 4 inches wider after 72 .

 

As original. Note the replacement Ford parts (numbers).

BAAA-16312-A .. R/R Fender / BAAA-16313-A .. L/R Fender = Fits: 1953/56 F100 Flareside-Short Bed. Ford later replaced these fenders with the following > >

B7C-16312-A .. R/R Fender / B7C-16313-A .. L/R Fender = Fits: 1957/79 F100/150 Flareside-Short Bed.

BAAD-16312-A .. R/R Fender / BAAD-16313-A .. L/R Fender = Fits: 1953/56 F100/350 Flareside-Long Bed. Ford later replaced these fenders with the following > >

B7D-16312-A .. R/R Fender / B7D-16313-A .. L/R Fender = Fits: 1957/72 F100/350 Flareside-Long Bed.

BAAA-8340700-A .. Tailgate = Fits: 1953/56 F100 Flareside-Short Bed. Ford later replaced this tailgate with the following > >

B7C-8340700-A .. Tailgate = Fits: 1957/72 F100 Flareside-Short Bed. This tailgate is 49 13/16" long.

BAAD-8340700-A .. Tailgate = Fits: 1953/56 F100/350 Flareside-Long Bed. Ford later replaced this tailgate with the following > >

B7D-8340700-A .. Tailgate = Fits: 1957/72 F100/350 Flareside-Long Bed. This tailgate is 54 13/16" long.

D3TZ-8340700-A .. Tailgate - Fits: 1973/79 F100 & 1975/79 F150 Flareside.

Confused? Join the club!

1953/72 Flareside beds are: \ / 1973 and later are: __

btw: A Flareside is correct Ford terminology for these trucks. A Stepside is a (gasp) Chevrolet!

 

My factory flareside has flat rails and it is 1977 and I am running 1956 rear fenders off a 56 truck which fit perfect , my old fenders were toast . This truck was bought buy my grandfather in 77 and is stock factory bed with wheel wells which made the bed 4 inches wider than 72 and below .

 

Thank you, I corrected the above post.

The problem = the parts catalog pic shown in the 1973/79 catalog is the exact same drawing as used in the 1948/56 parts catalog.

I should have looked at my copy of the 'Standard Catalog of Light Duty Ford Trucks' for verification.

 

Glad to help.

 

Thanks Number Dummy I stand corrected its a flairside!

The truck in question is parked "in the woods" in an area known for red bugs so on my return trip I'll take my tape measure, camera and repellent! I know its side rails are of the 45 degree variety. If in fact the bed is wider by five inches then that may explain the wheel tubs in the bed as they appear about 2 1/2 wide each.

Well the price is right on the truck so I may do some serious consideration on using the bed.

 

45 degree side rails \ / = 1953/72.

Get the VIN, post it here. I'll tell you exactly what year, model and series it is...and the assembly plant that built it.

The VIN is on the Warranty Plate, located on the left door face below the latch.

 

N.D.--my 1953 f100 no is-----F10D3N15641 color= SS----WHAT IS SS??? Where was it made? thanks and was it a flathead originally? Bill thanks

 

N.D.---I have a chance to get for free 2 1970? flairside bed rear fenders. Will these bolt on a 56 f100? Bill thanks again

 

Yes.......

 

F10 = F100

D = 215 I-6

3 = 1953

N = Norfolk VA Assembly Plant

15641 = Numerical Sequence of Assembly
----------------------------------------
SS...uh...No not that!

SS...uh...steam shovel, shifting spanner (a Brit's term for a monkey wrench)...uh, those are wrong, too.

I've got it!

SS = this was Ford's code for a special paint color.

Your truck was originally painted in a non standard color, which was requested by the buyer.

 

N.D.--You are a gentleman and a scholar!! thanks a whole bunch!! Bill Walford