why is it custom?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: socal
why is it custom?
just picked up a 1978 F-150 custom. With a 351 engine 2wheel drive regular cab. My question is what makes it a CUSTOM? I've been searching on line for some info but just keep finding F-150 that have been customized. The truck runs great just have a problem with stalling. Any info is apreaciated thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 32
From: Spokane, WA
I used to wonder that myself until I came up with my own theory....Perhaps it's not "custom" insofar as it being something that's a one-off, or purely specialized thing like most of us are used to hearing. Maybe the term "custom" was meant to imply something more like tradition...something that is 'customary'. For example, "Here at Ford, building better trucks than anyone else out there is the custom".
Besides, when you look at it as the unique definition of "custom", and you build a few million of them, you've kind of made yourself a hypocrite....and I dont' think Ford would intentionally make themselves look like that. But, if you look at the definition of "custom" as being from the meaning 'tradition', it takes on a more appropriate meaning.
Just my theory...and as George Carlin said, "I've got a lot of good ideas...problem is most of them suck!"
Besides, when you look at it as the unique definition of "custom", and you build a few million of them, you've kind of made yourself a hypocrite....and I dont' think Ford would intentionally make themselves look like that. But, if you look at the definition of "custom" as being from the meaning 'tradition', it takes on a more appropriate meaning.
Just my theory...and as George Carlin said, "I've got a lot of good ideas...problem is most of them suck!"
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
"Custom" was the base model of the F series pickups, i.e. the "cheap" model.
It came stock with 6 cyl. 3 speed, no radio, no p/s or brakes etc. Everything except the basics was optional on these models.
It came stock with 6 cyl. 3 speed, no radio, no p/s or brakes etc. Everything except the basics was optional on these models.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 32
From: Spokane, WA
I think that's kind of the basis of his question....what is so "custom" about a base model truck? That's why i was trying to explain that perhaps the meaning of "Custom" isn't so much 'customized', as it is 'customary'.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
It's called "Custom" because it comes with no options in its original form, but can be "customized" with options from the ground up. For example, my '79 F100 is a Custom, but has been customized from the factory with a C6, power steering, power brakes, AC and an AM radio (the last two are not there anymore).
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
I agree about being able to "customize" the truck. I have a '73 F100 Custom that has been "customized" by the original owner with the Explorer "B" package, 360 2bbl, C-6 and not much else. That's why it's going to go through a frame off restoration. I'm going to "customize" it further with factory air, factory am-fm stereo and other items.
I'm buying the parts and pieces as I find them. I'll post pics once the work really starts.
I'm buying the parts and pieces as I find them. I'll post pics once the work really starts.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
That's exactly why it was Called CUSTOM.
It was Ford's Customizeable baseline pickup. Could be ordered with no options at all, or with every option avaliable. Within reason.
The most comon options on the Custom are:
Ammeter and Oil pressure gauges,
V8 engines
Radio
Air Conditioning
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Automatic Transmissions
Tu-Tone Paints
etc...
I remember the outcry when Ford dropped the Custom in 1982. People got upset when they discovered that they would have to buy a XL, or XLT to get certain popular options.
For that reason the Custom was brought back in 1987, dropped again, brought back in 1992, and finally dropped again for 1994 and later models.
It was Ford's Customizeable baseline pickup. Could be ordered with no options at all, or with every option avaliable. Within reason.
The most comon options on the Custom are:
Ammeter and Oil pressure gauges,
V8 engines
Radio
Air Conditioning
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Automatic Transmissions
Tu-Tone Paints
etc...
I remember the outcry when Ford dropped the Custom in 1982. People got upset when they discovered that they would have to buy a XL, or XLT to get certain popular options.
For that reason the Custom was brought back in 1987, dropped again, brought back in 1992, and finally dropped again for 1994 and later models.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Double Post. So I'll add more info anyway.
my 1973 F-100 CUSTOM was Special ordered with the following options.
Ammeter and Oil Pressure Gauges.
302 V8 Engine.
Limited Slip Differential 4.11 gears.
T-18 four speed.
And that's it. Not even a radio.
Although a Highly optioned Custom is rare, there are a few floating around the forum.
my 1973 F-100 CUSTOM was Special ordered with the following options.
Ammeter and Oil Pressure Gauges.
302 V8 Engine.
Limited Slip Differential 4.11 gears.
T-18 four speed.
And that's it. Not even a radio.
Although a Highly optioned Custom is rare, there are a few floating around the forum.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 868
Likes: 3
From: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
Hi there, 1/2 tons came in 2 weight GVW classes back then , they were the light duty 1/2 ton sold as the F100, the heavy duty 1/2 ton as the F150. The F250's were all 3/4 tons and the F350 was the 1 ton. After 1980 they had a light and heavy duty F250 as well.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: DeKalb, Ill.
It's nothing more than a fancy name that looses it's appeal.
In the sixties, a "Custom Cab" truck was high trim level.
In our Dentside era, two generations later, the name Custom has
been bumped down a couple of trim levels.
Think about it-
A guy trading in his '66 in '74 doesn't want the same old Custom Cab.
How about one of those new Explorers! ...Get it?
Explorers, and Rangers are familiar to us as upper trim levels.
Think about where those trim packages have tumbled to!
Murph.
In the sixties, a "Custom Cab" truck was high trim level.
In our Dentside era, two generations later, the name Custom has
been bumped down a couple of trim levels.
Think about it-
A guy trading in his '66 in '74 doesn't want the same old Custom Cab.
How about one of those new Explorers! ...Get it?
Explorers, and Rangers are familiar to us as upper trim levels.
Think about where those trim packages have tumbled to!
Murph.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,956
Likes: 10
From: MD
Custom was the cheap POS base vehicle without any options or comfort stuff. Not even soundproofing!