Thanks to everybody that replied to my first post. And I would have to agree with all of you, that making my truck suit me is a great idea. My next question is, my truck is an F100 "Custom". So far, I have not been able to figure out why it's a "custom". It doesn't have any bells or whistles. What made it "custom" when it was made?

 

Custom means base model Ford truck. I really do not know why ford chose the word custom for their
base model trucks.

 

"Custom" denotes a base model, i.e., one which was not equipped with a standard package of options (like the "Explorer" or "Ranger" package). Buyers could order the truck with a few hand-picked options, or none at all.

 

I've got a 67 f100 "Custom Cab." I wonder if the base model designation also applies to trucks with the "Custom Cab" model? Its pretty standard other than some chrome strips around the headliner and an am radio.

 

sorry dude but they are not the same, two different critters.

John

 

Dan,

You didn't mention what year your truck was, so I'm just going to go up the list from '73-79'.

CUSTOM: Ford's base model (differing from Custom Cab, but I'm not sure what that difference was); no chrome, no carpet, no A/C standard, no tilt, no cruise, AM radio (or even NO radio), no headliner, vinyl seats, painted grille (grey), etc.

EXPLORER: A step up from custom, the Exlporer level was really a "sport's/off-road" add-on to the Custom levl; sport stripes, chrome optional, Explorer badging (Hood ornament, side-panel ensignia, rear-quarter ensignia), off-road package (fuel tank and t-case sheilds), painted steel wheels or "rally wheels', painted grill (black or grey), push bars and/or bed-bars optional, etc. Basically Ford's idea of a sport's truck.

RANGER: This was the real next notch in the levels; chrome (very minimal), carpet optional, vinyl bench seat with cloth houndstooth inserts, cardboard headliner, tilt optional, cruise optional, painted (grey) or chrome grille, RANGER badging, etc.

RANGER XLT: This was the most popular level, again an add-on to the Ranger trim level (much like the Explorer was an add-on to the Custom level); full chrome, two-tone paint (center band or "waterfall") chrome wheels or painted wheels with chrome caps, chrome grille, square headlamps ('78), "RANGER XLT" badging, carpeting, cloth seats, vinyl headboard, AM/FM, AM/FM/CB, AM/FM/8track radios; cruise, tilt, AC optional, etc.

LARIAT: The absolute top of the line! Two-tone paint (center or waterfall), very chromey, chrome wheels (usually rally-style), button-cushioned vinyl headboard, carpet, radios, crushed velour seats, etc. Loaded.

All trim levels could be ordered on any cab configuration, except Lariat, which could not be ordered on a Crew Cab.

Lastly, Two special options could also be ordered: Camper Special(CS) and Trailer Special (TS). CS is designated by a square, red insignia on the front quarter-panel that says "Camper Special". TS is designated by an insignia on the tailgate that is red, white, and blue and shaped as an outline of the USA with the caption "Trailer Special" on it.

Well, I hope ya don't mind me talkin' your ear off like this.

Have fun!

Avatar

1979 F-350 4x4 400/C6/205, 60/70, Ranger XLT

 

 

Thank you, very educating. I have a 1978 F 150. It is loaded. On the cowl it has
F 150, Ranger, XLT and Lariat Badges. I am told it also has the Trailer Special package and Northern package.
Aluminum wheels, crome caps, full Aluminum upper and lower, Aluminum door gutter, Aluminum trim around tail lights, Aluminum upper and lower on tail gate, Aluminum trim around tail gate handle, Aluminum box rails, Crome bumpers, roof lights, two-tone black/silver paint (center band) Aluminum grille, square headlamps, Dual fuel tanks, Tool compartment on box AM/FM/cassette/CB, Cruise, Tilt, AC, ignition key hood release, wood grain dash tim, Black/woodgrain vynal seat, velour head liner, rear window deicer, Gove box light, Map light, Cab floor lights, Under hood light, Cargo light, 460 4V, C6 Auto, Locker 273 rear end, PS, PS cooler, PB, Trans cooler, Huge 4 core radiator, big alternator, Block heater, AC, Cruise, Tilt, Rease hitch and electic brakes and I am probably forgeting something.

 

yeah, i have a '73 F250 ranger xlt, and i think it was a camper special. there is a spot for the insignia under the front quarter panel badging, but its not there. very nice truck, especially considering the time frame it was manufactured.

 

My buddy has a 77 F250 custom with all of the bright trim you can get. It's white/blue tu-tone and looks like an XLT on the outside, but the only other options its got are am/fm radio and western mirrors. it's 2nd owner 95% original with 55k miles.

 

Custom means exactly that. From ford you could order all, none or any combination of options that if not an upgrade package(i.e. ranger, xlt, ect.) All customs were either ordered by the dealership that way or by customer. Hope that helps. Keep on truckin... Also there is another post on page 16 about halfway down that Has a lot of info on custom.

 

I recently bought a 73 F100 Custom. Mine is 2-tone white and brown and has the chrome trim down the middle separating the 2 colors. I am currently restoring the truck and I am going to add the chrome rocker panel molding, chrome wheel-well trim, and chrome tailgate moldings. When it's done it will look like a Ranger XLT, but it will still be a Custom.

 

I have 2 77 customs. One has 302/C4 with headliner, rubber mat and am radio along with 2 tone paint. The other came with a 351M/C6, carpet, cloth/vinyl seat, headliner, am radio, and the wide chrome in the body line from front to back.