1960 Flareside shortbed
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
F100 Flareside shortbeds as original: 1953/56 / 1957/72 / 1973/79.
In 1957, Ford replaced the bedsides, tailgate, front panel and rear fenders used 1953/56 with 1957 (1957/72) parts for use as Service Part Replacements.
In other words, if you went to a dealer after 9/1956 to buy these specific parts for 1953/56's, you got 1957/72 parts.
In 1973, Ford changed the bedsides, front panel and the tailgate, the rear fenders are the same. 1973: The width of the rear frame rails behind the cab increased from 33 1/2" to 37 1/2"
And...the wheelbase increased slightly in 1973. 33 1/2" vs 37 1/2" rear frame rail width: In order to use the 1973/79 bed on an earlier truck, new mounting holes must be drilled.
In 1957, Ford replaced the bedsides, tailgate, front panel and rear fenders used 1953/56 with 1957 (1957/72) parts for use as Service Part Replacements.
In other words, if you went to a dealer after 9/1956 to buy these specific parts for 1953/56's, you got 1957/72 parts.
In 1973, Ford changed the bedsides, front panel and the tailgate, the rear fenders are the same. 1973: The width of the rear frame rails behind the cab increased from 33 1/2" to 37 1/2"
And...the wheelbase increased slightly in 1973. 33 1/2" vs 37 1/2" rear frame rail width: In order to use the 1973/79 bed on an earlier truck, new mounting holes must be drilled.
