I've looked throughout this forum for Camper Special Specs. I'm sorry if I ask this and there is already a thread with this topic.

I've inherited my Grandfather's 1973 F250 Camper Special, 390, 2wd, Auto & A/C. It's white with a baby blue cab top. It's a reallly beautiful truck, never stored outside and CLEAN. People are making me offers on it around here (i'll never sell btw) and I'm still trying to get a handle on what he's left me.

What is different about this truck than other '73 F250's? (besides the Camper Special decals)

Why do other 73' F250 Camper Specials I see here have the chrome lining the groove along the body? Was this sold in some other C.S trucks? Are the wide 3 point mounted side mirrors factory?

I did notice that there is a trailer/camper 6 prong(umm maybe 7) connector on the underside of the bed by the cab.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Escobarclan,

I also own a 1973 F250 Camper Special, 390, 2wd, Auto & A/C myself. You didn't mention what trim level you have (Custom, Ranger or Ranger XLT). Mine came with the Ranger trim package.

CS's came with 1 ton frames with the 3/4 ton suspension. (Basically an F350 frame on an F250 suspension) Also, a second battery tray under the hood, along with a wiring harness that ran to the bed of the truck which allowed for a slide in camper to be hooked up for electrical useage.

The trim you are referring to that runs along the sides of the truck would typically depend on what type of trim level package the truck came with originally. From what I know the trim you are talking about came with the Ranger and Ranger XLT trim packages.

My truck has the 3 point western style mirrors. There were many different styles of mirrors during the 70's on these trucks. I'm not certain which ones came with the CS models.

Do you have pictures to post? We would all love to see them. Sounds like a real nice truck!

 

Sounds like a very nice truck! Pictures would be great! As mentioned above, the trim package determines some of the items installed on your truck. Mine is the Ranger XLT Camper Special, F250, 390ci, auto, 2WD with a/c and passenger side toolbox in the bed, so now you can compare the two right below your post. Not sure about decals, but my truck has emblems that say Camper Special on the front quarter panels below the cowl and hood. I have the same three point mount western camper mirrors and my paint is remarkably similar in color to pskies, but the scheme is different. There are several threads on Camper Specials, and as a note, they are much different than the Super Camper Specials for when you do the Forum Search. You can see more pictures in my gallery or click on the below link. It is a competition that I am rapidly losing to a nice blue truck. Maybe vote for a fellow Camper Special!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...mpionship.html

 

Ok, I am humbled. I've looked at both of your trucks and they are magnificent! I'm beginning to see there is a special love here for these old trucks, as I have for my grandpa's. I'm so glad I found this place.

Heck, my wife and co-workers are stunned that I drive my truck to work and park it among all those snubby merc's and bmw's, they just don't realize.... She's a city slicker from Cali. and I'm from Arkansas (think Deliverance). She does like to go driving around in it with me though, bench seats (heh-heh). Oh yeah they had a reason for them in the 70's. Ok, I digress.

This truck only says 'Ranger' near the rear of the bed. There aren't any holes where any trim has been mounted along the groove as well.

What I have done. Stripped and painted the whole underside frame and bed (with bed off) with black Tractor Implement paint (good stuff) Tanks filled with gravel and shaken well/cleaned for rust. Cleaned out vent channel. Cleaned, wiped, armor-alled everything under dash.

Polished Hub caps, painted steel wheels. Degreased all of tranny, front end, ball joints, and painted, regreased.

And the usual stuff for good measure: Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter, oil and filter, inline fuel filter and added see through fuel filter.

Had oil pump changed for a pump that puts out 25% more (for good measure, and it runs great without dry-sumping, btw)

Thinking of going electronic for ignition (thoughts?)

I'll post pics when I can, still haven't figured out this Blackberry yet. thank you guys for responding.

 

i have a 1972 ranger camper special that i just bought for 1000$
it came with a caper on it i took the camper and sold it
got 160$ for it.
the truck has little rust (surface rust) the inti is suprisingly in great shape
engine and tranny are in need it runs
needs that i know is a full tune up valve cover gaskets all fluids changed it does not shift right i think its the vacuum modulater or at lest i hope rear main is leaking odm says 124,000 dont now if that is accurate it need a new driver side door not bad just a nice ding also dude put to much tranny fluid in it so have to take care of that

if any one has some suggestions on what would be wong with the transmission i love to here them

 

First you HAVE drain the excess. I would just pull the pan and clean it out, then go with new fluid. Fix the vacuum problem, easy.

Forget the valve cover leaks unless it bothers u that bad. make the tru k run right first, then you can enjoy the cleanup and small details.

 

There was over 15 different styles of mirrors on these trucks.
The Most common that came on these trucks are The "Western Style" mirrors, Which originally came on my truck, But a previous owner replaced them with a set from a '88-'97...

--------------------------
Your Thinkin' of The Ranger and Ranger-XLT Trim Packages, The Ranger Trim Package was first introduced on F-Series Trucks in '64 or '65. The Ranger-XLT Trim Package was The Top of The Line Trim Package on F-Series Trucks from '70-'77, Until The introduction of The Ranger Lariat in '78.
'78 Bronco Brochure Cut Out.

Type 3 & Type 2 are the Most Common Types that came on Camper Specials.
Here's Type 3:










This is The Trim Your Talkin' Bout:

1979 Ford Pickup Trailer Special/Camper Special Cut Out.

1979 Ford Pickup Trailer Special/Camper Special Cut Out.



Here's A Ranger with Just The Ranger Trim:


Here's a '76 F-150 Ad: (With The Ranger-XLT Trim Package) (Second Year For The F-150)




Here's another '76 F-150 Ad:







(OK, I'm Done, For Now...)
Welcome To FTE, By The Way.

 

Wow. Thank you for all of that! You are most definately THE man!

 

Hey im new to this site but I just got a 1973 Super Camper Special F350 that is in mint condition. It has 23,500 miles on it with no dents, rust or scratches. The interior is show room quality and all original! I have been looking to replace one of the super camper emblems but cant seem to locate any. Can anyone hook me up with a spot? I dont plan on selling this truck. It is a real head turner and I absolutely love it!

 

That sir, sounds like a beautiful truck. I had a '78 that was baby blue, and I loved the color

I have a '79 F250 Camper Special 460/C6, 2wd w/ aftermarket A/C. Like yours, mine has the electrical hookup in the bed. My truck also has overload springs (I don't know if the '73s had them though. Mine have the 4 point style mirrors (type 8 is closest)


Good luck on your adventure
Jameson

 

Thanks. I will try and get a photo on here in the next few days. This does have overload springs and added sway bar in back. It also has a third fuel tank and the 390 motor. The guy who had it before me was the second owner. The first owner was his Dad. It was in his family for nearly 38 years until I got ahold of it. This list of extras is so long that I couldnt list. This truck is emerald green and the upholstery is spotless and carpet matches the quality. Im new to this so ill get some photos on when i figure this out

 

Thanks NumberDummy

 

This is the 1973/79 forum. Ford changed the entire truck in 1973, so next to none of the questions you asking about inre your 1971 will apply.

Suggest you ask these questions in the 1967/72 forum where you'll get assistance from peeps that have similar trucks.

 

Hello,
There's a company called LMCTruck.com that has had everything I've ever needed for my 1974 F250 Camper Special. I'm pretty sure they'll have whatever emblem you need.

 

I just bought a 1979 F250 Lariet Camper Special and I was wondering what gear ratio the rear end has in it. Has a 351 auto with 100,000 miles on it interior is great and body is straight with original paint. Was thinking about putting a 4wd front end in it and making it a 4wd (along with adding other things to make it a 4wd).