By D. Brian Smith
Photography: Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Car and truck designers and engineers are well versed at evolving and improving vehicles through sometimes subtle and other times dramatic improvements. A vehicle that exemplifies subtle and artful design changes is the 1967-1972 Ford F100. These model years are known as the 5th generation of the world-famous Ford F100. In this identification guide, we'll show you some styling differences that can help you distinguish each of the F100 model years from 1967 through 1972. We'll also take a look at the engine options that were offered for these classic F-Series trucks.
"Bumpside" - The 5th Gen F-Series Nickname
Enthusiasts also call the 1967-72 F-Series the Bumpside for that dramatic, three-dimensional spear or crease that runs from the front fender all the way back through the bedside on a Styleside Ford, or stops at the back of the cab on a Flareside Ford. Much like Chevrolet's Fleetside and Stepside, Ford offered these two distinct bed styles for the F100 during this era. The Bumpsides share the same mechanical platform that Ford's engineers dramatically enhanced in 1965, but incorporate a beefed up foundation for 1967 and later. The 5th generation F100 powered to the pinnacle of American pickup production and popularity with more engine choices, a larger and more comfortable interior/cab, and more aesthetically pleasing styling.
Above and below: The maroon pickup is a 1967 Ford F100 Flareside short bed. Below is a 1969 Ford F100 Ranger Styleside short bed.
5th Gen F100 Model Years & Design Changes
For each of these six years Ford's designers had a hay day with the grille of the Ford F100, F250, and F350. They made nuanced changes for those first few years and then more dramatic styling cues came to the forefront towards the end of the Bumpside's 5th generation run in 1970 through 1972. The following identification guide includes photos of styling cues that can help you tell F100 model years apart from each other.
1967 Ford F100
The grilles for the 1967 F100 model year had a more squared off appearance, with parking lamps underneath the headlights. A larger greenhouse of glass for having a more commanding view of the road ahead and all around and three inches more interior room were two of the improvements to Ford's 1967 pickups. Customers could choose from three different trim levels - Base, Custom Cab, and Ranger. The Ranger trim had thicker and more comfortable seats, color coordinated carpeting and door panels, and chrome exterior brightwork.
1968 Ford F100
With a wider center grille bar and a bright anodized aluminum finish, the grille received a refreshed appearance. The Ranger emblem was only used on the 1968 and the 1969 grilles. Interior enhancements included changing the heater controls, improving the truck's armrests, and increasing safety with breakaway window cranks and safety door releases. Federal safety mandates for the exterior included the addition of front and rear reflectors to the hood and the rear of the truck.
1969 Ford F100
The basis of the F100 grille was much the same for 1969, though Ford did make a few minor cosmetic changes to it. A concave horizontal indentation now distinguished the grille's center horizontal bar. For the first half of 1969, the standard grille was painted Corinthian White. By mid-year, Ford changed it back to anodized aluminum. The top of the line Ranger grille received black paint around the headlight buckets and red paint along the center grille bar's horizontal indentation. 1969 is also the last year that the grille's center Ranger emblem was utilized. By late 1969, Ford also added a 205-horsepower, 302-cubic inch V8 to the engine lineup.
1970 Ford F100
A much tighter grille gridwork characterized the new look of the grille for the 1970 model Ford trucks. Ford also added rear marker lamps and made the front parking lamps wrap around the corners. A new trim package above the Ranger was called Ranger XLT. The other trim packages, aside from Ranger were renamed. Standard became Custom, while Custom was renamed Custom Cab.
Above and below: 1970 Ford F100 Sport Custom (formerly known as Custom Cab) and a 1970 Ford F100 Ranger XLT (now the top trim level above Ranger)
1971 Ford F100
A two-spoke steering wheel with a horn bar replaced the earlier steering wheels. The grille became six rectangular sections on either side of a vertical grille bar. Passenger car style hubcaps replaced the stock truck hubcaps for the stock rolling wheels.
1972 Ford F100
Power brakes became an option for Ford's 4WD pickups, while the grille went from six rectangular openings per side down to four per side of the center vertical grille bar.
All photos are with permission from Mecum Auctions
1967-1972 Ford F-Series Engine Choices
| Engine | Years | Power |
|---|---|---|
| 170 CID Thriftpower I6 | 1967 | 105 hp (78 kW) |
| 240 CID I6 | 1967–1972 | 150 hp (112 kW)121 hp (90 kW) |
| 300 CID I6 | 1967-1972 | 170 hp (127 kW)165 hp (123 kW) |
| 352 CID FE V8 | 1967 | 208 hp (155 kW) |
| 360 CID FE V8 | 1968–1972 | 215 hp (160 kW)196 hp (146 kW) |
| 390 CID FE V8 | 1968–1972 | 255 hp (190 kW)201 hp (150 kW) |
| 302 CID Windsor V8 | 1969–1972 | 205 hp (153 kW)154 hp (115 kW) |
Above: This 390-cubic inch V8 engine powers the sweet 1969 Ford F100 Ranger that's the last photo in this article.
Classic Industries Has Ford Truck Parts
Whether you're renewing a 1956 Ford F100 big-window pickup, or most any other sort of Ford truck from 1932-2017, Classic Industries probably has the components that you're seeking. A good example would be the bright anodized grille shell that's for the 1969 F100, F250, and F350 that can also be used for the 1967 and 1968 by painting portions of the grille as described in the above narrative. Simply click here to find a Ford truck icon for your model Ford truck, or click on the shopping button below.
Classic Industries Ford Truck Archives
Should you wish to peruse our growing library of Ford truck articles, here are a few that may pique your Ford pickup interest:
- Ford Truck History: From the Model TT to the Modern F-Series
- 1970 Ford F100 - Low-Mile Barn Find
- 1972 Ford F100 - Farm Truck, Race Car Tow Truck, Show Truck - Named Betty
