61 - 64 radiator core support to mod for a 66 4 x 4

[rcb1020]

If I buy a new 61 - 64 core support ( I'm guessing this is a 2wd ) from Obsolete Classic Auto Part ( on sale ) $250 until 1/31/12. What modifications need to be done ? I have a 66 4wd and should I use the 61 - 64 pad kit or the 65-66 pad kit ? Why can't they just make a 66 4wd core ...grrrrrr !

[bunchoftrucks]

The core support I used to replace my 66 4x4's was from a 66 2x4 of course that was before they started re-poping them. I used the 66 pads on mine. The core supports for 66 F-100's are different than the F-250's since the 250's used the older style frame with leaf springs front and rear.

[bunchoftrucks]

Oh yeah as far as the mods to make it work, you'll need to swap over the 66 inner fender mounts to the new core support. The 61-64 used a rounded inner fender the 65-66 were as you know angular.

[ICEMAN6166]

they do make a 66 f100 4x4 core its the same one the 66 2wd f100/250 use.
also use the 66 pad kit.

seems to me some are confusing the issue of the core supports.

the 66 f100 4x4 is the only slick 4x4 that uses the "new" 65/66 2wd cab,front clip beds and wheelbase. basically its a 2wd truck with a coil sprung front axle.

all the other 4x4s use the 61-64 style ,and there is no difference between 2wd or 4x4 on the 61-64 core support

i do not know why you would want to buy a new incorrect support and make it work when the correct ones are available.

if it was my truck i would be calling up Tom @ flashbacks and seeing if he has a rust free 65/66 core support with USA steel

[rcb1020]

Well I just found another used rust free 64 core support for $70 , but it's good to know the new 65/66 f100/f250 will work also. The problem is with the shipping , a new $250 or $300 core support with shipping now turns into a $400 + core support.

[rcb1020]

I'll give Tom a call also , Thanks Iceman I have NPD located by me , but they don't offer a 65/66 2wd f100/f250 or 66 4wd

[kelwar]

From what I have seen the 66 4x4 used the same rad support as 65 2x4 with the different battery box and mount for radiator than the normal 66 rad support.

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[bunchoftrucks]

Ice man has it right . Even if it's got a little rust it can be repaired for less than the purchase price and shipping and add the fact that it is made on the original stamping dies and made in the USA, it's no brainer.

[bunchoftrucks]

Sorry if I came off harsh but growing up in the Detroit area and seeing what imports did to the big 3 and my home state,I'm pretty judgemental about low qaulity imports. Like the old saying if youwant oats that have been through the horse they are cheap,if you want oats that haven't been through they cost more.

[ICEMAN6166]

Sorry if I came off harsh but growing up in the Detroit area and seeing what imports did to the big 3 and my home state,I'm pretty judgemental about low qaulity imports. Like the old saying if youwant oats that have been through the horse they are cheap,if you want oats that haven't been through they cost more.

i grew up there too, only imports i saw in the 60s were vw, mercedes and the occasional english ford.
early 70s after the pinto came out the datsuns started showing up, the rest came soon after.

[rcb1020]

You will both be happy to know that with lots of persistence today , I located an original 66 2wd Radiator core support and it should be here by mid-week ..no rust or rot ! feels like I hit the lottery ..lol I live in the Flint , Mich area and most of the auto plants are long gone ! The only ones open are connected with the GM truck and bus plants , Toyota has taken over Ann Arbor and VW HQ is in Auburn Hills. There's a nice GM plant in Lake Orion that builds mid-size cars and Detroit still has a few plants left. I work for UPS and we make lots of money on international packages going to Canada , Mexico and Italy. I will NEVER buy an import !

Where did you guys live in Michigan ?

[bunchoftrucks]

I grew up in Clarkston about 30 miles south of you right off I-75 .Moved to Traverse City in 78 and that's where I found my first slick. Been in Colo. since 81. By the way you have a very unique 66 4x4 !

[ICEMAN6166]

i started out life in the western suburbs . Livonia,Plymouth area
headed out when i was 17, saw a lot of the USA but stayed nowhere very long.came back for a while ,then spent a few years in Texas. returned again and worked around the Detroit area ,living for couple years in Orion/Oxford then i moved up near Grayling, lived there almost 10 years,and been here since 97.

i was into bumpsides then, this is 22 years ago at my place outside Grayling

[rcb1020]

My 4x4 is a 66 F100 / 352 / 4 speed manual with 58,000 original miles and 10 leaf springs on per side on the rear axle. The cab & chassis were built in the St. Louis , Mo plant and shipped to Tuscan , Az where they added the malibu camper and sold it new at Don Sanderson Ford Dealership in Glendale , Az in 1966. My other 66 is a short box and gets a 460 bored 30 over with a C6 this summer. The new 460 is the last photo and sits on a lwb rolling chassis , I'm going to get it running first on the lwb chassis and then install it into my swb 66 after I repaint the engine compartment and frame on my swb 66.

[rcb1020]

You get around Iceman ! I know Oxford / Orion very well , delivered all around in both towns. I'd like to move after I retire in 12ish more years and head to the Carolina's on an all-sports lake.

[bunchoftrucks]

Ice did you ever get a chance to check out the Fred Bear museum , great place. rcb I gotta hand it to you thats a way cool camper