1961 bed options & are solid side windows possible?

Timdogg4 · Post by **Timdogg4** » June 16, 2011, 4:06 am

This is the first time I've ever posted on a forum before so please take it easy on me everybody. I recently purchased a 1961 F100 and I have a suspicion that it currently has the wrong style bed on it. I was under the impression that '61's came in styleside unibodies and separated flareside beds. Mine has a styleside bed that is separate and looks like a '57-'60's style bed. I purchased the truck figuring the bed was wrong because of the deal I got on it so my question is kind of pointless I know, but I was hoping to get a definate answer on this so I could stop wondering. Also, if anyone out there has a '64-'66 styleside short bed they want to get rid of (in decent shape) please let me know.
My second question is. Has anyone out there installed solid side windows in their '61-'66? Is this even possible to do (even with slight modifications)?
I am planning a ground up restoration on my slick and feel I will be relying on a number of the threads on this site to get me through and am hoping to be able to get a number of questions I have answered by you out there with more knowledge on this subject than me. Thanks everyone.

Hookedtrout · Post by **Hookedtrout** » June 16, 2011, 7:35 am

Hey Tim, Welcome.

First your bed is probably the correct bed, the early 61 trucks had "Wrong Beds" on them from the factory from what I understand. Ford carried over the 60 style bed for a period of time before they came out with the "Correct Bed".

As for solid side windows, I did this in a 55 F100 that I chopped 5" and I would say these trucks shouldn't be much different so anything is possible with the desire and effort. It could certainly be done!

johnzmu · Post by **johnzmu** » June 16, 2011, 8:53 am

From Alberta Canada.

I usually dont like to reply to these posts unless I know all the facts. But someone that knows more on this can chime in at any time. As Hookedtrout mentioned, what you have is factory. They carried over the 57-60 bed on pickups through 61-63, for those that did not want the unibody, and they used them on all 4 wheel drives. I also believe that there was certain applications that used them all the way through until 1966. Do a search on "Wrong bed" and you will get all kinds of info. Once again, welcome to the site and and you will find all kinds of wonderfull, helpfull folks, that love to help and give advice.

Hawkrod · Post by **Hawkrod** » June 16, 2011, 9:17 am

johnzmu wrote: From Alberta Canada.

I usually dont like to reply to these posts unless I know all the facts. But someone that knows more on this can chime in at any time. As Hookedtrout mentioned, what you have is factory. They carried over the 57-60 bed on pickups through 61-63, for those that did not want the unibody, and they used them on all 4 wheel drives. I also believe that there was certain applications that used them all the way through until 1966. Do a search on "Wrong bed" and you will get all kinds of info. Once again, welcome to the site and and you will find all kinds of wonderfull, helpfull folks, that love to help and give advice.

For someone who doesn't reply to these posts you sure know how to hit a home run. You are correct, the "wrong beds" are original and were used as you say. Also note that it was not an early 61 only thing as suggested above and it wasn't because they did not have the correct bed, the "wrong bed" is the correct bed as planned by Ford and most people do not realize it is not actually the same bed as a 57-60, it just looks like one, structurally they are different and do not directly interchange. Hawkrod

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » June 16, 2011, 10:46 am

welcome to slick 60s

Hawk is correct.

in addition these "wrong" beds were used up until 1966 but 63 was the last year on f100/250 2wd trucks.

in solid side windows i am assuming you mean no vent windows?

Gritsngumbo · Post by **Gritsngumbo** » June 16, 2011, 11:55 am

It was my understanding that the correct "wrong" bed on the 61-63 trucks wasn't used until mid-1962. If his truck is indeed a 61 I guess that lays that myth to rest.
Also: [quote="Hawkrod"] the "wrong bed" is the correct bed as planned by Ford /[quote]
"Planned"? Not sure how you know this, but to me this really doesn't make any sense, from a design standpoint if nothing else.
Oh yeah,

from Louisiana!

Hawkrod · Post by **Hawkrod** » June 16, 2011, 12:04 pm

Gritsngumbo wrote:It was my understanding that the correct "wrong" bed on the 61-63 trucks wasn't used until mid-1962. If his truck is indeed a 61 I guess that lays that myth to rest.

According to the 1961 parts books they were used in 61 and because the book was printed prior to 62 being made I have to think it was correct. I beleve the wrong bed was available at Job #1 as there was no other styleside bed option for a 4X4. It is also important to note that the part numbers for the under bed structure of a wrong bed uses all 61 part numbers. Hawkrod

Hookedtrout · Post by **Hookedtrout** » June 16, 2011, 12:35 pm

I think the important thing is they look way better with "The Right Bed" so I'd be on the lookout for a "Right" one unless originality is what you are looking for then I think your truck is more than likely original however it's old enough that just about anything could have been done to it so who knows for sure.

Gritsngumbo · Post by **Gritsngumbo** » June 16, 2011, 12:53 pm

Just be aware that the 64-66 short beds will fit, while the 64-66 long beds require modification to either the frame or the bed to fit. The fit is about 6" off.

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » June 16, 2011, 12:53 pm

Welcome to the affliction Tim.... Where are you located??

Timdogg4 · Post by **Timdogg4** » June 16, 2011, 3:47 pm

Thanks everyone for the replies. I suppose I spoke too soon about the bed situation as today I went to my local salvage yard and found 3 '61-'66 slicks with the "wrong bed". I was under the assumption that one of the previous owners changed out the flareside bed for an older style but now that you mention it, I do recall hearing about "Wrong bed" F100's somwhere. I do wish to change to the "right bed" because I like the way the lines flow much better (damn OCD!). I did find 2 damaged long beds that could make 1 complete short bed if I choose to go that route but with my limited welding skills that have not been utilized for the past 8 years, I am skeptical about taking on that job. Anyone out there who has done this and is willing to tudor me or point me in the right direction? That would be greatly appreciated. As for the solid side windows. Yes I am talking about removing the vent windows and having a solid piece of glass inside the door. I know that the '53-'55 F100 have a straight glass kit that would require the door to be modified on those models but being the slicks' doors are already straight I wouldn't need to take that step. I am wondering though. Will that kit work for my truck? Is the glass the same size/shape? Could I use the hardware and order specially made glass? I'm sure I'm going to end up trying out a number of things to pull off this mod but any info that would save me a few $$$$ would be awesome.
I am located in Fargo, ND. Is anyone on here in the same area that would be willing to meet up and give me some tips/hints? Thanks everyone.

Tim

Timdogg4 · Post by **Timdogg4** » June 16, 2011, 4:04 pm

Just so everyone knows. I have not started my rebuild yet. I have done a lot of research and one common theme in all rebuilds is to have everything planned out BEFORE you start. That's the stage I am at. These are my plans as of right now and I am pretty solid on all of these decisions with maybe some changes to the minor things.

*I'm installing a 2005 Crown Vic front suspension including power steering and disc brakes.

*A '97 Crown Vic rear end with disc brakes installed with a 4-link suspension.

* I'm going to remove the front parking lights/turn signals and use 7" round headlights with incorporated turn signals.

*A '70 Mustang fuel tank installed behind the rear end between the frame rails.

*18" wheels but undecided on tire size. I am aware that because of the crown vic's crossmember width I will need to run wheels with a bigger backspacing than normal.

*Solid side windows (how I'm going to pull that off is unknown to me as of now).

The interior is still up in the air as is the engine and transmission. I am leaning towards pulling an engine/transmission from a crown vic or similar model and changing the fuel injection components over to carbourated since the 4.6L will bolt directly to the crossmember I am using. I am not planning on racing this truck or hauling anything with it. This is going to be my daily (summer) driver.

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » June 16, 2011, 4:07 pm

Tim
the doors may be straight but the hinges stick into them several inches.
i think someone may have done a conversion.
i like the vent windows, my dogs do too.

Craig is probably your closest member

http://fordtruk.com/forums/profile.php? ... ile&u=1320

Timdogg4 · Post by **Timdogg4** » June 16, 2011, 4:13 pm

Iceman,

I actually spent some time last night reading through your threads and seeing the repairs you made to the leading edge of your hood, was convinced that that is the route I'm going to take since my hood has the same issue.

jamesdfo · Post by **jamesdfo** » June 16, 2011, 4:31 pm

I seem to recall mention of someone doing a one piece door glass install.......mmmm.......perhaps the fellow who was using the Lightning powertrain?? Can anyone come up with a handle??

James

Alan Mclennan · Post by **Alan Mclennan** » June 16, 2011, 4:51 pm

G`day Tim, and Welcome to the group!, I think it was Shawn F that did a side window conversion, could be wrong tho!

unibody madness · Post by **unibody madness** » June 16, 2011, 7:03 pm

Welcome to the madness,from California!
Not sure what you mean by right bed, 61 through 63s that did not use your bed where unibodies...but I supose you could find a wrecked donor and make a seperate bed out of it.
I have always wanted to find a shortbed, uni, parts truck, and see what I could manage to come up with

I think it would look SLICK!

John

Power by Ford · Post by **Power by Ford** » June 16, 2011, 8:54 pm

Welcome aboard Bobs F100's has the window kits, I got rid of the vent windows on my Uni project. It looks much cleaner to me.

MadMaxetc · Post by **MadMaxetc** » June 16, 2011, 9:30 pm

Keep in mind that the wheel base of the 63 is different than the 64-66. You would have to chop up your bed, or do what I did and chop the frame.

Leeroy · Post by **Leeroy** » June 16, 2011, 11:29 pm

Keep in mind that the wheel base of the 63 is different than the 64-66

Isn't tht only on a long bed?

I fitted a 64/66 shortbed on my 62. No problems.