Engine Choices and Specifications for 1961-1966 Ford Pickup

The 1955 Ford Fairlane: A Classic Icon of American Automotive History In the realm of classic American automobiles, the 1955 Ford Fairlane stands out as a significant model that marked Ford's return to prominence in the auto market. Named after Henry Ford's estate, Fair Lane, in Dearborn, Michigan, the Fairlane was introduced as Ford's premier car for that year. With a new frame and 11" brakes, the Fairlane replaced the Crestline as the flagship offering. Design and Styling The 1955 Fairlane was distinguished by its elegant and modern styling, characterized by a lower, longer, and wider profile compared to its predecessors. It featured a distinctive stainless steel stripe running along its side with striking 2 tone paint schemes, which became a hallmark of the Fairlane models. The car was offered in six different body styles, including two- and four-door sedans, hardtop, and a convertible known as the Sunliner. A standout among these was the Crown Victoria, which boasted a tinted, transparent roof panel, adding a futuristic touch to its design. Engine and Performance The Fairlane came equipped with options for both a 223 cubic inch (3.7 L) straight-six engine, a 272 cubic inch (4.5 L) V8, or a 292 cubic inch V8 (4.8 L) with a 4 barrel carb providing buyers with choices tailored to different performance needs. The V8, in particular, was a point of interest for its power and smooth operation. Transmission options included a Fordomatic automatic or a three-speed manual. Market Impact The introduction of the Fairlane was part of a broader effort by Ford to rejuvenate its lineup and recapture market share from competitors like Chevrolet. The Fairlane was not just a vehicle; it was a statement of Ford's commitment to innovation and style. In 1955, Ford managed to outsell Chevrolet, ending a 20-year streak where Chevy had been the best-selling car in America, a testament to the Fairlane's appeal and Ford's strategic marketing. Features and Accessories Ford emphasized luxury and convenience with the Fairlane. It included features like dual exhaust systems on higher-end models which improved both performance and sound. The car also introduced several firsts, including Ford's first factory-installed air conditioning system, known as "Select Aire," which was optional. Innovations like the panoramic windshields, new for 1955, offered drivers a broader view, enhancing safety and driving experience. Cultural Impact The 1955 Fairlane wasn't just a car; it became an emblem of the era's optimism and love for automotive style. Its design and engineering influenced subsequent Ford models and left a lasting impression on American car culture. The Fairlane's success helped pave the way for future models, including the introduction of the Fairlane 500. Legacy Today, the 1955 Ford Fairlane is celebrated by collectors and car enlthusiasts for its blend of style, performance, and historical significance. Restorations are common, and the car's parts are sought after, with companies like Classic Industries providing a range of reproduction parts for enthusiasts looking to bring their Fairlane back to its original splendor. In conclusion, the 1955 Ford Fairlane was more than just another car on the road; it was a symbol of Ford's resurgence and a reflection of the vibrant automotive culture of the 1950s. Its design, performance, and the enduring legacy it left behind continue to make it a beloved piece of automotive history.

The Baby Moon Hub Cap: A Blast from the Past If you're a fan of classic automobiles and have a soft spot for Americana, you've likely come across the term "baby moon hub cap" at some point. These shiny, timeless accessories have a fascinating history and a unique place in the world of automotive design. In this blog post, we'll dive into the development, design, production statistics, and popularity of the baby moon hub cap. Development and Design The Baby Moon hub cap, also known simply as "baby moons," emerged during the golden era of classic Ford automobiles in the 1950s and 1960s. These hub caps are characterized by their smooth, minimalist design. Unlike their full-sized counterparts, which were aluminium, baby moons were all about simplicity and elegance. Made from high-quality chrome or stainless steel, baby moons were designed to fit snugly over the hub of a car's wheel, providing a clean and polished look. Their minimalist design made them a popular choice among car enthusiasts who appreciated the understated beauty of classic cars. Production Statistics While it's challenging to pinpoint exact production statistics for baby moon hub caps, they were widely produced during the mid-20th century, primarily as aftermarket accessories. Various manufacturers, including companies like Mooneyes, produced these hub caps to cater to the growing demand from car owners looking to enhance the aesthetics of their vehicles. During their heyday, baby moons could be found on a wide range of American cars, including Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge models. They became a symbol of the era's automotive style and are closely associated with the classic Ford automobiles that many enthusiasts still cherish today. Popularity Over the Years The popularity of baby moon hub caps has endured over the years, thanks to their timeless design and association with the classic Americana era. Car enthusiasts and collectors continue to seek out these hub caps to complete the authentic look of their vintage vehicles. Additionally, baby moons have found a place in modern hot rod and custom car culture. Enthusiasts often use them to add a touch of nostalgia to their custom builds, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these simple yet iconic accessories. Conclusion In conclusion, the baby moon hub cap is a classic automotive accessory that has left an indelible mark on the world of classic cars and Americana. Its development, design, and continued popularity reflect the enduring appeal of timeless automotive aesthetics. While exact production statistics may be elusive, the legacy of the baby moon hub cap lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors, making it a cherished piece of automotive history.

FORD F100 HISTORY In 1953, Ford launched a fresh era of F Series pickups. The 1953 pickups were officially called F-100 and featured sleeker designs with an all-new cab and front end design. This generation of F Series pickups had larger measurements that included 55% larger windshield glass due to its curved design. With the wider cab you can seat 3 full size adults. 1953 Ford also improved chassis now available in 110” and 118” wheelbase (1948-52 is 114”). The gas tank was moved from behind the seat and now mounted on the outside of the frame below the driver’s side of the cab. The upgrades were designed to foster toughness and driving performance. The F Series pickups also took on new names. The F-2 became the F-250. The F-3 was renamed the F-350. Options included a dome light, cigarette lighter, ashtray, sun visors, radio, recirculating air heater and hot water heater. The new name was retained by the F-100 until Ford discontinued production of the F-100 after the 1983 model-year. In 1954 the all-new 239 CID "Y" block engine became available. The 1956 F-100 was celebrated for its perpendicular windshield pillars and its wraparound windshield. Available on the Custom Cab model is a wraparound rear window. The “Y” block 272 was now available as was the 223 6 Cylinder. The gas tank was moved back into the cab behind the seat. Assembly of the F-100 in this time took place mostly in Dearborn, MI. Ford also made approximately 101,000 to 184,000 models of the F100 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. SECOND GENERATION The second generation of the Ford F-100 ran from 1957 through 1960. The important styling change for this generation was a lower hood sitting flush on top of the front fenders. Ford launched its tradition of providing two different pick up box styles in this generation. Separate rear fenders were featured on the traditional Stepside design. The new released Styleside layout featured smooth sides as well as a far more streamlined look. New for 1958 was the use of four headlights, Ford continued this until 1960. In 1959, Ford began making the F-100 with a unique four wheel drive. Ahead of this new development, outside makers such as American and Marmon-Herrington and Coleman occasionally converted normal Ford trucks to four wheel drive. The next generation of the vehicles also marked an increase in sales of the optional eight-foot bed for the F-100, the typical length of the bed was six and a half feet. The eight-foot bed eventually eclipsed its smaller counterpart in popularity among F-100 motorists. Assembly continued to take place in the Ford plant in Dearborn, MI. THE 3RD GENERATION The new pickups were lower to the ground and wider than earlier versions. 1961 F-100 offered the optional uni-body, which combined the cab and box into one body. Ford discontinued the unibody design at the end of the 1963 production after it fared dismally in the marketplace. 1961 and 1962 Ford still used one piece hood side emblems. In 1963 new body side trim was now available on the styleside trucks with a red painted stripe in the center of the trim. The all new hood side emblem now included a plastic insert with the size of the truck “100”, “250”, “350”. In 1965 designers lowered the cab floor enhancing interior room. 1965 Ford also launched the first of its all new front suspension the "Twin I-Beam". 1965 Also offers a 352 "FE" motor instead of the “Y” block 292. The 6 Cylinder engine is also upgraded from the 223 to the new 240. Ford offered the Ranger option in 1965. The designation referred to your field of options that included an interior optional bucket seats with console and carpeting instead of a rubber floor mat. Ford changed some of its own assembly in this time to a plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico. FOURTH GENERATION Ford engineers continued their emphasis on pickups in 1967 that offered a degree of comfort which was similar to a car. 1967 Has new unique hood side emblems. 1967 offered new exterior trim, the body side trim is also new 1-1/4” wide with thin black line top and bottom as well as, available rocker trim. With the new designed cab now includes a new cargo light for the bed at the back of the cab above the rear window. 1968 Changed the hood side emblem to include a reflector. Lower bed side reflectors are standard. The exterior trim is now wider at 1-1/2” wide with the black thin line top and bottom. The Ranger option now includes a grille emblem. New for 1968 is interior door lock knobs. The exterior trim is changed again for 1970. The grille is all new with a plastic inert for either side of the grille. The front of the hood now has a trim going from side to side. The bed side reflector is moved from the lower bed side to the end of the body side trim and now has a light in it. The new Ranger and Ranger XLT trim is now 3-5/8” wide. The new wide trim is available with either black for the Ranger option or woodgrain for the Ranger XLT. 1971 The steering wheel is changed to a two spoke wheel with optional black or woodgrain horn pad. FIFTH GENERATION OF THE F100 AND INTRODUCTION OF THE F-150 The F-100 underwent major refinements for the fifth generation of the F Series, which ran from 1973 through 1979. Ford released the F-150, a fresh version, in 1973. The F-150 was essentially an F-100 with a spring package in the front and back that enabled the vehicle to carry a heavier load. Ford stopped production of the 4x4 F-100 in 1978. New grille with new plastic inserts for 1973 with the plastic insert now going around the headlight. The XLT option now included a grille emblem. The side trim was now available with a rubber insert down the center of the trim. The side reflectors now had light sockets with the front ones mounted in the front fenders and the rear still at the back of the bed trim. With the all new dash design trucks optioned with factory air conditioning now had vents in the dash for the air to go through and no longer was the air conditioning unit hanging from under the dash. 1974 Ford offered the new “Super Cab” with had a back bench seat and quarter windows behind the door. The new quarter windows were available fixed and with a pop out version. 1977 Offered a new exterior rim called “Race Trak” trim. The trim was a thin molding that started on the front fender at the grille and went down the side of the truck and curved up the bed side to meet the body side trim. Mid year 1978 Ford switch to square headlights which became standard for the F series trucks. Ford stopped producing the venerable F-100 entirely following the 1983 model year. Fans of Ford F-100 pickups and Ford automobiles in general are motivated to see cgfordparts.com. The site is an excellent resource for locating thousands of old Ford parts now in reproduction. The expert staff members are prepared to answer questions and share their knowledge of Ford restoration.