Ford F-Series

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.

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1979 Ford F150 in blue, front quarter view

Old Ford Trucks

Engine specs for the 1979 Ford F150

Engine specs for the 1979 Ford F150 The 1979 Ford F150 trucks marked the end of the sixth generation of the rugged F-Series pick up trucks, which spanned from 1973 to 1979. Characterized by its design and durability, the 1979 F150 came with a variety of engine options to suit different needs, from more fuel-efficient six-cylinders to powerful V8s. Here's a breakdown of the engine specifications for all models of the 1979 Ford F150: 4.9L Inline-6 (300 CID): This engine was the base option for many F-150s, known for its reliability and decent fuel efficiency for the time. It produced around 114 horsepower and 223 lb-ft of torque. 5.0L V8 (302 CID): A step up in terms of power, the 302 V8 offered a balance of performance and fuel economy, making around 140 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. 5.8L V8 (351 CID) Windsor: The 351 Windsor was another popular V8 option, known for its robustness and torque. It delivered approximately 150 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. 5.8L V8 (351 CID) Modified (M): The 351M, often confused with the Cleveland, was a variant designed for torque more than outright power, with similar horsepower to the Windsor but different in technical specifications. 6.6L V8 (400 CID): The 400 was essentially a 351M with a longer stroke, offering more torque at lower RPMs, making it ideal for towing and heavy-duty applications. It produced around 158 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. 7.5L V8 (460 CID): Available in certain models and regions, this was the largest and most powerful engine option for the F-150 in 1979, used primarily for heavy towing and high-performance needs. It delivered around 245 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, though these numbers could vary slightly based on specific configurations and emissions controls. These engines were paired with a variety of transmission options, including three-speed or four-speed manuals, and the C6 automatic transmission for higher torque engines. The choice of engine and transmission significantly influenced the truck's performance, fuel economy, and towing capacity. Keep in mind, the specific output and performance can vary slightly based on factors like the truck's configuration, optional equipment, and condition. If you're looking into a specific model or have a particular use case in mind (like restoration or modification), it might be helpful to look into more detailed sources or forums dedicated to old Ford trucks, as they can offer a wealth of knowledge and specifics tailored to enthusiasts' needs. The towing capacity of a 1979 Ford F150 can vary significantly depending on the engine size, transmission type, rear axle ratio, and whether the truck is equipped with optional towing packages. Unfortunately, detailed towing capacity specs for vehicles of this era are not as readily available or as standardized as they are for modern vehicles. However, I can provide you with some general estimates and considerations. Engine Size and Power: Larger engines with more torque, such as the 6.6L V8 (400 CID) or the 7.5L V8 (460 CID), would naturally offer higher towing capacities due to their ability to generate more power and torque. These engines would be more suitable for heavier towing or hauling duties. Transmission Type: Trucks equipped with automatic transmissions generally have a higher towing capacity than those with manual transmissions due to the automatic's ability to better manage engine power and torque delivery. Rear Axle Ratio: A higher rear axle ratio can also increase towing capacity, as it provides more torque to the wheels at lower speeds, although this can come at the expense of fuel efficiency. Towing Packages: If the truck was equipped with a factory towing package, it would likely have included features such as a heavier-duty cooling system, stronger frame and suspension components, and possibly even a different rear axle ratio, all of which would contribute to an increased towing capacity. As a rough estimate, the towing capacity for a 1979 Ford F150 could range from about 4,000 to 7,000 pounds, depending on the factors mentioned above. It's important to note that these are general estimates, and the actual towing capacity could vary. If you're planning to tow with such a vehicle, it's crucial to consider not just the maximum towing capacity but also the weight of the trailer, the distribution of weight on the trailer, and the condition of the vehicle's engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension. For specific towing capacities and to ensure safe towing practices, it's recommended to consult a professional mechanic who is familiar with old Ford trucks or to refer to original Ford documentation or a reliable restoration guide.

Old Ford Cars

CLASSIC MUSTANG PARTS

There’s nothing like the sound of a 289 V8 with a four-barrel carburetor purring down the street. When you’ve got the ponies galloping under the hood of a 1966 Mustang, it doesn’t matter if the sun is shining or the rain is pouring - it’s a beautiful day when you’re behind the wheel of a classic. Classic cars, especially ones like the Mustang, are always head turners. It’s no wonder your car sounds good. You’ve kept your beauty running smoothly with classic Mustang parts whenever you need to replace something. Sometimes, when you own a classic, just like with the newer model cars, a problem can develop unexpectedly. The problems can be small or large. For example, you might start to notice that your Mustang doesn’t have the same gallop it used to have. You don’t see what the problem is until one day, you see smoke like you’ve never seen before. When you see white smoke coming from the exhaust of the car, you need to get it home and check the dipstick to see if there’s a distinctive milky appearance in the oil. That could mean a blown head gasket. When you realize that there’s a blown head gasket, you know that in order to get the car up and running in the best of shape, you’ve got to find an auto store that sells classic Mustang parts. You may not have one local, you may have to order online, but whatever you have to do to get parts for your car, it’s worth any effort. You don’t want to compromise with just any parts seller, come to the best here at C&G Ford Parts! A lot of times, you’ll see shops advertise that their replacement parts for your classic car are so “identical looking” that you can’t see a visual difference. You may not be able to see a visual difference with a knock off part, but you can certainly tell a difference in how the car runs and in how long that part will last. Buying classic Mustang parts isn’t just for when you need to fix something on the car. These are what car enthusiasts look for when they’re restoring a classic to its former glory - and if you ever decide to sell you car, it should have parts made just for it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small job like replacing your gas cap or a big job like replacing the windshield seal - you’ll get more mileage and less headaches by choosing classic Mustang parts from C&G Ford Parts, always choose the best.

General

Classic Ford Parts

Classic Ford parts are essential components for enthusiasts and collectors who aim to restore, maintain, or customize their vintage Ford vehicles. Ford, one of the most iconic automakers in history, has produced a range of classic cars that have a special place in the hearts of many. From the legendary Model T to the Mustang, the legendary F series pick ups and Mercury's each classic Ford model has its unique set of parts and accessories that are sought after by collectors and restorers worldwide. The allure of classic Ford parts lies in their ability to bring a piece of automotive history back to life. These parts are not just replacements; they are fragments of a bygone era, each with a story to tell. Restoring a classic Ford using reproduction parts is like preserving a piece of art. It's about maintaining the integrity and authenticity of a vehicle that has been a symbol of American culture and innovation. One of the challenges in restoring classic Fords is finding the right parts. Authentic parts are often scarce, and locating them can be a painstaking process. Fortunately, C&G Ford Parts has made it easier for enthusiasts and restorers to find what they need. We have have a vast inventory of reproduction parts, from crank pulleys to dash bezels, and we cater to a range of models and years. The quality of classic Ford parts is paramount. Authentic parts are typically more durable and fit better than aftermarket replicas, but are very hard to find. Reproduction parts on the other hand ensure that the vehicle remains true to its original form, which is crucial for maintaining its appeal. For those who cannot find authentic parts, high-quality reproductions are the next best option. These parts are manufactured to match the original specifications as closely as possible. For many, the restoration of a classic Ford is more than a hobby; it's a passion. It involves meticulous work and a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and engineering of a bygone era. Whether it's a complete restoration or a minor repair, using classic Ford parts is essential to keeping the legacy of these timeless vehicles alive. As these cars continue to age, the demand for high-quality classic parts is only expected to grow, making them an integral part of the classic car community.