Taking a Look

After reading through many Ford truck forums and the usual HOW-TO, Wiki and other reference sites on the 1966 Ford Trucks I decided I had better take a look at what was delivered to the Casa on that Auto Carrier a few weeks ago and more importantly, come up with some kind of maintenance and possibly even a work plan. What options were available on the '66 ?

According to the book 'American Light Duty Trucks'  the Camper Special option was available along with the in the Custom Cab model in 1966. The Custom Cab package included:

• striped upholstery with bolster and vinyl facings
• chrome horn ring
• cigar lighter
• left hand arm rest
• right hand sun visor
• extra insulation
• bright metal grille and headlight assembly
• bright metal windshield reveal molding
• matched door locks 
• custom cab plaques 
• bright hub caps

The Camper Special package includes:

• dual western mirrors
• unique fender emblem 
• extra-cooling radiator
• ampmeter
• oil pressure gauge
• a 300 cid six or a 352 cid v-8 engine
• cruise-o-matic or 4 speed manual transmission
• extended tailpipe
• 70 amp.-hr battery
• and a 55-amp. alternator

Sitting in the drivers seat, the interior is dusty, dirty but most of the dashboard components are there. The lights work throughout and all the gauges register something  with the exception of the tachometer which sits attached to the column- needle sits at zero.

The kids found out the horn works and lets out a MOAN that reminds them of a hurt cow. The upholstery is in good condition and looks original, there is a small tear on the passsenger side seat that I know was recent as Uncle Ken spokebaout how disappointed he was that after 47 years of NO TEARS he got one as he was prepping Old Blue for the ride to California. . 

This Camper Special was ordered with the split windows in the back and though dirty and move only with a bit of effort .. they work!


So this is the "Medium Beige Cody Pattern Woven Plastic" that Bill the retired parts manager spoke about :)

The Custom cab options for the doors included the arm rests, door panels (black) and the additional option for indoor storage compartments were included on this Camper Special.

The headliner is the cardboard kind with little holes in it. It is bent and warped in areas but stays out the way for the most part.

Old Blue came with West Coast Jr. mirrors which are about 12" long (the mirror itself.). This compared to the standard West Coast mirror which are approximately 16-17" long and typically mounted on the bigger trucks like F600's and semi trucks. We have the two-point mounts so have a little plug in the hole in the top of the door panel which would have held the third mount point. I like this style of mirror because I can collapse them when parking in tight garage space.