Curious about a 65 F100

[rumblecloud]

Nothing serious here, but I looked this truck yesterday and got VIN. I'm fairly certain it is a 1965 F100. I find it difficult to find any specifics using the VIN. From 67 up I can find stuff but not much prior. I've already decided to not buy it as the lady wants 6G for it. It's in fairly good shape, but will still require about 3G to get it road-worthy. Here are a couple of images: VIN and 3/4 front driver's side.


Just something different to talk about. Thanks.
R

 

[rubydist]

Well it has a 66 grille, but those are pretty interchangeable, and it has 64-66 doors, so it should be in that range.

Here is the vin decode:
F10 = 2wd F100 built between 61-66
J = 240 ci 6 for 1965
R = San Jose assembly plant
675768 = sequential build number from April of 1965
129 = long wheelbase truck
L = Holly Green paint color
F100 = 5000 GVW 4x2
381 = standard cab with medium green vinyl/wicker seats
A = 3 speed manual light duty Ford transmission
09 = 3.70 ratio Ford 9" open axle
5000 = max GVW
129 = engine horsepower
4000 = rpm for rated horsepower
72 = stock order for San Jose district

So it is, in fact, a 65 with a 66 grille.

$6000 is not a stupid number for it, given its apparent condition, but its a bit more than I would be wanting to spend on it. It would be worth more if it was still green with a 65 grille and the stock engine and transmission. The front bumper is also wrong, they never had the black inserts until the early 70s, and the door mirrors are also from later trucks. But it appears to be very straight, which is really hard to find on those old trucks because they were nearly all used as trucks and therefore got a bunch of bumps and bruises along the way, so it would be easy to get to a condition where it looked really good and drives decent.

 

[pentode]

Looks like it had a respray too so factor that in. I always try to figure out why it was painted. Might be nothing, might be something.

Very cool truck though. Don't factor that in to your offer.

 

[rumblecloud]

Well dang @rubydist !
I was wondering about the grille. All the images I found were different. I did find the San Jose reference and the color from the Pony Parts site I think. There is a spare rear diff in the bed (along with a pine tree and a Poplar).
There is rust in the typical spots: front floor board, at the lower fronts of the flare fenders. Otherwise, it is in fact very straight. No body damage, dents or scrapes that I could see. Glass is all good.The frame is really good no rust-through anywhere. Of course springs and brackets and all the suspension stuff needs to go... ...sh*t...my wife is gonna kill me.

Where did you get all your info? I looked at Marti and pretty much
google-heavened everything. Thanks again.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

For $6k the seller really should know what year it is...

Make sure they have a title... and check the floors.

 

[rumblecloud]

For $6k the seller really should know what year it is...

Make sure they have a title... and check the floors.

That was my first question : Do you have the title?
As I mentioned earlier the front floor boards will need replacing. Rolling around under the rest of it was a little difficult, but from what I could see and reach, it seemed pretty good.
I've have been looking at this truck for several years (and I mean several) as it has been parked behind some hedges close to a road I frequently travel. I finally got the bug to stop and ask. But now after looking at it and talking to you guys (I always tell Ann "I gots to talk to my people." ), my attitude has changed to meh. If I'm gonna spend 6G, I think I want something a little closer to road ready. More importantly, I don't think I want to spend that much time.

Thank guys for your thoughts and advice.
R

 

[rubydist]

slick60s.com

That is a very helpful site if you decide to move forward. fyi, I have a 66 styleside custom cab restomod that I am finishing up, so I have done lots of research on these trucks. fwiw, at $3k I would be all over that truck, probably $4-5k is a fair number based on what you described, given today's pricing on stuff, which is why I said that $6k is a bit too much imho.