- Seller: David R (Contact)
- Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- Mileage: 86,059 Shown
- Chassis #: F10JR441324
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 302 cui V8
- Transmission: C4 Automatic
In 1961, Ford released a new F-100 with an “integral cab and body.” Today, Ford fans call these trucks the “unibody,” but whatever they were called, they only stuck around for three model years. Since the cab and bed were interconnected (the truck still had a full frame, which is why the term “unibody” is a bit misleading), there were stories of owners being unable to open or close the truck’s doors when they were carrying a load. Therefore, Ford rushed out a more traditional F-100 with a separate bed for 1962, but they continued to offer the “integral cab and body” into the 1963 model year, when it was still popular enough to sell 40,535 copies (compared to 76,728 of the traditional “Styleline” models). This 1963 F-100 is one of those unibodies, and you can’t fault Ford for trying; it looks like a factory custom. This customized truck with the integral bed and “Custom Cab” trim is now being offered as a Barn Finds Exclusive in Idaho with an asking price of $39,000.
The 1963 F-100 engine lineup was somewhat limited, with a standard 223 six or an optional 292 Y-Block, which this truck most likely had when it rolled off the assembly line. Along the way, someone replaced the old 292 with a more modern 302 with some modifications, including an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor and a set of headers. Although a Cruise-O-Matic was available in the F-100, a newer C4 has been installed behind the 302, and according to the seller’s friend, the 302 “runs strong” and the C4 “shifts nicely.” The truck also has power steering, power four-wheel drum brakes with a dual-circuit master cylinder, and aftermarket air conditioning with heater and defroster.
In addition to the bright teal/aqua/turquoise paint job, the interior has been redone in a similar vein (the upholstery has also been recently replaced). This F-100 is a “Custom Cab” model, which originally came with the following comfort and convenience features that don’t seem like they’d be options in this modern world of luxury trucks:
- Satin-finished instrument cluster with chrome-rimmed instruments
- Chrome horn ring
- Polyurethane seat padding
- Cigar lighter
- Arm rest (for the driver’s door)
- Passenger side sun visor (the driver’s was standard)
- Bright grille and headlight assemblies
- A coat hook
- A zippered-vinyl storage area in the driver’s door
- Bright metal windshield moldings
- “Custom Cab” scripts on the door handles
- Two-tone interior paint (this one has received the “monochrome” treatment)
- An “acoustical” headliner
- Extra sound insulation on the floorpan
This one has obviously been treated to a little customization to make it stand out when you’re cruising around, including newer wheels, side exhausts, and a bed cover. The Cooper Cobra white-letter tires have a late 2020 date code, and the truck should be ready to enjoy right now. And just look at that profile. Perhaps the “Unibody” wasn’t the most practical load carrier, but it will certainly draw attention today, so if you also love those smooth lines, make an offer!
This is a very clean, sharp truck. Mechanical upgrades and tasteful, subtle mods. That shade of green seemed to be common back in the day; good to see one today. The most fun part of Aaron’s good write-up is the list of Custom Cab features…. e.g. a coat hook! Not cheap.
And a passenger Visor!
When Ford 1st came out with these in ’61 the only way to get a separate box and cab was to order a stepside. After too many lost sales Ford started offering a wide separate box, but it didn’t match the truck. It was the one from the 1960 model. This one looks like a winner. somebody put in a lot of time to make this right, very close attention to the details.
This truck also has the wraparound rear window, which is very rare. Very cool. Wouldn’t change a thing! Too many digits in the price for me to swing it.
My Dad, uncle, and myself had several ‘61-‘63 Ford pickups with the integral box. One was an F250, which we used to haul firewood. Never had any issues with doors latching/not latching. 🤷♂️
Here in Montana they couldn’t give them away after a year or two. Box’s actually broke away from the cabs.
I had a 1963 Model loved that truck it had a 312 Mercury Motor in it then I got Smart and started buying Chevys from then on
Yeah, I tried Chevies two or three times. Corvair, Vega, Chevette, Citation, and my favorite, the Cruze – the car that can kill you if you put too many keys on your keychain. Chevrolet sure took care of poor people like me.
Why would you buy the cheapest junky cars a company makes? Chevelle’s, Nova’s, Impala’s, all great cars.
I’ve owned at least one of these, back in the 1980’s. It was a hard sell. I had a friend that was putting a 392 Hemi in one about the same time. When I was working for a Ford dealer in 1977, we moved from one place to another and cleaned out the 45 to 50 year old shop and found a brand new 1/4 panel for one of these in the basement. Sadly it went to the scrap pile. I did manage to save a brand new 1932 Ford coupe door and a few heads for flatheads. Wish I still had that door!
Very nice truck! There are some things I would change (wheels/tires, ride height, brakes, etc.), but all in all, it’s very well done. Very tasteful choices, too. All this and working A/C. I think the price is optimistic, but who asks for what they actually want when selling a car or truck truck? GLWTS.
These years I think were the best trucks ever made.