1967-72 Ford F100 Bumpside Identification Guide & Model Year Differences

When you commit to restoring or upgrading a classic Ford F100, you need to know exactly what you are working with. The fifth generation of the Ford F-Series pickup, spanning the 1967 through 1972 model years, represents a major turning point in truck design. Ford engineers took the proven mechanical foundation introduced in 1965, beefed it up for 1967, and wrapped it in a completely new body that offered more interior room, better visibility, and more engine options. Enthusiasts call this 1967-72 Ford F100 generation the Bumpside.

Lead photo shows a 1969 F100 Ranger 4x4 with Reef Aqua paint (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

Today, the Bumpside F-Series sits at the pinnacle of American pickup popularity for builders and restorers. This generation strikes the perfect balance between classic styling and practical functionality. If you are hunting for project parts, trying to identify a mystery cab, or figuring out exactly what motor belongs between the frame rails of a 1967 Ford F100, you need accurate details. Small changes in grilles, trim packages, and safety equipment can make or break a period-correct build.

Above two photos show a Boxwood Green 1969 Ford F100 Styleside pickup (photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 1967-1972 Ford F100, from spotting year-by-year grille changes to understanding the exact powertrain options available from the factory.

What is a Ford F100 Bumpside?

Above: 1967 Ford F100 Flareside (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

In the classic truck community, you will hear the 1967-1972 Ford F100 referred to almost exclusively as the "Bumpside." This nickname comes directly from the signature design element of the fifth-generation F-Series pickup.

A dramatic, three-dimensional spear or crease runs down the side of the truck. On a Styleside Ford truck (pictured below) this bump runs continuously from the front fender all the way back through the bedside to the tailgate. On a Flareside Ford truck (pictured above) the crease stops abruptly at the back of the cab. Both versions could be equipped with polished body side moldings, as seen on upscale trim levels like the Ranger. This pronounced outward bump defined the aesthetic of the era and distinguished it immediately from the later "Dentside" trucks of the 1970s, which featured an inward concave line.

Above: 1967 Ford F100 Styleside in Springtime Yellow paint (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

Ford offered these two distinct bed styles—Styleside and Flareside—throughout the generation. Much like the Fleetside and Stepside options on a GM truck, this choice gave buyers the option between a flush, wide-bed appearance and the classic, fender-on-the-outside utilitarian look. Both variations shared the same robust mechanical platform. Ford engineers utilized the Twin I-Beam front suspension that debuted in 1965, but the 1967 and later models sit on a heavily reinforced foundation designed for heavier payloads and better durability.

Year-by-Year Identification: Spotting the Differences

Automotive designers rarely leave a good thing alone. For every year of the fifth-generation run, Ford designers tweaked the front end of the F100, F250, and F350. These changes were nuanced in the early years and became much more dramatic toward the end of the production cycle in 1970 through 1972. Knowing these differences is critical when you are sourcing replacement sheet metal, trim pieces, or grille shells for your project.

1967 Ford F100: The First of the Breed

Above: 1967 Ford F100 nose (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

The 1967 Ford F100 launched the fifth generation, and it remains one of the most sought-after years for builders. What makes the 1967 Ford truck special is its unique blend of new-generation design and early-era simplicity.

The most obvious visual identifier on the 1967 model year is the grille. It features a squared-off appearance with the front parking lamps mounted directly underneath the headlights.

Beyond the grille, the 1967 cab introduced major improvements over the previous generation. Ford increased the greenhouse—the total area of cab glass—giving drivers a much more commanding view of the road and better all-around visibility. The cab was also redesigned to provide three additional inches of interior room. For a truck builder spending long hours behind the wheel, that extra space is a massive upgrade over early 1960s models.

Above: 1967 Ford F100 Ranger interior, a bit customized (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

Ford offered three distinct trim levels for 1967: Base, Custom Cab, and Ranger. The top-tier Ranger trim brought car-like comfort to the heavy-duty truck market. It included thicker, more comfortable seats, color-coordinated carpeting and door panels, and additional chrome exterior brightwork.

1968 Ford F100: Safety and Style Updates

Above: 1968 Ford F100 grille on a tastefully restomodded pickup compared to a '68 Ford F100 Ranger grille that looks to have received a factory fresh restoration (photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

For 1968, Ford refreshed the front end and updated the truck to meet new federal mandates. The grille received a wider center bar finished in bright anodized aluminum. This is also the first year Ford utilized the specific "Ranger" emblem on the center of the grille for top-trim trucks—a detail that was only used for the 1968 and 1969 model years.

Above: Same 1968 Ford F100 Ranger showing front fender and rear bedside safety reflectors (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

Safety regulations drove several exterior and interior changes. Federal mandates required the addition of front and rear reflectors. You will find these reflectors mounted on the side of the hood and on the rear of the truck bed.

Inside the cab, the 1968 F100 saw a change to the heater controls. The armrests were redesigned for better ergonomics, and Ford introduced safety-focused hardware, including breakaway window cranks and new safety door releases designed to prevent the doors from popping open during an impact.

1969 Ford F100: The Transition Year

Above: 1969 Ford F100 Ranger grille (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

The basis of the grille remained similar in 1969, but Ford introduced a few minor cosmetic changes that builders need to look for. The center horizontal bar on the grille gained a new concave horizontal indentation.

Paint finish also varied depending on when the truck rolled off the assembly line. For the first half of the 1969 production run, the standard base-level grille was painted Corinthian White. By mid-year, Ford transitioned the standard grille back to an anodized aluminum finish.

If you are restoring a 1969 Ranger trim level, pay close attention to the paint details. The top-of-the-line Ranger grille featured black paint surrounding the headlight buckets and a specific stripe of red paint running along the center grille bar’s horizontal indentation. The 1969 model year also marks the final year Ford used the center Ranger emblem on the grille.

1970 Ford F100: A Major Facelift

Above: 1970 Ford F100 grille (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

The 1970 Ford F100 received a significant visual overhaul. The front end featured a completely new grille characterized by a much tighter gridwork pattern. The front parking lamps were redesigned to wrap around the front corners of the fenders, integrating them more smoothly into the body lines. Ford also added rear marker lamps to comply with updated lighting regulations.

Trim levels were completely overhauled and renamed for 1970. The entry-level "Base" model was renamed to "Custom." The mid-level "Custom Cab" was changed to "Sport Custom." Furthermore, Ford introduced a new premium trim package that sat above the standard Ranger, designating it the "Ranger XLT." If you are sourcing interior or exterior trim pieces for a 1970 or later Bumpside, make sure you are searching for the correct nomenclature.

1971 Ford F100: Interior and Insert Tweaks

Above: 1971 Ford F100 grille (photo courtesy of The Craig909)

Changes for the 1971 model year were subtle but distinct. On the outside, the grille inserts were changed again. The tight gridwork of 1970 was replaced by six rectangular sections on either side of the prominent center vertical grille bar. Ford also ditched the utilitarian stock truck hubcaps, replacing them with passenger car-style hubcaps for a more refined look on the factory steel wheels.

Inside the cab, the traditional steering wheel was swapped out. Ford installed a modern two-spoke steering wheel featuring a wide center horn bar, moving away from the classic horn ring design used in the earlier Bumpside trucks.

1972 Ford F100: The Final Bumpside

Above: 1972 Ford F100 grille (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

The 1972 model year was the last of the fifth-generation F-Series pickup run before the transition to the sixth-generation "Dentside" trucks.

Visually, the grille changed one final time. The inserts went from the six rectangular openings per side seen in 1971 down to just four larger rectangular openings per side of the center vertical bar.

Mechanically, 1972 was a notable year for four-wheel-drive builders. Power brakes finally became an available factory option for Ford's 4WD F-Series pickups, offering vastly improved stopping power for trucks equipped with heavier axles and transfer cases.

1967-1972 Ford F-Series Engine Choices and Powertrains

A classic truck is only as good as the engine under the hood. Between 1967 and 1972, Ford offered a massive array of engine options for the F100, ranging from fuel-efficient inline-sixes to torque-heavy V8s. Whether you are trying to identify a factory motor or planning a period-correct rebuild, you need to know what was available.

Note on power ratings: You will see two different horsepower figures listed for several engines below. This reflects Ford's transition from SAE Gross horsepower ratings to SAE Net horsepower ratings, a change that affected the entire automotive industry in the early 1970s. The engines did not necessarily lose power; the testing methodology simply became more stringent and realistic.

The Thriftpower and Big Six Inline-6 Engines

Ford’s inline-six engines are legendary for their durability, low-end torque, and ease of maintenance. They are a popular choice for truck builders who value reliability over outright speed.

• 170 CID Thriftpower I6: Available only in the 1967 model year, this small-displacement six-cylinder produced 105 horsepower (78 kW). It was a light-duty engine primarily found in base-model, rear-wheel-drive trucks used for basic delivery and farm work.

Above: 1967 240 CID inline six-cylinder engine as detailed just below (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

• 240 CID I6: Available from 1967 through 1972, the 240 cubic-inch inline-six was a staple of the F-Series lineup. It was rated at 150 horsepower (112 kW) gross, later dropping to a 121 horsepower (90 kW) net rating.
• 300 CID I6: The legendary 300 cubic-inch inline-six was offered from 1967 through 1972. Known as one of the most indestructible engines Ford ever built, it provided excellent low-end grunt for towing and hauling. It was rated at 170 horsepower (127 kW) gross, and 165 horsepower (123 kW) net.

Above: 1973 300 CID inline six-cylinder engine as detailed just above (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

The FE-Series V8 Engines

For truck owners who needed serious pulling power or wanted V8 performance, Ford relied heavily on the FE engine family. These big-block engines are heavy but deliver massive torque numbers.

Above: 1970 Ford F100 352 V8 as detailed just below (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

• 352 CID FE V8: If you are asking what motor is in a 1967 Ford F-100 V8 model, this is likely it. The 352 was offered exclusively for the 1967 model year in the fifth-generation run. It generated 208 horsepower (155 kW).

Above: 1969 Ford F100 Ranger XLT 4x4 360 V8 as detailed just below (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

• 360 CID FE V8: Replacing the 352, the 360 cubic-inch V8 became the standard heavy-duty truck engine from 1968 through 1972. It utilized the bore of the 390 with the stroke of the 352. It was rated at 215 horsepower (160 kW) gross, and 196 horsepower (146 kW) net.
• 390 CID FE V8: The top-tier big block option from 1968 through 1972 was the 390. This engine turned the F100 into a serious performer, capable of heavy towing or impressive straight-line speed. It produced 255 horsepower (190 kW) gross, and 201 horsepower (150 kW) net.

Above: 1969 Ford F100 390 CID V8 engine as detailed just above (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

The Windsor V8

• 302 CID Windsor V8: By late 1969, Ford introduced the 302 cubic-inch small-block V8 to the truck lineup. This engine provided an excellent balance of power, weight, and aftermarket support. Offered from late 1969 through 1972, the 302 was rated at 205 horsepower (153 kW) gross, and 154 horsepower (115 kW) net. The 302 remains one of the most popular platforms for builders today due to the endless availability of performance parts.

Above: 1972 Ford F100 302 CID V8 as detailed just above (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

Ford F100 Trim Levels and Cab Interiors

When piecing together a F100 Bumpside, the interior trim is just as critical as the exterior sheet metal. The cab is where you spend your time, and getting the details right separates a basic driver from a high-quality restoration.

Above: 1969 Ford F100 Base interior (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

Above as mentioned in the year-by-year breakdown, the early years (1967-1969) featured the Base, Custom Cab, and Ranger trims. The Base model was strictly utilitarian—rubber floor mats, painted metal door panels, and minimal insulation. It was built for work. The Custom Cab added minor comforts, slightly better upholstery, and additional exterior trim.

Above: 1968 Ford F100 Custom Cab interior (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

The Ranger package was a revelation for the pickup truck market. Ford recognized that buyers were starting to use trucks as daily drivers, not just farm implements. If you are restoring a Ranger, you need to source the thicker seat foam, the correct color-coordinated carpet kits (rather than rubber mats), and the specific stamped steel door panels with upholstered inserts.

Above: 1969 Ford F100 Ranger XLT interior (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

When the trim levels changed in 1970, the Ranger XLT took over the top spot. An XLT restoration requires finding woodgrain dash inserts, extensive exterior aluminum moldings, cargo lights, and heavily padded door panels. Sourcing these specific XLT parts can be a multi-year project on its own, but the result is a truck that feels remarkably refined for its era.

Where the Bumpside Fits in F-Series History

Above: Nice understated hot rod hauler - 1970 Ford F100 with a Coyote V8 and five-speed manual transmission (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

To understand the 1967-1972 F100, you have to look at the broader Ford F-Series pickup timeline. The F-Series began in 1948 with the F-1 "Bonus-Built" trucks, completely replacing Ford's car-based truck platforms. By the 1950s, the Y-block V8s were introduced, and the F-100 designation replaced the F-1.

The fourth generation (1961-1966) brought major structural changes, most notably the Twin I-Beam front suspension in 1965. When the fifth-generation Bumpside arrived in 1967, it capitalized on that robust suspension but modernized the packaging. It moved the truck away from its purely agricultural roots and aimed directly at the growing suburban market.

You might wonder why Ford eventually discontinued the F-100 nameplate. The answer lies in emissions and weight classifications. In 1975, during the subsequent sixth-generation "Dentside" era, Ford introduced the F-150 to bypass strict new emission regulations placed on lighter-duty vehicles. The heavier payload capacity of the F-150 put it in a different regulatory bracket. The F-150 quickly became the best-selling F-Series truck, and Ford slowly phased out the F-100, dropping it entirely after the 1983 model year.

Above: 1969 Ford F100 (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

Today, the 1967-1972 F100 holds a unique space. It is more modern and drivable than the early solid-axle trucks, but retains a smaller, more classic footprint than the massive Super Duty trucks of today.

Sourcing Ford Truck Parts and Managing Your Build

Restoring a 1967-1972 Ford F100 Bumpside is rarely a weekend job. It is an extended process that requires patience, a strict budget, and reliable sources for components. Because competitor awareness in the truck market is high, you have options for where you get your parts. You need suppliers that offer exact-fit reproduction panels, correct interior materials, and accurate exterior brightwork.

One of the great advantages of building a fifth-generation Ford truck is parts interchangeability. While the grilles changed every year, the core cab structure, doors, and bed dimensions remained remarkably consistent. This means that if you find a rust-free door from a 1972 model, it will bolt directly onto your 1967 cab.

Above: 1967 Ford F100 pickup bed (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

Whether you are renewing a rare 1967 Flareside short bed, building a heavy-duty 1970 F250, or dropping a built 302 Windsor into a 1971 daily driver, getting the right parts matters. A comprehensive online Ford truck parts source that covers everything from 1932 to more modern Ford pickups takes the guesswork out of the equation. 

Building a classic Ford truck requires dedication. Armed with the right year-by-year knowledge, an understanding of the available V8 and inline-6 powertrains, and a clear vision of the trim level you want to achieve, you can turn a rusted frame into a reliable, period-correct piece of American automotive history. Look closely at the grille, check the engine codes, and build it right.

Classic Industries Has Ford Truck Parts

Whether you're renewing a 1970 Ford F100 pickup, or most any other sort of Ford truck from 1932-2017, Classic Industries probably has the components that you're seeking. Find a Ford truck icon for your model Ford truck.