Key Takeaways:
- Bumpside Styling Defines The Era: The “bumpside” nickname comes from the bold body line that sets 1967–1972 F-Series trucks apart from other generations.
- Year Details Affect Fitment Choices: Small changes across 1967–1972 can impact trim, hardware, and restoration accuracy, so confirming your exact year and setup matters.
- Inspection First Prevents Costly Rework: A thorough check of frame, body, suspension, fuel, electrical, and brakes helps you prioritize the build and buy parts in the right order.
The 1967–1972 F-Series trucks are known for their clean lines, tough foundations, and the signature “bumpside” body crease that still turns heads today. These trucks were built to work, but they’ve become a favorite for restorations and driver builds because the platform is simple, capable, and easy to understand. The bumpside years also mark a major design shift for Ford trucks, creating a look and stance that still feels classic decades later.
At TOMS OFFROAD, we see these trucks as one of the best starting points for a dependable classic build. The key is knowing what changed year to year and what matters most when inspecting a project truck. Small differences in trim, hardware, and configuration can impact fitment and planning, so accurate information makes the whole restoration smoother.
This guide breaks down what defines the bumpside era, what changed from 1967 through 1972, and how to plan a build that stays organized. From inspection priorities to smart upgrades, the goal is a classic truck that drives confidently and looks right.
What The “Bumpside Ford Years” Mean For 1967-1972 F-Series Trucks
The 1967–1972 trucks are a sweet spot in classic Ford history. If you’re looking for the real story behind the bumpside ford years, here’s what the term means, what makes these trucks special, and what to watch for before you buy or build.
Why 1967-1972 Is Called The Bumpside Era
“Bumpside” comes from the body line that protrudes from the sides of these trucks. It’s a bold styling cue that made the generation instantly recognizable, and it’s still one of the reasons enthusiasts love this era today.
The Big Changes Ford Introduced In These Years
These trucks brought a more modern, squared-off design and a strong, work-ready platform that could handle everything from daily driving to farm duty. Ford refined the cab, improved road manners, and created a truck that’s easy to live with and even easier to restore.
How To Identify A True Bumpside F-series
Start with the obvious body shape, then confirm the year range through trim details, grille design, and cab features that changed over time. When you verify the exact model year, you set yourself up for smoother parts matching and fewer surprises during teardown.
The Common Mistakes Enthusiasts Make When Buying One
The biggest mistake is underestimating rust and skipping a full inspection. Another is buying before planning. If you want a proven approach to project planning, check out our bronco restoration breakdown, since the same principles apply to classic truck builds. When you’re ready to source parts and build with confidence, TOMS OFFROAD is here to help you do it the right way.
The 1967-1972 Model Year Breakdown: What Changed Year To Year
The bumpside era is one generation, but each model year has small differences that can affect parts compatibility, trim, and restoration decisions. Use this quick breakdown to understand what you’re looking at before you buy, and to plan your build with fewer surprises.
1967: The Starting Point For The Generation
1967 kicks off the bumpside design with the new body style and the foundation Ford would refine through 1972. It’s a great year for a classic restoration, but parts matching starts with confirming your cab, bed, and drivetrain setup, since early builds can vary.
1968-1969: Notable Updates And What To Look For
These years are where you’ll see incremental refinements. Small trim changes and equipment options can shift, so it’s smart to document what your truck has before ordering restoration parts. The goal is to avoid mixing year-specific details that make a clean build look “off.”
1970: Mid-Cycle Changes That Matter For Restoration
1970 is a common bumpside year and a strong choice for a driver-style restoration. It’s also a good reminder that fitment is everything. When you’re working through mechanical upgrades, you want parts that match your exact configuration, not “close enough.”
1971: Small Tweaks That Affect Parts Compatibility
1971 doesn’t reinvent the truck, but details can change enough to matter when you’re chasing the correct look and function. Interior hardware, electrical pieces, and finishing parts should be matched carefully, especially if your truck has been modified by previous owners.
1972: The Final Year And Why It’s Unique
1972 is the last year before the next generation, which makes it a favorite for collectors and builders. If you’re planning upgrades while keeping the classic feel, our guide on must have upgrades for classic broncos shares the same smart approach we use when helping F-Series enthusiasts prioritize reliability and drivability. When you’re ready to source parts for your exact year, we’ll help you keep the project moving with proven options and real support.
The Most Important Systems To Inspect Before You Start A Build
Before you order parts or tear anything down, a solid inspection tells you what the truck truly needs. These are the core areas we recommend checking first so you can build a plan, set a realistic budget, and avoid rework later.
- Frame And Body Rust Zones: Start underneath and work your way up. Check the cab corners, floors, rocker areas, bed supports, and the lower sections of fenders and doors. Rust repair can quickly become the biggest part of the build, so document everything before you commit to paint or bodywork.
- Steering And Suspension Wear Points: Look for sloppy steering feel, uneven tire wear, and sagging ride height. Inspect bushings, joints, and mounting points for cracking or play. This is also where a truck can “look fine” but drive rough, so don’t skip a full front-to-back suspension review.
- Fuel System Condition: Old tanks and tired fuel components cause hard starts, fuel smell, and inconsistent performance. Check for leaks, rust contamination, and questionable repairs. If you plan to upgrade fuel delivery, this is one of the smartest places to do it early.
- Brake System Safety Check: Brakes should always be evaluated before road time. Inspect lines, hoses, wheel cylinders or calipers, and master cylinder performance. If stopping power feels soft or inconsistent, plan on addressing it immediately before worrying about cosmetic improvements.
Once these systems check out, you’ll have a clear direction for your restoration and a much easier time choosing the right parts in the right order.
Smart Parts And Upgrades For A Reliable Bumpside Build
Once your truck is inspected and you know what’s worn out, the smartest upgrades are the ones that improve reliability without taking away the classic feel. These are the areas that typically deliver the best day-to-day payoff, whether you’re restoring a weekend cruiser or a truck you want to drive regularly.
Charging System Improvements For Modern Driving
A weak charging system can make a classic truck frustrating fast. If you’re running accessories or want more consistent output, upgrading your alternator is one of the best moves you can make. Options like 120 Amp Ford 1G Alternator for 1 Wire Setup, 289/302/351W and 155 Amp Ford 3G Alternator for 1 Wire Setup, 289/302/351W V-Belt & Serpentine are solid upgrades when you’re building for dependable starting and steady charging.
Fuel Tank And Delivery Upgrades For Consistent Performance
Fuel issues are common on older trucks, especially when tanks have rust or old repairs. If you’re planning a more modern fuel system, the EFI Fuel Tank for 1967-1972 Ford Truck is the kind of upgrade that helps keep things clean and consistent. Even on stock-style setups, it’s worth replacing sealing components like Fuel Sending Unit O-Ring for Stock Gas Tanks, 1966-77 Ford Bronco when you’re servicing or refreshing the system.
Suspension Improvements Without Ruining The Classic Ride
A good suspension upgrade should improve control while keeping the truck’s character. If you want a mild lift and better stance, 2.5 Inch Lift Kit - Rear Springs, 70-76 F-100 4WD is a practical option that keeps the build purpose-driven. Pairing that with quality dampers like M1 Monotube Rear Shocks – 5.5-7.5", 70-79 F-100 2WD can help smooth out the ride and reduce bounce.
Lighting Upgrades That Improve Visibility And Safety
Better lighting makes a classic truck easier to drive at night and safer overall. A simple upgrade like Halogen 7-inch Headlight Kit with FoMoCo Script & Wiring Harness improves visibility while keeping a period-correct look. It’s one of those changes you’ll notice every time you drive.
Small Hardware And Interior Parts That Finish The Truck Right
The finishing touches are what make a build feel complete. Small items like Bezel Nut for Wiper or Heater Switch, Factory Door Panel Clip, Push-In Style, 1966-77 Ford Bronco, and Windshield Washer Fluid Bag with Bracket help you restore function and tighten up the cabin details. These parts don’t take over the build, but they make the truck feel right when you’re behind the wheel.
How To Plan Your Restoration: Parts Strategy, Budget, And Ordering Tips
A good restoration plan saves time, money, and frustration. Before you buy everything at once, use a clear strategy so your truck stays drivable, your parts match your goals, and each phase builds on the last.
- Build Your Parts List Around Your Goal: Decide if you’re doing a stock restoration, a reliable cruiser, or a performance-focused build. Your goal determines everything from suspension choices to electrical upgrades, and it keeps you from buying parts that don’t work together.
- Phase Your Project To Avoid Rework: We recommend tackling the build in phases: safety and reliability first, then mechanical systems, then body and interior details. This helps you avoid tearing the same area apart twice and keeps momentum steady.
- Fitment Checks That Save Time And Money: Confirm your year, engine, drivetrain, and trim before ordering. Even within 1967–1972, small differences matter. When you verify what’s on your truck today, you prevent delays and reduce returns.
- When To Replace Versus Rebuild: Replace wearable items and compromised parts early, especially in brakes, steering, fuel, and electrical systems. Rebuild when you have a solid core component and the time to do it properly. The key is choosing reliability over shortcuts.
- How We Help You Keep The Build Moving: When you’re sourcing parts, we help you match the right components to your truck and your build plan. From major upgrades like EFI Fuel Tank for 1967-1972 Ford Truck to finishing pieces like Front Cab Mount Universal Style, Driver and Passenger, we’re here to keep your restoration on track with proven parts and real support.
Once you plan the build in phases and order with fitment in mind, your bumpside project gets a lot easier, and the truck comes together the way it should.
Final Thoughts
The bumpside Ford years are a standout era for classic truck enthusiasts because 1967–1972 F-Series trucks combine strong foundations with a clean, timeless look. The key to a successful build is treating it like a system-by-system restoration instead of chasing cosmetic upgrades first. Frame and body condition, steering and suspension wear, fuel delivery, electrical reliability, and brake safety all work together, and getting them right early prevents the most common setbacks.
At TOMS OFFROAD, we stock parts that help you restore drivability and finish details the right way, from functional upgrades like EFI Fuel Tank for 1967-1972 Ford Truck to everyday essentials that tighten up the truck’s fit and feel. When your foundation is solid and your parts match your exact setup, the truck sits right, drives confidently, and keeps the classic bumpside character that makes these years worth building.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bumpside Ford Years
What does “bumpside” mean on 1967–1972 Ford trucks?
“Bumpside” refers to the bold body line stamped along the sides of 1967–1972 F-Series trucks, which protrudes, giving the generation its signature look.
What years are considered the bumpside Ford years?
The bumpside Ford years are 1967 through 1972 for Ford F-Series pickups.
Is 1972 different from earlier bumpside trucks?
Yes. 1972 is the final year of the generation and can include small detail changes that matter for fitment and restoration accuracy.
What should you inspect first on a 1967–1972 F-Series project?
Start with rust and frame condition, then check steering, suspension, fuel system, electrical output, and brake safety before planning upgrades.
Which upgrades improve reliability without losing the classic feel?
Focus on charging output, fuel system consistency, better lighting, and refreshed suspension components for safer, smoother driving along with comfort items like A/c and power windows.
Why do year-to-year differences matter when ordering parts?
Trim, switches, mounting hardware, and mechanical setups can vary across 1967–1972, so confirming your exact year and configuration prevents ordering errors.
