Key Takeaways:
- Design Defines The Generation: Pressed character lines made the 1973–79 F-Series instantly recognizable.
- More Than Looks: The 1973 redesign updated chassis, suspension, and cab dimensions, too.
- Well Supported: TOMS OFFROAD carries parts across every 1973–79 restoration category.
The dentside Ford truck earned its nickname from the pressed character lines running through the doors and fenders of the 1973–79 F-Series. Those lines were not incidental — they were a deliberate design statement.
TOMS OFFROAD has supported classic Ford truck enthusiasts since 1976 and carries parts for the full 1973–79 F-Series generation.
This page covers what makes a Ford truck a dentside, how it differs from the bumpside, what the model range looks like, and what restoring one involves today.
What Makes A Ford Truck A Dentside
The dentside name comes from the pressed character lines in the doors and fenders of the 1973–79 F-Series, a deliberate design shift that changed how Ford trucks looked for an entire generation.
Where The Dentside Name Comes From
The name references the concave character line pressed into the lower door and fender panels. That line cast a visual shadow, giving the body a more angular appearance than the rounded bumpside panels it replaced.
Dentside Ford Truck: The Design Features That Define This Body Style
Beyond the character line, the dentside introduced a wider cab, a more upright windshield, and a cleaner hood profile. The overall effect was a truck that looked more purposeful than its predecessor while keeping recognizable F-Series proportions.
1973 Dentside Ford: What Ford Changed From The Previous Generation
The 1973 redesign updated the frame, front suspension, track width, and cab interior, along with the new body style. The TOMS OFFROAD bumpside vs. dentside Ford trucks guide covers the full platform differences between the two generations in depth.
How The Dentside Body Aged Differently
The pressed character lines created rust traps along the lower edges of the door and fender. This aging pattern is consistent and predictable across the generation, meaning that builders who know where to look can find damage early, before it reaches structural areas.
Dentside Vs Bumpside: More Than A Body Style Nickname
The dentside and bumpside are two distinct generations separated by more than the character lines that gave each its nickname.
- Dentside vs Bumpside: Body Panel Philosophy: The bumpside used rounded bulging fender lines, while the dentside introduced flatter, angular panels with pressed character lines through the lower body.
- Wheelbase And Cab Changes: The 1973 redesign brought updated cab dimensions, wider track, and revised wheelbase options, distinguishing the dentside mechanically from the outgoing generation.
- Mechanical Platform Updates: The 1973 F-Series introduced chassis and front suspension updates, making the dentside a genuine mechanical generation change rather than a cosmetic redesign.
Dentside F-Series Models Across The 1973-79 Range
The dentside generation covered multiple F-Series configurations that carry different restoration implications, parts needs, and collector appeal in the current market.
Dentside F100: What The F100 Was And Who It Suited
The F100 was the light-duty dentside variant positioned for buyers prioritizing fuel economy over maximum payload. By the late 1970s Ford was phasing it out in favor of the F150, making clean dentside F100 examples increasingly rare and proportionally more desirable today.
Dentside F150: How The F150 Became The Volume Model
Ford introduced the F150 in 1975 with a higher payload rating than the F100. It quickly became the dentside volume seller and remains the most commonly available configuration, with the strongest parts-catalog support in the current restoration market.
Engine And Drivetrain Options Across The Full Range
The 1973–79 F-Series offered inline-six and V8 configurations from 240 through 460 cubic inches. This variety means that drivetrain verification at purchase matters more for dentside builds than for generations with fewer configuration options. The TOMS OFFROAD old Ford trucks 1970 guide covers what made this era significant across the full F-Series lineup.
Which Dentside Configuration Holds The Most Interest Today
The four-wheel-drive F150 in short wheelbase configuration consistently commands the most attention. A capable four-wheel-drive system, manageable proportions, and strong parts support make this the most sought-after and well-supported dentside build available.
Sourcing Parts For A Dentside Ford Restoration
The 1973–79 F-Series has strong catalog support through TOMS OFFROAD — here is what the restoration process looks like across the categories that matter most.
- Frame And Structural Assessment First: Check both frame rails and crossmembers before any other work. Frame condition determines the entire scope of restoration for any dentside build.
- Body Panel Sourcing: Dentside cab corners, body panels, and bed sides sourced through the 73–79 Ford Truck Parts catalog with generation-specific fitment throughout.
- Drivetrain And Mechanical Items: Dana axle wear items, transfer case components, and engine mechanical parts for the 1973–79 range are well supported throughout the TOMS OFFROAD catalog.
- Interior And Trim: Seat surfaces, door panels, and dash components sourced through the 73–79 Ford Truck catalog with correct year-range fitment across all cab configurations.
Final Thoughts
The dentside ford is more than a nickname. It is the identity of the 1973–79 F-Series — a generation that separated itself from what came before through deliberate design choices the enthusiast community still values today.
TOMS OFFROAD carries the 73–79 Ford Truck catalog with the depth and fitment accuracy the dentside generation requires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentside Ford
What years are considered dentside Ford trucks?
The 1973 through 1979 Ford F-Series generation.
Why are 1973-79 Ford trucks called dentsides?
The concave pressed character line in the lower door and fender panels defines the body style.
What is the difference between a dentside and a bumpside Ford truck?
Bumpside used rounded fender lines. Dentside introduced flatter angular panels with pressed character lines.
What F-Series models came in the dentside generation?
F100, F150, F250, and F350 across multiple cab and bed configurations.
Does TOMS OFFROAD carry parts for 1973-79 dentside Ford trucks?
Yes, the 73–79 Ford Truck Parts catalog covers the entire dentside generation.
What should I check first when buying a dentside Ford truck?
Frame rail condition. Dentside frames rust in predictable locations that determine the entire scope of the build.
