Ford's BEST Truck Trims of the 1970s Explained

In this episode of Dentside Depot, Aaron goes over the key differences between 1979 Ford truck trim models and their cost. The different trims were Custom, Ranger, Ranger XLT, and Ranger XLT Lariat. Please note this is applicable to 1979, older trucks will vary based on the year and completely different for pre 1978 trucks. Hope you enjoy the show!

[@DentsideDepot]

One thing I missed, XLT and Lariat had chrome on the door panel bottoms. If you notice something else not mentioned feel free to comment, I tried to mention all the most important aspects overall without getting into too much detail.

[@tra-viskaiser8737]

Only the fancy looking steering wheel buttons for cruise.. I saw it on the 78 my uncle special ordered with literally everything on a single cab short bed with the cover/camper cover. Looked beautiful still when I last saw it in 02 or 03.. I will be using your channel when I get my 78 f150 custom going again.. I miss driving it almost every day. My first car at 15(and thankfully I'm the second owner). Thank you so much for making a channel about a truck that is so special in my life due to my grandfather teaching me to drive in his field in 1 of the nearly 20 I can remember him trading and buying... thank you so much

[@DentsideDepot]

Yes correct, but woodgrain on XLT and LAriat without the buttons@@tra-viskaiser8737

[@WildBillFlysRC]

1965, first year for the Ranger name as an interior option. Mustang bucket seats and a 64-65 falcon sprint console. I can't remember how much it added to the cost, but I used to know that number. Cheers!

[@p51mustang52]

my 78, has ranger badging on it, has a small chrome trim piece in the body line that was not shown or mentioned I have seen only a couple trucks with it.

[@theda850two]

​@@p51mustang52,, My 1975 F 100 had that plain one inch wide in the dent as well..

[@a.s.c.2909]

My Dad bought a new 78 F250 ranger with the explorer package. It had air, tilt wheel, carpet, map pockets on the doors, a cargo light for the bed (the switch was in the top corner of the cab), chrome trim around the wheel wells and on the drip rails above the doors, and courtesy lights under the dash. I wish Ford would make new 78/79 trucks with modern drive trains and brakes at a reasonable price. They might be surprised how many they could sell.

[@DentsideDepot]

Awesome! Well our government has made cool trucks and muscle cars a thing of the past this point. Its really a shame the American dream of buying a house and owning a nice truck is really over, especially for young people.

[@qwertykevin1]

It had air?

[@jimcarney7174]

At the age of 21, my first “new vehicle” was a ‘79 F-150 Custom… Light Blue Ext./Dark Blue Int. 8’ bed, radio delete, 300 cu. In. 6 w/3 on the tree and a step up steel bumper. I purchased it from “Bill Watson Ford” New Orleans, Louisiana for $4,775.00 which included the TTL! Looking at your collection brings back memories. I put $1,500.00 down and my note was $98.50 for 36 months. Those were the days LOL!

[@charlesharnois3684]

IMO These Were Some Of Fords Best Trucks. There Is A Reason Why So Many Are Being Rebuilt Or Restored! Thanks For Your Report, Very Informative!

[@whitetrashandhellbound6905]

My father bought a 79' Custom a few years before I was born. He used it as a work truck, daily driver. Took such good care of it. He was always keeping up on maintenance and anything that "Might" need replacing got replaced immediately. He promised me that I could have it on my 16th birthday. About 9 months before my birthday he bought himself a new F150. He put some money into his Custom about 6 months before my birthday, new tires, paint job, new stereo system, some things to the engine to beef her up a bit (I don't know what exactly). I was so excited to watch him do it, I knew he was doing it for me. About 2 months before my birthday a man showed up, knocked on the door and my father went outside. They walked around his Custom a few times. Got in together, the man driving. When they came back to the house my Dad extended his hand over and shook the other mans hand and got out with a brown envelope in his hand. The truck drove off. He sold the fucking truck, man I was so pissed. On my birthday he gave me a Plastic Model kit of a 79' Ford Custom and the keys to a Chevette lol fuck sakes. He looked me right in my eyes and said "You really thought I was going to let you wrap my truck around a telephone pole?"... lesson learned. My son is 16 this year, I promised him he could have my 5.4 F150 XTR... now I just hope Walmart has a Plastic Model of my truck... and where do you even find a Chevette these days? 😂

[@DentsideDepot]

Hahaha, models on amazon maybe lol??

[@whitetrashandhellbound6905]

@@DentsideDepot That's actually a pretty good idea... definitely find a Model there. Wonder if I could find a Chevette there too? Lol 🤔🤣

[@professionalinspectionserv4228]

You are providing a lot of great information. I am a bumpside truck enthusiast but value your information all the same. These were a great truck Era. I am looking at what parts can be used across these years of trucks. Thanks again.

[@DentsideDepot]

Hey thank you I really appreciate it!

[@robertt6292]

Bumperetts, I loved them and the heavy black rubber pieces that went out from them to the curve of the bumper.

[@Oldredbarncustomsandrepair]

I had a 79 F100 Custom Explorer. 300, 3 speed with overdrive, power steering with manual brakes, 2wd. Would love to get one of those explorer hood ornaments to use one my next truck!

[@DentsideDepot]

Nice just like mine!

[@Noone-jn3jp]

FINALLY! The Ranger! A ranger explorer?!? 😍

[@DentsideDepot]

I believe I have seen one before, if anyone has one please feel free to comment.

[@falconkrause9324]

I own a ford f250 ranger XLT explorer!!!

[@DentsideDepot]

Well there you go, quick confirmation on that one thanks!@@falconkrause9324

[@Noone-jn3jp]

@@falconkrause9324 That’s awesome

[@user-ht1xu4gv2u]

Lots were loaded in July 2977 Ford trucks and we spent days looking for one and one came in priced right but the dealer wanted dual tanks so we switched and he knocked $$$$$. Off

[@Mindokwin]

I had a 1976 F250 Custom 4wd 300 V6 manual in the light blue color. It cost me $5600 brand new. I loved that truck and lived in it for a few years.

[@wbreese9903]

During this era, in my small rural town in Oregon, the local Ford dealership's main customers were farmers, ranchers and loggers. He usually had around 3 new cars and 8-10 new pickups in stock. All the pickups he ordered in for his stock had custom trim....no frills. He ordered them with a heavy duty radiator and a better seat than what came with the custom trim. Most were V8, 4spd, 3/4 ton 4X4s.......he usually kept one crewcab 4X4 on hand for the loggers.......

[@DentsideDepot]

Really cool info here. I think many small dealers had this strategy. I wonder if East coast trucks had a higher rate of higher trim levels compared to more rural areas. Would be interesting to know that.

[@vm722]

I had a 76 F 150 Full time 4x4 Automatic 360.Beautiful thing. Never has a truck made me walk SO much 😢

[@DentsideDepot]

Time to get another!

[@user-mh1ws6pw7q]

I wish I could have the blue one. That year truck was and is my favorites

[@Rye9998]

Hey I live close to u and always admired ur trucks when I would drive by, just found ur channel recently and it’s cool to see all the trucks in n out. Keep up the good work brother!

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

I had a brown 79 f100 custom short bed with a 302 and a 3 speed. I loved that truck. Sadly I blew up the transmission and ended up selling it.

[@DentsideDepot]

ah well maybe time to buy another?

[@user-pv6hk9pd5y]

I find myself having to watch your videos here. That 79 sky blue custom/explorer reminds me of my 1st vehicle. I had 75 F-100 custom, and it was also sky blue had the rust spots on the hood almost exactly same spots on your truck there. =) Man I miss that truck now.

[@devinhiggison1198]

i believe the lariats also had better sound deadening under the carpet, and paired with the headliner made a noticeable difference. i have a lariat with some of the lariat bits ripped out.

[@DentsideDepot]

Yes, you are correct, more sound deadening in the doors as well.

[@Hashhogan]

I had a 76 f100 short bed custom in highschool man I wish I kept it

[@DentsideDepot]

Yup here that a lot!

[@markchandler1130]

Of course I like the luxury painted door cards of the base bumpside.

[@jacobbender5449]

I have a 1979 f250 super cab explorer custom, but it has a fair amount of options, ac, tilt column, door pockets, carpet interior, automatic

[@sluggerotoole1186]

My 1976 f150 custom really had a lot of bells and whistles added from air conditioning to ranger trim, radio, door pockets, green vinyl and cloth seats.

[@DentsideDepot]

Sounds like a well optioned truck

[@devonboyer6054]

Oh hell ya!!!!!!!

[@srcastic8764]

My grandfather had an old Chevy, base model 3 on the tree pickup with the straight 6 engine. I do t know the year, but I’m guessing early 70’s. It would climb a tree as a 2WD. It had belonged to his father. Grandaddy had ruined by painting it a different color, himself, and the paint was awful but he was so proud of his paint job. 😂😂. Still, I would have loved to have had it. My grandmother sold it for $500 when he got sick with cancer without telling me she was doing it. I was so disappointed!! I would gladly have given her more than that for it had she told me she was selling it. I only lived 1.5 hours away too so I could have come to get it with a days notice!

[@scottscheuerman8714]

My 1973 highboy 4x4 that I just bought without a motor was a custom cab but it did have a chrome strip going down the dent side on each side and I can tell that there was chrome strip on the top and bottom of the tailgate and it does have the fancy radio for the time and was painted originally with Bahama blue on the top and wind blue on the bottom I have never seen one painted with that combination before I am going to work on getting it fixed back up

[@evankirkpatrick8741]

I wish I had the money to start collecting these classics. Right now the only square body I have is a 1st gen Cummins

[@mikerosing8202]

Love the old ford s dentside. Are awesome and classic

[@user-ht1xu4gv2u]

Always liked the single spear in dent on our 77. It seemed to narrow the 4 by stance

[@user-ht1xu4gv2u]

No radio in truck so I had to slice it out to got a. Kenwood in it

[@DentsideDepot]

Haha nice!@@user-ht1xu4gv2u

[@roykey3422]

Never saw a custom with a woodgrain glove box lid. Ever. Owned and drove several late 70 models.

[@dakotaleecave9240]

I own a 1979 F150 custom with two toned paint blue and gray with the chrome blue carpet 4 speed granny gear 4x4

[@DentsideDepot]

short or long bed? Very cool either way

[@ezekielmoorejr3145]

I had a 77 crewcab, but unfortunately it had several different years parts on it and I was in the middle of restoring it when my wife passed away and I lost all motivation and eventually got rid of it. It was a 2wd and I really wanted a 4wd.

[@DentsideDepot]

Oh man that would be great to have nowadays

[@deathmetalmachine]

I noticed that the inside and the bullnose have similar things I've noticed this was Ford in general because from generation to generation they kind of carry over some things because the door panels look similar to the bullnose door panels so I don't see the difference at times the only difference is you got a different dash but it's still the same dash pad

[@DentsideDepot]

Yes the Lariat emblem carried over but is slightly difference

[@salty-9]

I still cant stand 79.. i think round lights are SUCH a better look imo.

[@DentsideDepot]

easy change if thats what you like!

[@donaldcurtis9229]

I bought a brand new 79 F250 custom same trim package four-wheel drive beautiful truck that was 8,200

[@sheldondyck8631]

My 76 F100 Custom had painted bumpers white in front and silver in rear and no wood grain on glove box door.

[@DentsideDepot]

Yes so everything in this video will be totally different for 1976. 78-79 are fairly similar but 77 and older its not even close in most instances

[@sheldondyck8631]

@@DentsideDepot my 76 was the only custom I’ve seen with a painted front bumper.

[@theda850two]

​@@sheldondyck8631,, My 1975 F 100 custom had Chrome bumper, And it was an oddball everywhere else, 360V8 2 barrel, 4 speed with granny on the floor, 4 wheel drive, but no low range in the transfer case,, power brakes but no power steering! & Only one gas tank, Also only had the one inch wide Chrome trim in the Dent, no rubber on it

[@patrickmarchese2981]

Great episode. Where did you get your price option book?

[@DentsideDepot]

Thanks! Keep on eye for them on Ebay, one pops up every couple months or so.

[@Dalton2276]

I've got a 76 I've been trying to figure out the trim level, it's got color matched seatbelts and chrome headliner trim

[@isaiahrosales7070]

That lariat is sweeet I would just repaint it the same color with some metal flake up in it make sure the engine runs good and get to hotrodding

[@oocookies100]

I have a 1979 f150 lariat 4x4 short bed with A/C and tilt wheel

[@GasGuzler]

So I’ve noticed some of the trucks have black gauge clusters, and like yours some of them have silver accent gauge clusters, and I’ve even seen some with entirely silver gauge clusters, were those part of a package?

[@DentsideDepot]

Thats a great question, I believe the later trucks were mostly silver and the earlier ones were black, but I would have to look into that more.

[@SuperGshelton]

My grandfather had a 79 F250 Ranger standard cab w/ snow plow. As a child in the 80's I remember it had a tool box built into the passenger bedside but the truck was not a Camper Special. Am I remembering it right? If it was an option it must have been rare. Anyway great video I subscribed.

[@DentsideDepot]

Yes Sir that is correct. It was a standalone option but was often seen with Camper Special.

[@DentsideDepot]

And thanks for watching!

[@blakecampos5563]

Where did u get the sunroof in the blue truck?

[@donaldwilliams2270]

Could you tell us about the looking group ? including locking hood and locking glove box , and the locking spare tire lock , thanks

[@oregonfordguy9812]

he had a short on it

[@jerrygutknecht4821]

I need that lariat seat. Did you have it redone?

[@DentsideDepot]

The green Lariat is all original except for the carpet!

[@RobertHall-mc7ob]

On your larriet glove box, what is the other badge?Say on the left hand side of the glove box door

[@DentsideDepot]

"Police Interceptor" that truck has a cop car front subframe in it

[@paulrademacher]

What wheels and tires you got on that ranger? Beautiful

[@DentsideDepot]

Thanks! They are one off Wheels Smith Billet Aluminum 17s with 35" BFGs.

[@a.s.c.2909]

Also Dad’s 78 had an explorer hood ornament. Did they use any other hood ornaments on these trucks? I don’t think I’ve ever seen any.

[@DentsideDepot]

On the Dentsides the only ones that got a hood ornament were the explorers, and they changed through the years. Also, John Wayne had a custom hood ornament on his 78 F350

[@jimmyrobinson3258]

I like the green one,I have one, built like a freaking TANK!!!!@!

[@DentsideDepot]

yes amen!

[@moondog573]

I need that f250

[@DentsideDepot]

haha nice

[@kellismith4329]

I thought that the lariat also had that toolbox panel in the front lower part of the box

[@oregonfordguy9812]

tool box optional on all longbed regular wheelbase truck .

[@Spitter-ud8jd]

Do those trucks have cats on them from the factory? I had a 78 Bronco with a 351 M that was labeled Non Catalyst from the factory . I used to fight every time I went to inspection in the 90's MV assholes said 78's had cats but when I got outside and popped the hood and showed them the sticker on the engine with the vin they reluctantly let me go. I got 400 k out of the 351 then dropped in a balanced blueprinted 460 L and l headers tunnel ram 2 750 double pumpers . Swapped in 456 gears ,8" lift 17x40 gumbo mudders. Also got a 45 gal. gas tank . That truck was a hoot.🍻

[@DentsideDepot]

No they never had cats, but they did have emissions equipment that sucked a lot of power out of the heavy duties. 460 is the way to go

[@corydriver7634]

What does the term “day two option” mean?

[@DentsideDepot]

Great question, that means the owner added it from an aftermarket supplier the day after buying the car. Like adding cragar wheels or something as the such.

[@bobbyheffley4955]

These could also be found on 1978 models.

[@DentsideDepot]

Yes that is correct the big change starts in 1977. But note packages were slighty different in 1978 such as the explorer stripes

[@Midnight-tw3gp]

Custom was a strip model that generally came with the 300-6 and a manual. However, the custom trucks could have thwir options picked and chosen individually based on the owners wants/needs. So you could get a stripped down base model with just ac and nothing more. Or you could get pwr windows, cruise, ac, tilt wheel, bigger engines etc. I have a 79 custom f250 and a 79 ranger lariat. The ranger lariat has a 400v8, 4*4, c6 auto, and factory ac. My f250 custom is a bare bones truck with the 300-6, and a 4spd manual 2wd. Literally about as bare bones as you can get. Still great looking trucks and i live these videos. Keep them coming.

[@DentsideDepot]

Thanks I really appreciate it!

[@oregonfordguy9812]

no power windows or door locks in a 70s pickup. ever

[@FunnyRollercoaster-pi4uu]

Answer me this. I have a 78 Custom. It had no power anything, but it had AC. The problem I'm trying to figure out with the AC,is I believe dealer installed. The compressor was completely different than a factory one. Can you enlighten me on that?

[@oregonfordguy9812]

likely is indeed dealer ac. if control is part of center vent it is dealer.

[@mikerosing8202]

I had an uncle who had a blue. Ford pick up.

[@LoneStar_yota]

Would you trade for a 79 c3?

[@gabemccarty8128]

It's a custom with ranger trim it's got 78 mirrors but square headlights one or the other isn't correct.

[@DentsideDepot]

yes you are correct, the mint truck is a body swap from a 78 with square lights put in. Pretty impressive you caught that, but the trim can be ordered on a custom and that body was in fact a custom as well.

[@mwilliamshs]

Applique is app luh Kay not up-leak

[@DentsideDepot]

I hear ya, Philly accent

[@mwilliamshs]

@@DentsideDepot it's not a colloquial pronunciation like how some people say puhcon and others say peecan. You're just saying it wrong like Ar-kansas instead of Arkansaw or Ill-uh-noyss rather than Ill-uh-noy.

[@tmont89]

Man what book is that?

[@DentsideDepot]

light duty truck buyers guide for 1979 Ford trucks. They pop up on ebay now and then. I have the 78 and 79 books to help me make these videos. There are so many variables, but even the book has a few incorrect pieces of information in it, as offerings changed even during the model year.

[@tmont89]

@@DentsideDepot very cool, I’d like to find one for 1972. Who are they made by or written by?

[@DentsideDepot]

They were printed by Ford, not sure if they had them in 1972 but maybe?@@tmont89

[@tmont89]

@@DentsideDepot alrighty thanks loving the channel just recently found it. I’m a bumpside guy but always loved the super cabs either way can’t go wrong with an old ford truck. Excited to see the Cummins swap!

[@DentsideDepot]

Absolutely!@@tmont89

[@Redneckofgaming]

I took my trim off my truck

[@Super_Canadian]

WAIT! You’re Pennsylvanian too?!?!! Are you by chance gonna be at the Carlisle Truck Nationals this summer?

[@DentsideDepot]

I am in PA, but prob not going to the show I literally just dont have the time

[@Super_Canadian]

@@DentsideDepot do you have any advice for someone looking to get into owning a Dentside?

[@DentsideDepot]

@@Super_Canadian yes, wait for a truck that doesnt have any rust. If 4wd, get a lowboy. Irs also worth the drive or to ship a truck in from the west coast. The blue one is from oregon and the light green body from NC

[@tra-viskaiser8737]

@@DentsideDepot so I have to ask about the light green one... does it look like it ever "jumped" something and one of the front tires went through the fender up into the engine well? My grandpa had one he "jumped" a horse with that was laying in the road on a super foggy day.. he had just bought it new and said it never drove right after. When I was a kid in the 90s we ran into it again near lexington. You probably dont have a way to know. But it looks the same paint color.

[@DentsideDepot]

No because I did the frame off resto here in my shop and all the suspension is new.@@tra-viskaiser8737

[@BlainesGarage]

Appliqué is pronounced app le kay. You know, french.

[@mvd4436]

Those aren't original caps on the front truck

[@DentsideDepot]

The blue f100 does have original caps on it

[@TheOldPioneer]

My x36 Ranger (camper special) also has fender trim, is that an adder?

[@DentsideDepot]

Yes, I believe that would be an add on with the camper special. There are so many variables to this it is more in general. For example, I have seen custom trucks that are much better optioned than Lariats.