The History of the 1969 Ford Crew Cab Pickup
- Ford Motor Company is an icon for the American automobile industry, with a rich history producing automobiles and trucks for millions of drivers for the past 100 years. Henry Ford was a 40-year-old visionary with an ambitious goal to provide transportation to the masses. He started his business in Michigan, building his first vehicle by hand with only two workers in 1903. Not long after, Henry invented the moving assembly line in order to speed up production to meet his lofty goals. Henry's methodology changed automobile production throughout the world. With faster, more cost-effective production mastered, Henry focused his efforts on creating new models and styles.. Only five years later, in 1908, Henry produced the first of many beloved Ford trucks.
- The 1960s were great years for Ford, with the introduction of the Ford Falcon, one of the most popular passenger vehicles and race cars and still produced in Australia today, and of course the Ford Mustang, a muscle car with unrivaled popularity in vintage and new models alike. Ford designed and produced its fourth generation of trucks between 1967 and 1969. The 1969 truck models were delivered with new fuel and engine options and intricate changes to the body and interior most easily recognized by truck enthusiasts. 1969 marked the last year of production for many of these endearing features.
- By 1969, the Ford Truck had been in production for 61 years, and each passing year had brought new advances. Ford trucks came in six models, including three 4x4 options: F-100, F-250 and F-350, and F-110, F-260 and F-360 4x4s. At that time, trucks were primarily used for commercial work, and engine power was a big focus for improving truck performance. In 1969, engine options included the 240 Straight-6, 300 Straight-6, 360 FE V-8, 390 FE V-8 and the 302 Windsor V8. All six truck models and five engine types had been in production for at least one or two years. However, the 302 Windsor V8 engine was first introduced in Ford trucks in 1969. Due to steep competition in the truck market and new Federal safety regulations to meet each year, Ford only produced a small number of these 1969 trucks. Today, 1969 Ford Crew Cab 4x4 Pickup Trucks are considered a rare find and a real treasure for vintage collectors and truck enthusiasts, especially those with a rebuilt 302 Windsor V8 engine.
- 1969 Ford Trucks have many intricate distinguishing characteristics unlike those of their 1968 predecessors and the new generation of trucks developed starting in 1970. In addition to the introduction of new diesel options and the 302 Windsor V-8 engine, Ford changed many features in its 1969 production line. Many of these changes in body style, interior design, hood décor and reflectors are slight, but therein lies the value with vintage trucks.
1967-1969 truck models come with a 6-piece headliner trim in chrome or white. In 1970, this design was changed from 6 to 4 pieces. In 1967-1969, these letters were attached to the truck by clips. Later models required nuts and bolts. 1969 was the last year for the smaller ribbed letter size. Later models came without ribbing and in a new satin finish.
Full-time parking lights, side lights and front and rear reflectors were all introduced in 1969 models to meet new regulatory requirements in safety.
The 1967 grille was a rectangular design with horizontal bars. This design continued through 1969, with a few small changes. The groove stamp was moved to the center horizontal bar and the grill itself offered in white, silver or red. 1969 was the last year Ford offered this rectangular grille option.
1969 was the last year Ford used a 3-bolt flange on fuel tanks. A 5-bolt flange was used for all later models, starting in 1970. The fuel caps were bolted from the inside for 1969 models and can only be replaced with fuel caps from 1967-1969 models during rebuilds.
The instrument panel found in the truck's interior was updated in 1968 to include new guages and a steel surround with silver trim. This design continued in the 1969 models. The instrument surrounds were offered in the two existing options of steel and plastic chrome plated, with a third option of wood grain being introduced in the 1969 models. Significant design changes followed with the instrument panels in 1970. While this prevents the panels from being interchanged with later models, it preserves the authenticity of this late model and the integrity of its original design
A three-spoke standard wheel with center button horn came in all 1967-1970 models. In 1969, a deluxe wheel was introduced that included a half-circle narrow ring located in the interior of the wheel, called the horn ring. The horn ring gave drivers quicker access to their horns to improve road safety.
1969 marked the last year for a narrow design in the mirrors used for the rear view and visor. This was also the last year these mirrors were glued into place. - For vintage truck collectors who own or find a rare 1969 to rebuild or restore, there are a few websites you may find helpful.
FORDification.com offers the authentic 1969 Ford Pickup Salesman's Brochure, a real treasure for a true enthusiast, and the 1969 Ford Pickup Truck Operator Manual, a restorer's best friend.
Classictruckshop.com is also a favorite spot for vintage truck lovers, providing good information on parts and restorative techniques. On occasion you can find a 1969 gem for sale at this site.
With only a small number produced, the 1969 Ford pickup truck is a rare find for truck enthusiasts. While finding one to buy and restore can present its challenges, where there's a will there's a way. Parts which most often include interchangeable options from the 1967 to 1969 models are easy to locate online, through auto trading magazines and of course at local swap meets.