1963 Ford F-100 Specs

Though 1963 was only halfway through the F-100’s 4th generation, there were significant changes in store. Not only would this be the last year for the unibody, but it would also be the first year for many important mechanical improvements. In particular, driver comfort and convenience became a focus for Ford.

Exterior Changes

There were several exterior changes made to the ‘63 F-100. Though most of these were appearance changes, a few genuine improvements were made.

Body Styles

1963 was the final year for the unibody pickup truck. Though the design was bold and innovative, most customers balked at the lack of utility. Pickups were primarily made for hauling things, so a pickup that couldn’t haul? Wasn’t an option for most.

Now, of course, these stylish trucks are a major collector’s item. Especially since they were only made for three years. If you want a unibody pickup, a ‘63 is a great choice due to some of the other changes.

The non-integrated Styleside and Flareside pickups were both offered as well. Even with its lack of utility, unibodies outsold Flaresides this year.

Hood and Grille

Throughout the ‘60s, the hood and grille design changed nearly every year. Though the “Ford” letters retained their 1962 location over the grille, the hood shape itself became boxier and squared off. The grille took on a grid design as well.

Turn Signals

Another minor change that made a big difference was the addition of amber-colored lenses for turn signals. This improved visibility.

Mechanical Changes

The slight mechanical changes for 1963 prioritized comfort. But there were very few. The engines were the same ones used since the beginning of the generation in 1961.

Transmissions

1963 was the first year where all the standard manual transmissions featured all synchronized gears. Previously the lower gears weren’t synchronized. Synchronizers allow the gear to sync up before the clutch engages it. This means a smoother shift and no need for double-clutching.

The clutch and brake pedal were also lowered for improved comfort during shifts.

The other manual transmission options were a 3-speed with overdrive, a 3-speed extra-duty, and a 4-speed. The heavy-duty Cruise-O-Matic was the lone automatic transmission option.

Rear Axle

The rear axle’s standard gear was changed to 3.89 from 3.70 in 1962. You could still opt for the 3.70 if you wanted to, and all other options remained the same.

Interior Changes

The interior was one area where the ‘63 F-100 really changed. Though many of these changes seemed small, they contributed to the overall theme of increased comfort in pickups.

Better Seats

Swapping out rubber foam for polyurethane might seem like a small change, but it definitely makes for a more comfortable ride. This year, Ford offered 1.5” polyurethane foam seats in all standard cabs. You could even opt for 5” of padding if you felt so inclined.

Options

Both the Standard Cab and Custom Cab had some minor equipment swaps for this year. Features are listed below with new or changed options in bold.

Standard Cab Features:

• Gray block-weave pattern vinyl seat upholstery (was brown)
• Lifeguard steering wheel
• Safety double-grip door latches
• Dome light
• Driver’s side sun visor
• Ash tray
• Improved oil bath air cleaner
• Dispatch box
• Locks on both doors
• Electric windshield wipers
• Theft-retardant ignition switch
• Rear view mirror

Custom Cab Features

• Twill-stripe woven plastic seat upholstery
• Chrome horn ring
• 5” thick polyurethane seat padding
• Cigarette lighter
• Left armrest
• Sun visor on both sides
• Satin-finish cluster plate with chrome instrument rings
• Coat hook
• Bright metal grille and headlights
• Stowage compartment with zippered vinyl cover
• Bright metal windshield reveal molding
• Custom Cab ID on each door
• Two-tone paint treatment on instrument panel and door panels
• Perforated acoustical headlining

Mods and Projects for the '63 F-100

Restoring a 1963 F-100 can be challenging due to the limited availability of some parts. While major components, like tailgates, are usually easy to find, getting the correct molding, lights, and other details correct can prove impossible.

Perhaps that’s part of why restomod builds are so popular. A restomod build gives restorers the freedom to recreate the parts of the pickup that are important to them and opt for comfort or appearance changes that suit their needs and use.

Even though the seats were a major upgrade over their 1962 counterparts, modern seating still remains a popular upgrade. Newer seating options can offer even more comfort and utility.

Some major mechanical upgrades include disc brakes conversions, power steering, and air conditioning. These can make a big difference in comfort and performance.

Legacy of the 1963 F-100

Though the F-100’s fourth generation still had 3 years ahead, 1963 marked an important transition. Not only was it the last year for the unibodies, but it was also the year comfort prevailed.

While the unibody’s design represented a shallow effort to create a truck for everyone, Ford dug deep in ‘63 and made a truck people would want to drive daily. Knowing that F-150s are currently the best-selling vehicle in America, it’s obviously a journey that’s paid off.

Sources: Transmission Identification, Automatic Choice | Ford-O-Matic Transmission, Hemmings | Ford F-100/F-150 Pickup 1953-1996: America’s Best-Selling Truck, Robert C. Ackerson | Decode Your ‘61-’62 Ford Truck VIN Tag, Fordification