Ford F-100 Dentside vs Bumpside

The Ford F-100 has been an iconic truck model for decades, with a rich history and a loyal community of enthusiasts. Among the various iterations of the F-100, two body styles stand out as the most recognizable: the "bumpside" and "dentside" models. Let's take a closer look at the differences between these two classic F-100 trucks and why they are still talked about today.

What Do the Terms Bumpside and Dentside Mean?

The terms "bumpside" and "dentside" are often used by Ford enthusiasts to refer to different F-100 generations. These terms are used specifically to differentiate between the two distinct body styles that Ford used for the F-100 during the 1960s and 1970s.

The term "bumpside" refers to the fifth generation of the F-100, which was produced from 1967 to 1972. During this period, the F-100 featured a unique body style characterized by prominent ridges or "bumps" along the sides of the truck. These bumps were reinforcement ribs added to the body panels for additional strength, but they also gave the truck a distinctive look.

When someone uses the term "dentside", they are referring to the sixth generation of the F-100, which was produced from 1973 to 1979. During this period, Ford updated the F-100's body style with smoother, more rounded body panels that had a long, narrow indentation running along the side of the body. As a result, these trucks are often referred to as "dentsides" by enthusiasts.

The Bumpside Ford F-100

The bumpside F-100 was produced between 1967 and 1972, and was named for the distinctive bulges on the sides of the truck bed. These bulges, or "bumps," were a design feature intended to make the F-100 more visually appealing and distinguish it from other truck models of the time. The bumpside had a wider stance than previous F-100 models, giving it a more muscular appearance.

Under the hood, the bumpside F-100 featured a range of engine options, including a 240 cubic inch inline-six, a 300 cubic inch inline-six, and a 252 cubic inch V8. Depending on the engine and configuration, the bumpside F-100 could produce around 200 horsepower, making it a capable work truck and a powerful street machine.

The fifth generation F-100's also represented a philosophical change in Ford's marketing. The bumpside body style was aimed at capturing a broader audience than just those looking for a work truck. Ford wanted the F-100 to become a viable everyday driver in the eyes of consumers, so they emphasized interior features and comfort just as much as size and power for this iteration of the F-100.

Bumpside F100's were initially produced in three trim levels: standard cab, custom cab, and ranger. The tiers changed slightly through the production years, but maintained similar spec and body style options. Compared to previous generations, the bumpside F-100 had an overhauled grille style and was the first generation to offer now-standard features from the factory, like air conditioning.

Bumpside F-100's are popular project trucks for many enthusiasts due to their iconic appearance and nostalgic place in American automotive culture. Full restorations and F-100 engine swaps, can add a modern twist to this classic Ford truck.

The Dentside Ford F-100

In 1973, Ford introduced the sixth generation F-100, dubbed the "dentside". This generation was named for the distinctive indentation that ran along the side of the truck's body. Unlike the “bumpside”, the “dentside” had straight sides and no bulges, giving it a more modern, aerodynamic look.

Rather than overhaul the design of the F-100, the sixth generation opted for more functional changes that distinguish “dentside” trucks from previous models. Keeping the same chassis from the previous generation allowed Ford to focus their time on making meaningful improvement to the guts of the F-100. Enhanced safety features, greater sheet metal quality, and more powerful V8 engine options set the “dentside” F-100 apart from the “bumpside”, despite their similar outward appearance.

Sixth generation “dentside” F-100's are very popular restoration models today. It was a widely manufactured model with production numbers between 200-400 thousand F-100's manufactured a year. This means finding a “dentside” F-100 is fairly easy and it's not hard to find quality parts for a full restoration.

However, the fact that these vehicles are so common diminishes their value in the eyes of some enthusiasts. It's not a particularly unique restoration truck and can be viewed as a basic restoration entry point from a certain perspective.

Comparing the Bumpside and Dentside F-100

The bumpside and dentside F-100s were similar trucks in many ways. Both offered a range of engines and configurations to suit a wide variety of consumer needs. “Bumpsides” and “dentsides” were both popular with work truck buyers and hot rod enthusiasts.

The biggest similarity between the “bumpside” and “dentside” generations is the chassis. Ford saw how popular the look of the fifth generation was, and decided to maintain largely the same aesthetic for the next generation. This kept a distinctive style intact compared to the competition.

The outward similarity of the two generations is a big reason why the terms “bumpside” and “dentside” became so popular among enthusiasts. The trucks look very similar, and the bump or dent running down the side of the frame was the easiest way to distinguish them at a glance. “Bumpside” and “dentside” are an easy shorthand for the fifth and sixth generations of F-100 trucks.

However, there were some key differences between the two models. The “bumpside” F-100 has issues with corrosion. Ford sought to address this with the “dentside” models by adding corrosion resistant materials to the sheet metal. This helped improve the longevity of the frame overall.

Improvements in engine technology brought jumps in horsepower and torque between the fifth and sixth generation. With the adoption of the Cleveland V8, the later years of the F-100's sixth generation have considerably more power compared to earlier “bumpside” models.

The “dentside” F-100s had several improved safety features. The gas tank was finally moved from behind the seat in the cab to between the frame rails under the bed, making it much less of a direct danger for the driver in the event of an accident. The “dentside” was also the first F-100 generation to include disk brakes that improved stopping power and reliability.

Which is Better: Bumpside or Dentside?

The choice of “bumpside” or “dentside” F-100s comes down to personal preference. Both models have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and both are beloved by fans of the F-100.

For some, the “bumpside's” muscular appearance and vintage stylings are irresistible, while others prefer the “dentside's” smoother body lines and powerful 460 V8. The “dentside” F-100 benefitted from advancements in advances in safety standards and production materials, making it a great choice purely from a specs perspective. Whatever your preference, there's no denying that both the bumpside and dentside F-100s are American classics that continue to capture the imaginations of truck enthusiasts everywhere.

Both the “bumpside” and “dentside” F-150s are excellent restoration project vehicles as well. If you're looking to start your own F-100 project be sure to check out our F-100 parts page for everything you need to jumpstart your restoration.

Sources: History of the Ford F-Series, Blue Oval Trucks | 1965 Ford Trucks, Blue Oval Tech | Ford F-Series Trucks: A Quick Visual Guide, Autoweek | Factory Literature, Fordification | 1988 VIN ID Codes, Superford