factory bed storage compartment

[49FordF1]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this. If not I hope the moderator will correct it for me.
A few months back I took possession of a '72 Ranger XLT. It has a long wide bed with a built in, (I'm guessing) factory storage compartment on the passenger side of the bed, (below bed floor level) between the right rear tire and the passenger cab door. It is about 2ft wide by 2ft deep by 12inch high with a locking door.
I'm just learning about the F1 and was wondering if this storage compartment was common on the XLT at the time or possibly a factory or Dealer option.
It also has power steering and power drum brakes. I plan on installing disks later.
Any help on this is greatly appreciated.

[forrestbump]

Both of my 1970 F250's have the factory, built in, tool/storage compartment on them. I'm not certain if it's more commonly found on Rangers or Ranger XLT's (one of my F250's is a Ranger and the other one is a Ranger XLT). I doubt a Ford dealership could have or would have installed this feature as the compartment appears to be stamped as opposed to cut into the sheet metal.

Both of my trucks are Camper Specials so I feel (OK, I'm guessing) that this feature is probably more of a Camper Special thing than a trim level thing.

Both of my trucks have factory Disc brakes, so again, I think/guess it's a Camper Special feature.

More to my WAG theory is that both the bed storage compartment and disc brakes were items that could be ordered on any model Bump, whatever the trim level was. But to get the storage compartment, you had to get an 8' styleside bed on F100's through F350's and to get disc brakes, you had to get at least an F250 or F350 as I've never seen an F100 '67 through '72 with factory installed front disc brakes.

...my

[ezernut9mm]

i don't know about the 67-72 trucks, but the toolboxes were also offered on short beds in 65 and 66. not sure about 64.

[Whateverman]

my truck (69 f100 lwb Ranger) was originally equipped with a toolbox ,and the 65 f100 lwb custom i had for awhile had one too

[70 ranger]

My truck started out as a 1970 f250 ranger camper special. It has the tool box, and came with a 390 auto, power steering and power brakes. I have wondered wether the tool box was "camper special" Options or Ranger options.

[crewdcab]

More to my WAG theory is that both the bed storage compartment and disc brakes were items that could be ordered on any model Bump, whatever the trim level was. But to get the storage compartment, you had to get an 8' styleside bed on F100's through F350's and to get disc brakes, you had to get at least an F250 or F350 as I've never seen an F100 '67 through '72 with factory installed front disc brakes.

...my [/quote]


I've got a 68 F100 4x4 Ranger, a 70 F250 customcab, & a 72 F250 Camper Special Explorer with them. I would tend to agree with forrest bump, it could be ordered on anything with a 8' styleside. Very handy storage box.

[49FordF1]

Thank's for the info guys. I didn't much think it would have been a dealer option but it's good to hear I'm not the only one.
I don't know if it's a camper special. It has power drum brakes and power steering and originally came with a 390/C6 setup.
Can I find out if it is a camper special by checking the vin number?

[forrestbump]

I briefly looked for specific Camper Special information here http://www.fordification.com/tech/VIN72.htm but didn't catch anything that indicates whether or not a truck is a Camper Special?

In my case, both of my '70's have 'hard' badges on the cowl indicating Camper Special. If your truck does not have these badges, look for evidence that they may have been there but were removed. The badges are attached with some type of fastener and there will be two holes that they are fastened through.

My understanding is that a Marti Report will give you very specific information on your truck. I have no first hand experience with Marti Reports, but I have read of others that have obtained one of their reports on their specific Ford vehicle and are highly impressed with the results. http://www.martiauto.com/reports2.cfm