---
title: "Flareside — Ford F100 Glossary | fordf100s.com"
description: "A truck bed with exposed rear fenders that flare out from the sides, creating the classic stepside look."
canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/glossary/flareside/"
last_updated: "2026-09-16"
---

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Glossary Term

#  Flareside — Ford F100 Glossary 

A truck bed with exposed rear fenders that flare out from the sides, creating the classic stepside look.

fordf100s.com · Updated September 16, 2026 

Definition

A truck bed design with exposed rear fenders that flare out from the bed sides, giving the classic stepside appearance associated with traditional pickup trucks.

The Flareside is Ford’s name for the stepside bed design, featuring exposed rear fenders that protrude outward from the bed floor. This was the original truck bed configuration for all F-Series pickups and remained available alongside the Styleside through much of the F-100 production run. The Flareside look is what most people picture when they think of a classic pickup truck.

On first-generation (1948-1952) and second-generation (1953-1956) F-100s, the Flareside was the only bed option. Starting in 1957, buyers could choose between Flareside and the new Styleside. Over time, the Flareside became less popular for practical use because the protruding fenders narrow the usable bed width between the wheelhouses.

Today, Flareside trucks are highly desirable among collectors and builders. The exposed fenders give these trucks a distinctive, aggressive stance that many enthusiasts prefer over the smoother Styleside. Flareside beds are less common in junkyards, making good examples more valuable. Reproduction bed components including fenders, bed strips, and floor panels are available for popular generations. A clean Flareside F-100 often commands a premium over an equivalent Styleside truck.

Related Terms

[ Styleside ](/glossary/styleside/)[ Short Bed ](/glossary/short-bed/)[ Long Bed ](/glossary/long-bed/) 

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