F-100 Body Styles: Styleside vs Flareside & More

F-100 Body Style Overview

Ford offered the F-100 (and its predecessor, the F-1) in six body configurations between 1948 and 1983. The Styleside and Flareside pickup beds are the most common, but the lineup also included panel delivery trucks, chassis-cab models, and the SuperCab extended cab. Knowing what was available — and when — matters whether you are restoring to factory specs or choosing a platform for a custom build.

Body Style	Years Offered	Key Features
Pickup Box (pre-Styleside)	1948—1956	Traditional separate-fender bed on F-1 and early F-100 trucks
Styleside	1957—1983	Flush-sided bed, full cab width, smooth exterior panels
Flareside	1957—1983	Separate rear fenders with running boards between cab and bed
Panel Delivery	1948—1960	Fully enclosed cargo body, no rear windows, double rear doors
Chassis-Cab	1948—1983	Cab and bare frame only, intended for commercial upfitting
SuperCab	1974—1983	Extended cab with rear jump seats and additional storage

Before 1957, Ford did not use the Styleside or Flareside names. The 1948—1952 F-1 and the 1953—1956 F-100 came with a single pickup box style featuring separate rear fenders — what would later be called the Flareside layout. The Styleside name arrived with the 1957 redesign that introduced the flush-sided bed, and Ford retroactively applied the Flareside label to the traditional fendered bed that continued alongside it.

Styleside (1957—1983)

The Styleside bed is the defining body style of the Ford F-100 from the third generation onward. Introduced for 1957, it was the first mass-produced all-steel wide bed on an American pickup. The 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier had offered a flush-sided bed earlier, but Chevy achieved the look by bolting fiberglass panels onto a standard narrow bed. Ford’s Styleside was stamped steel from the start — stronger, cheaper to produce, and available across the entire F-100 lineup rather than as a limited premium option.

How It Looks

Smooth, flat outer panels extend the full width of the cab. No exposed rear fenders, no running boards. The bed sides run in a continuous line from the cab corners to the tailgate, giving the truck a unified, slab-sided profile. Wheel wells are contained inside the bed — they intrude slightly on cargo width at the wheelhouse area, but the exterior stays clean.

Why It Mattered

The Styleside added approximately 9 cubic feet of cargo volume over the fendered bed it replaced. The wider floor and taller flat sides made loading sheet goods, plywood, and bulky cargo far easier. The tailgate gained roughly 13 inches of usable opening compared to the previous generation. For buyers who used their trucks for work, the Styleside was a clear functional upgrade — and for restorers today, it remains the most practical bed for a truck that sees regular use.

Dimensions by Generation

• Gen 3 (1957—1960): Available in 6.5-foot and 8-foot bed lengths. The 6.5-foot bed rode on a 110-inch wheelbase; the 8-foot bed used a 118-inch wheelbase. Inside bed width was approximately 50 inches between the wheelhouses and approximately 65 inches above the wheelhouses.
• Gen 4 (1961—1966): Same 6.5-foot and 8-foot bed lengths. Short bed wheelbase was approximately 115 inches; long bed was approximately 129 inches (these shifted slightly with the 1965 frame revision). The 1961—1963 unibody Styleside trucks integrated the cab and bed into a single stamped structure with no gap between them — a bold experiment that Ford abandoned mid-1963 due to structural cracking under load. All 1964—1966 Stylesides returned to a conventional separate cab and bed on a body-on-frame chassis. If you are considering a unibody, inspect the cab-to-bed transition area carefully for stress cracks.
• Gen 5 (1967—1972): 6.5-foot and 8-foot beds continued. Short bed wheelbase was approximately 115 inches; long bed was approximately 131 inches. Inside width remained approximately 65 inches above the wheelhouses.
• Gen 6 (1973—1979): 6.75-foot and 8-foot beds. Short bed wheelbase grew to 117 inches; long bed to 133 inches. Interior bed width remained approximately 65 inches.
• Gen 7 (1980—1983): 6.75-foot and 8-foot Styleside beds. Short bed wheelbase carried over at approximately 117 inches; long bed at 133 inches.

The Styleside outsold the Flareside by a wide margin in every generation it was offered. By the 1970s, the Flareside was a niche choice while the Styleside accounted for the vast majority of F-100 production.

Flareside / Stepside (1948—1983)

The Flareside is the original Ford truck bed design, dating back to the first F-Series trucks. Before 1957, it was simply the pickup bed — there was no alternative. When the Styleside arrived for 1957, the traditional fendered bed needed a name, and Ford chose “Flareside.” Chevrolet called its equivalent the “Stepside.” Many enthusiasts use the terms interchangeably regardless of brand, though Ford purists stick with the correct Ford terminology.

How It Looks

Separate rear fenders bolt to the outside of the bed and flare outward over the rear wheels. Between the cab and the bed, running boards (or steps) provide side access to the bed — the source of the generic “Stepside” name. The bed walls are narrower than a Styleside because the fenders sit outboard rather than wrapping around the wheels. The overall look is more traditional and utilitarian: exposed bolt heads, visible fender seams, and a clear separation between cab and cargo area.

Inside Dimensions

The Flareside bed is noticeably narrower than the Styleside. Inside width measures approximately 54 inches on later models (1973—1983), versus approximately 65 inches for the Styleside at the same point above the wheelhouses — an 11-inch difference that matters when you are trying to lay a 4x8 sheet flat. This narrower cargo area is the primary reason the Styleside overtook the Flareside in sales.

The Naming Convention

• 1948—1952 (Gen 1): The F-1 came with one bed style — separate fenders with running boards. Ford did not call it a Flareside because there was nothing to distinguish it from. The bed had a steel floor over a hardwood subfloor, measured approximately 6.5 feet long, and rode on a 114-inch wheelbase.
• 1953—1956 (Gen 2): The newly renamed F-100 continued with the same basic fendered bed. Wheelbases were 110 inches (short bed) and 118 inches (long bed). Still no Flareside name — it was just the pickup bed.
• 1957—1983 (Gen 3—7): With the arrival of the Styleside, the fendered bed was officially dubbed the Flareside. It was offered alongside the Styleside in every generation through 1983, available in both short and long bed configurations matching the same wheelbase options as the Styleside.

Why Flaresides Are Popular Today

Despite being the less practical hauler, the Flareside has become the more sought-after body style among many collectors and custom builders. The exposed fenders and running boards give these trucks a more aggressive, vintage profile that stands out at shows and photographs well. Lower production numbers compared to Stylesides add rarity value. The 1967—1972 “Bumpside” Flaresides are especially desirable — that generation’s clean body lines paired with the traditional fendered bed create a look that commands a premium.

Panel Delivery (1948—1960)

The panel delivery was a fully enclosed cargo body on the F-Series chassis — the predecessor to the modern cargo van. A solid roof extended from the cab over the entire cargo area, with windowless side panels and double doors at the rear. No bed, no tailgate, no rear window. You accessed the cargo area through the rear doors or, in some configurations, a side cargo door.

Years Offered

Ford offered panel delivery bodies across three generations:

• 1948—1952: Built on the F-1 chassis with a 114-inch wheelbase. These are sometimes called F-1 Panels. The enclosed body was factory-built and shared the same cab and front sheet metal as the pickup.
• 1953—1956: Continued on the F-100 chassis after the model renaming. Same basic concept with the updated second-generation styling.
• 1957—1960: Offered on the third-generation F-100 chassis with the restyled cab and front end. Production numbers were modest by the end — Ford built 8,543 standard panels and 947 custom panels for the 1960 model year.

The panel delivery was discontinued after 1960. Ford replaced it with the Econoline, which debuted for the 1961 model year as a purpose-built forward-control van that was cheaper to produce and offered more cargo volume relative to its footprint.

Rarity and Value Today

Panel delivery trucks are among the rarest F-100 body styles. Production numbers were far lower than pickups, and the enclosed body traps moisture inside the cargo area, accelerating hidden rust that you will not see until you start tearing things apart. Survivors in restorable condition command a premium. They work well as shop trucks, parts haulers, and show vehicles, and the enclosed cargo area makes them uniquely practical among classic trucks for anyone who needs weather-protected hauling.

Chassis-Cab (1948—1983)

The chassis-cab was the standard F-100 cab mounted on a bare frame with no bed or cargo body. Ford shipped these to commercial upfitters who installed specialized bodies — flatbeds, utility bodies, service bodies, stake beds, tow rigs, and other commercial configurations. The chassis-cab shared the same cab, engine, drivetrain, and frame as the equivalent pickup. Everything behind the cab was bare frame rails and a rear axle.

Years Available

Ford offered the chassis-cab across all seven generations of the F-100 and its F-1 predecessor, from 1948 through 1983. It was also available — and more commonly ordered — on the heavier F-250 and F-350, where higher payload ratings matched the demands of commercial bodies.

Relevance Today

Original chassis-cab F-100s are uncommon in the collector market because most served as hard-working commercial vehicles and were scrapped when the upfitted body wore out. But the chassis-cab concept is alive in the restomod world: if you are building a custom F-100 on an aftermarket chassis from Roadster Shop, Fat Fender Garage, or Art Morrison, you are recreating this same approach — a bare platform with whatever body you choose on top.

SuperCab (1974—1983)

The SuperCab was Ford’s answer to the Dodge Club Cab — an extended cab adding approximately 33 inches behind the front seat without going to a full four-door crew cab. Ford introduced it as a mid-year 1974 addition (production began September 1973). It was available on the F-100 from 1974 through 1983, covering the last six years of Gen 6 (1974—1979) and all four years of Gen 7 (1980—1983).

What the SuperCab Added

The extended cab section provided rear-facing fold-down jump seats for two additional passengers, bringing total seating to six. Fold the jump seats up, and you get approximately 44 cubic feet of secure, weather-protected storage behind the front seat. This was a major selling point for contractors and anyone who needed tools or gear out of the weather without giving up bed space — and it remains a practical advantage for owners today.

Dimensions and Configurations

The SuperCab added approximately two feet to overall length compared to a regular cab with the same bed. Wheelbase specifications for Gen 6 (1974—1979):

• SuperCab with 6.75-foot Styleside bed: 139-inch wheelbase
• SuperCab with 8-foot Styleside bed: 155-inch wheelbase

For comparison, the regular cab wheelbases in the same generation were 117 inches (short bed) and 133 inches (long bed). The SuperCab added 22 inches of wheelbase in each configuration.

The SuperCab was offered exclusively with the Styleside bed — no Flareside option. Both 6.75-foot and 8-foot bed lengths were available, though the 8-foot SuperCab stretches past 20 feet overall and can be a challenge to park and maneuver.

No Crew Cab on the F-100

Ford offered a four-door crew cab on the F-Series starting in 1965, but only on the heavier F-250 and F-350. The F-100 was never available as a crew cab. If you need a four-door classic Ford truck, look at the F-250 or F-350. The SuperCab was the closest the F-100 got to multi-passenger seating beyond the standard three-across bench.

Short Bed vs Long Bed

Every generation of the F-100 offered at least two bed lengths. The short bed dominates the collector and custom market, but the long bed has real advantages for owners who use their trucks. Here is how the options break down by generation.

Bed Lengths and Wheelbases by Generation

Generation	Years	Short Bed	Long Bed	Short WB	Long WB
Gen 1 (F-1)	1948—1952	6.5 ft	8 ft (F-2/F-3)	114 in	122 in
Gen 2	1953—1956	6.5 ft	8 ft	110 in	118 in
Gen 3	1957—1960	6.5 ft	8 ft	110 in	118 in
Gen 4	1961—1966	6.5 ft	8 ft	~115 in	~129 in
Gen 5	1967—1972	6.5 ft	8 ft	~115 in	~131 in
Gen 6	1973—1979	6.75 ft	8 ft	117 in	133 in
Gen 7	1980—1983	6.75 ft	8 ft	117 in	133 in

Note: Gen 1 8-foot beds were technically on the F-2 and F-3 models, not the F-1. The F-1 was offered only with the 6.5-foot bed. Starting with the F-100 designation in 1953, both bed lengths were available on the half-ton model. Wheelbase figures for Gen 4 and Gen 5 are approximate because Ford made incremental frame changes within those generations (notably in 1965 when a new frame design slightly altered dimensions).

Which Bed Length Is More Desirable?

Short beds outsell long beds in the collector and restomod market by a wide margin. The reasons are straightforward:

• Proportions: The short bed truck has a more balanced visual stance. The long bed can look stretched, especially on regular cab trucks.
• Maneuverability: Two fewer feet of overall length makes a real difference in parking, garages, and tight turns.
• Weight: The short bed truck weighs less, which matters for performance-oriented builds.
• Availability of parts: Short bed components (bed wood kits, floor panels, side panels) tend to be more readily stocked by suppliers.

Long beds have a following among owners who use their trucks for hauling. The 8-foot bed carries full 4x8 sheets of plywood flat on the floor — something the 6.5-foot or 6.75-foot bed cannot do. Long beds also cost less to buy because collector demand is lower, making them a better value if you prioritize function over resale.

Which Body Style Is Right for Your Build?

The right body style depends entirely on what you plan to do with the truck. Here is a practical breakdown.

Choose a Styleside short bed if you want the most popular, most recognizable F-100 profile. Parts availability is excellent, and this configuration holds the strongest resale value. It is the default choice for restorations, restomods, and show trucks.

Choose a Flareside if you want a truck that stands out visually. The exposed fenders and running boards give the truck a more aggressive, vintage profile. Be aware that the narrower bed limits cargo utility and that some Flareside-specific parts (fenders, running boards, bed sides) are harder to source and more expensive than Styleside equivalents.

Choose a long bed if you haul things. The 8-foot bed is the working truck configuration. Long bed trucks cost less to buy and restore, and they are undervalued in the current market. If you do not care about show-truck proportions and want a practical daily driver or weekend hauler, the long bed is the smarter buy.

Choose a SuperCab if you need rear seating or secure interior storage. The SuperCab is the only F-100 configuration that seats more than three people. The rear storage area is also invaluable for tools, hunting gear, or anything you do not want exposed in an open bed. SuperCab F-100s are less common than regular cabs and are underappreciated in the market, making them a good value.

Choose a panel delivery if you want something rare. Panel trucks are conversation pieces and serve as outstanding shop trucks or parts haulers. Expect a longer, more expensive restoration — the enclosed body traps moisture and rusts from the inside out, so budget for hidden metalwork.

Choose a chassis-cab if you are building a custom truck from the ground up and plan to fabricate or source your own bed or flatbed. This is also the configuration to consider if you are mounting the cab on an aftermarket chassis for a full restomod build.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Styleside and a Flareside on an F-100?

The Styleside has smooth, flush bed sides extending the full width of the cab, with wheel wells contained inside the bed. The Flareside has separate rear fenders bolted to the outside of a narrower bed, with running boards between the cab and bed for side access. The Styleside offers approximately 65 inches of interior cargo width above the wheelhouses compared to approximately 54 inches for the Flareside — an 11-inch difference that matters for hauling sheet goods. Ford introduced the Styleside for 1957, and it became the dominant body style due to its greater cargo volume and cleaner look. The Flareside continued alongside it through 1983 but in much smaller production numbers.

Did the Ford F-100 ever come as a crew cab?

No. Ford offered a four-door crew cab on the F-250 and F-350 starting in 1965, but never on the half-ton F-100. The closest option was the SuperCab extended cab, introduced mid-year 1974, which added rear-facing jump seats and approximately 33 inches of space behind the front seat. The SuperCab was available on the F-100 from 1974 through 1983. If you want a four-door classic Ford truck, you need an F-250 or F-350.

What year did Ford introduce the SuperCab on the F-100?

Ford introduced the SuperCab for the 1974 model year, with production beginning in September 1973. It was a mid-year introduction designed to compete with Dodge’s Club Cab. The SuperCab added approximately two feet to the cab length, providing rear jump seats for two additional passengers and roughly 44 cubic feet of enclosed storage space behind the front seat. It was offered on the F-100 with either a 6.75-foot or 8-foot Styleside bed, riding on wheelbases of 139 inches and 155 inches respectively.

Is a short bed or long bed F-100 more valuable?

Short bed F-100s consistently command higher prices across all generations and body styles. The shorter proportions are more visually balanced, and the reduced overall length is more practical for daily driving, parking, and garage storage. That said, long bed trucks are undervalued and offer a better dollar-per-truck ratio for buyers who are not chasing maximum resale. If you plan to haul or prefer the stretched proportions, the long bed is the better buy. The price gap between short and long bed trucks of equivalent condition and generation typically runs 10% to 30%.

What is a Ford F-100 panel delivery truck?

The panel delivery was a fully enclosed cargo body built on the F-100 (and earlier F-1) chassis. It had a solid roof extending from the cab over the cargo area, windowless side panels, and double rear doors for loading. Ford offered it from 1948 through 1960, then replaced it with the Econoline van for 1961, which served the same purpose in a more efficient forward-control package. Panel delivery trucks are among the rarest F-100 body styles today and are sought after by collectors. Expect hidden rust in any survivor — the enclosed body traps moisture and corrodes from the inside out.