Why the 1970 Ford F100
The 1970 F100 lands right in the heart of the fifth-generation “Bumpside” run (1967-1972), and it represents the peak of the design. By 1970 Ford had refined the platform through three years of production, sorting out early issues while the styling still felt fresh. The Bumpside nickname comes from the raised feature line that runs along the sides of the bed, and it gives these trucks a muscular, planted look that has aged remarkably well.
The engine lineup included the 360 FE, the 390 FE V8, and the reliable 300 inline six. The cab is more spacious than the fourth-generation trucks, and the overall proportions are balanced in a way that later trucks lost. Values have been climbing as the Bumpside generation gains recognition as one of Ford’s best truck designs.
What makes the 1970 particularly appealing is drivability. Power steering and power brakes were available, the cab is wide enough to be comfortable, and the suspension handles real-world roads without beating you up. If you want a classic truck you can drive across town without white-knuckling it, the 1970 Bumpside delivers.
What to Look For
The cab on a Bumpside rusts in predictable places, and you need to check all of them. The lower door skins rot from the inside out, starting where moisture collects in the bottom of the door shell. Open the doors and look at the bottoms — any bubbling or soft spots mean the rust is already through. The cab corners, directly behind the doors, are equally vulnerable. Reach underneath and feel for thin metal or holes.
The floor pans rust from below, especially under the driver’s side where road splash hits the underside constantly. Pull the carpet and check with a screwdriver. The toe boards near the firewall are another common failure point.
Under the truck, inspect the frame along its full length. Pay special attention to the rear spring hangers and the rear crossmember. The frame channels trap debris and moisture on the inside surfaces, so surface rust on the outside can hide worse conditions inside the rail.
The bed floor and inner wheel wells rust aggressively. If the truck has an aftermarket bed liner sprayed over the original metal, be suspicious — liners are often used to hide rust rather than prevent it.
On the engine side, the FE big blocks are powerful but thirsty. Check for oil leaks at the rear main seal and valve covers. The 360 and 390 are known for wearing camshafts if oil changes were neglected. Listen for lifter tick at idle. The 300 inline six is nearly indestructible and a better choice if reliability matters more than power.
Common Issues
- Cab corner rust: The most common body issue on Bumpsides. Patch panels are available, but a truck with rust-free cab corners is worth significantly more.
- Bed floor rot: Many trucks have had bed floors replaced at least once. Check the quality of any previous repair work.
- FE engine oil consumption: High-mileage FE V8s burn oil as valve guides wear. Blue smoke on deceleration is the telltale sign.
- Transmission issues: The C6 automatic is reliable, but check for delayed engagement from park to drive. The four-speed is most desirable but least common.
- Drum brakes: Many Bumpsides still have four-wheel drums that lack stopping power by modern standards. Disc brake conversion kits are available and highly recommended.
- Heater core leaks: The heater core is buried behind the dash and fails regularly, putting coolant on the passenger floor and accelerating rust.
What to Pay
Bumpside values have been rising but remain accessible compared to earlier generations.
- Project trucks needing substantial work: $3,000-$10,000. Complete trucks with running engines sit at the higher end.
- Drivers in usable condition: $12,000-$22,000. Running drivetrains with faded paint, worn interiors, or minor mechanical needs.
- Restored or restomod trucks: $25,000-$35,000. Clean paint, sorted mechanicals, and tasteful upgrades. Trucks with the 390 V8 bring more.
- Exceptional builds can exceed $35,000, but the ceiling is lower than second-gen trucks.
Short-bed trucks are more desirable than long-beds. The Ranger and Custom Cab trims add modest value.
Where to Find Them
Bumpsides are still common enough that you should not have to settle for the wrong truck. Facebook Marketplace is the highest-volume source for private sales. Craigslist remains useful in rural areas. Bring a Trailer features curated examples with excellent pricing data, and Hemmings leans toward restored trucks.
The Bumpside community is active online — Ford Truck Enthusiasts and the 67-72 Ford Truck Facebook groups have for-sale sections where trucks trade between knowledgeable owners. Dry-climate trucks from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and California command premiums for good reason. Shipping a rust-free truck from the Southwest is almost always cheaper than repairing a rusty local one.
Final Verdict
The 1970 Ford F100 is one of the best all-around classic trucks you can buy. It looks fantastic, drives well, and remains affordable. It is an outstanding choice for someone who wants a truck they can drive regularly, show, or build into a restomod. If you want the nostalgic look of a 1950s pickup or the cheapest entry into the hobby, look elsewhere. But for the balance of style, drivability, and value, the 1970 Bumpside is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1970 Ford F100 worth?
A 1970 Ford F100 Bumpside ranges from $3,000 to over $35,000. Project trucks needing substantial work run $3,000-$10,000, drivers in usable condition cost $12,000-$22,000, and restored or restomod trucks bring $25,000-$35,000. Short-bed trucks are more desirable than long-beds, and trucks with the 390 V8 command higher prices.
What should I look for when buying a 1970 Ford F100?
Check the lower door skins for rust from the inside out, cab corners behind the doors, and floor pans under the driver’s side. Inspect the frame along its full length, especially rear spring hangers and rear crossmember. Be suspicious of aftermarket bed liners that may hide rust. On FE V8 engines, check for rear main seal oil leaks and listen for lifter tick at idle.
Is a 1970 Ford F100 a good investment?
The 1970 Bumpside sits at the peak of the fifth-generation design, and values have been climbing as the generation gains recognition as one of Ford’s best truck designs. It offers an excellent balance of style, drivability, and value that earlier generations cannot match at this price point. Power steering and power brakes were available, making it genuinely comfortable to drive.
What are the common problems with a 1970 Ford F100?
The most common issues are cab corner rust, bed floor rot often hidden under spray-in liners, FE V8 oil consumption from worn valve guides indicated by blue smoke on deceleration, delayed engagement in C6 automatic transmissions, inadequate four-wheel drum brakes by modern standards, and heater core leaks that put coolant on the passenger floor and accelerate interior rust.
What engine options were available in the 1970 Ford F100?
The 1970 F100 offered the 300 cubic-inch inline six, which is nearly indestructible and ideal if reliability matters most. V8 options included the 360 and 390 FE big blocks, which are powerful but thirsty. High-mileage FE engines are known for wearing camshafts if oil changes were neglected, so listen for lifter tick and watch for blue smoke during a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1970 Ford F100 worth?
A 1970 Ford F100 Bumpside ranges from $3,000 to over $35,000. Project trucks needing substantial work run $3,000-$10,000, drivers in usable condition cost $12,000-$22,000, and restored or restomod trucks bring $25,000-$35,000. Short-bed trucks are more desirable than long-beds, and trucks with the 390 V8 command higher prices.
What should I look for when buying a 1970 Ford F100?
Check the lower door skins for rust from the inside out, cab corners behind the doors, and floor pans under the driver's side. Inspect the frame along its full length, especially rear spring hangers and rear crossmember. Be suspicious of aftermarket bed liners that may hide rust. On FE V8 engines, check for rear main seal oil leaks and listen for lifter tick at idle.
Is a 1970 Ford F100 a good investment?
The 1970 Bumpside sits at the peak of the fifth-generation design, and values have been climbing as the generation gains recognition as one of Ford's best truck designs. It offers an excellent balance of style, drivability, and value that earlier generations cannot match at this price point. Power steering and power brakes were available, making it genuinely comfortable to drive.
What are the common problems with a 1970 Ford F100?
The most common issues are cab corner rust, bed floor rot often hidden under spray-in liners, FE V8 oil consumption from worn valve guides indicated by blue smoke on deceleration, delayed engagement in C6 automatic transmissions, inadequate four-wheel drum brakes by modern standards, and heater core leaks that put coolant on the passenger floor and accelerate interior rust.
What engine options were available in the 1970 Ford F100?
The 1970 F100 offered the 300 cubic-inch inline six, which is nearly indestructible and ideal if reliability matters most. V8 options included the 360 and 390 FE big blocks, which are powerful but thirsty. High-mileage FE engines are known for wearing camshafts if oil changes were neglected, so listen for lifter tick and watch for blue smoke during a test drive.