Dentside Depot Gives a 1979 Ford F-100 a Fresh Interior with AMD Restoration Parts

Dentside Depot Gives a 1979 Ford F-100 a Fresh Interior with AMD Restoration Parts

There’s something special about a clean, original Ford Dentside—especially one that has survived decades without being completely worn out, cut up, or modified beyond recognition. In the latest Dentside Depot project, Aaron dives into the interior of his blue 1979 Ford F-100, giving this remarkably well-preserved truck a major refresh with restoration parts from Auto Metal Direct.

Rather than turning the truck into something it was never meant to be, the goal is to preserve its character while replacing the tired components that decades of use have taken their toll on.

From a fresh instrument cluster lens and dash bezel to door panels, window seals, and interior trim, this F-100 shows just how much of a difference the right 1979 Ford F-100 interior restoration parts can make.

Starting With a Very Original 1979 Ford F-100

Once the F-100 cab was separated from the chassis, Aaron had the perfect opportunity to go deeper into the interior.

And this isn’t just any late-1970s Ford pickup.

One of the more interesting details is that the truck was originally sold without a radio. There isn’t even an antenna hole in the cab. Instead, Ford equipped the truck with a radio-delete-style panel carrying the Ford emblem.

Aaron decided to preserve that unusual character rather than cut the dash for a modern radio.

That decision sets the tone for the entire project: improve what needs improving, preserve what makes the truck interesting, and use quality restoration components where the originals have deteriorated.

Taking the Ford Dentside Interior Down to the Basics

What began as an interior component upgrade quickly turned into a much more comprehensive refresh.

With the seat and steering column already coming out, Aaron removed the rest of the interior and took advantage of the access to clean and preserve the cab.

The HVAC box was refreshed, the heater core was replaced, the dash was removed and cleaned up, and the painted surfaces received attention. The pedals were also removed, serviced, and refinished.

After decades on the road, the floor had developed some surface rust. That area was cleaned, sealed, and painted to help preserve the exceptionally solid original cab.

The result is a great reminder for anyone working on a classic Ford truck: when the interior is already apart, take advantage of the access. Inspect the areas normally hidden by the seat, dash, trim, and other components before everything goes back together.

A Small Upgrade That Makes a Big Difference: The Instrument Cluster Lens

One of the easiest places to see the age of a classic truck is directly in front of the driver.

Original Ford instrument cluster lenses can become scratched, cloudy, dirty, or cracked after decades of use. Even when the gauges themselves are in good condition, a deteriorated lens can make the entire cluster look tired.

Aaron addressed that problem with a new Auto Metal Direct instrument cluster lens.

With the cluster removed, he cleaned the inside of the assembly and refreshed the gauge needles before fitting the new lens.

The transformation is immediate.

A clean, clear lens brings the gauges back into focus and helps restore the appearance of the entire dashboard without changing the character of the original cluster.

One useful tip Aaron demonstrates during the process is supporting the plastic housing while installing the retaining pieces. Older plastic components can become brittle, so supporting the surrounding material helps reduce unnecessary stress on the original cluster housing.

The AMD Ford Dentside Dash Bezel Transforms the Interior

The instrument cluster lens was only part of the dashboard refresh.

The real visual transformation came when Aaron installed the new Auto Metal Direct Ford truck dash bezel.

Anyone who has restored a 1970s Ford pickup knows how difficult it can be to find good original interior trim. Decades of UV exposure, temperature changes, normal use, and previous repairs can leave factory bezels faded, worn, cracked, or otherwise showing their age.

NOS parts present another challenge. Even when you find one, decades of storage don't necessarily guarantee that the materials have remained perfect.

That is where high-quality reproduction Ford Dentside replacement parts become especially valuable.

After installing the AMD bezel, Aaron summed up his impression clearly, saying he believes the AMD pieces are “just as good as NOS or even better” because they haven't spent decades sitting in a box.

Once installed, the bezel dramatically changes the appearance of the F-100 dashboard and gives the surrounding restored components the finished look they deserve.

Keeping the Radio-Delete Character

One detail Aaron wasn't willing to sacrifice was the truck's original no-radio configuration.

Because the F-100 left the factory without a radio—and without an antenna hole—he chose not to install a modern head unit into the dash.

Instead, the plan is to fabricate a block-off plate behind the radio opening.

It’s a small detail, but it represents something important in classic truck restoration: every build doesn’t need every available option.

Sometimes the unusual details are exactly what make a particular truck worth preserving.

Fresh Window Channels, Felts and Seals

With the dashboard coming together, attention moved to the doors.

Old window channels and weatherstripping are easy components to overlook during a restoration, but they can have a significant effect on how a classic truck feels.

Aaron replaced several of the aging sealing components, including the upper window channel gasket and inner and outer window felts.

He also explains an important detail about the upper channel gasket: the chamfered sections are designed to help the material follow the bends in the window channel.

Fresh window components can help reduce rattles, improve sealing, and give the window assembly a much more finished appearance.

Aaron also points out that the order of assembly matters when rebuilding the door. The main door glass needs to be positioned before the vent-window assembly is put back into place.

It’s the kind of practical detail that comes from actually working on these trucks rather than simply looking at a parts diagram.

Giving the F-100 a Ranger XLT-Inspired Look

The door panels are another major visual change.

This particular truck is an Explorer, which originally used a two-tone blue door panel. Aaron decided to take the interior in a slightly different direction.

Instead, he selected an earlier Ranger XLT-style appearance and added chrome treatment along the lower portion to create the look he wanted.

The important part is that the new panels still look at home inside the truck.

That balance is increasingly common with classic Ford truck restorations. Not every owner is pursuing a concours restoration where every component must duplicate the truck’s original build sheet.

Some owners want factory-inspired styling with carefully chosen upgrades—and high-quality classic truck interior restoration parts make it possible to achieve that look without making the interior feel out of place.

Bringing the Complete Interior Together

As the F-100 came back together, Aaron added the correct Explorer seat cover, a tilt steering column, a Hurst shifter and the restored interior components.

The finishing touch was a sport-style steering wheel.

With the dash bezel, clear instrument lens, restored dashboard, refreshed seat, new door panels, window seals and steering wheel installed, the transformation is substantial.

Yet the truck still looks like a late-1970s Ford pickup.

That’s the goal.

The best restoration parts shouldn't overpower the vehicle. They should help bring back the details that made the vehicle appealing in the first place.

Why Interior Restoration Matters on 1973–1979 Ford Dentside Trucks

Bodywork and paint tend to receive most of the attention during a classic truck restoration, but the interior is where the owner actually experiences the finished truck.

You look through the instrument cluster every time you drive it. You touch the steering wheel, handles, controls, and door panels. You hear every window rattle and notice every cracked or faded piece of trim.

Replacing worn components can completely change that experience.

For Ford Dentside owners, focusing on items such as the dash bezel, instrument cluster components, door panels, weatherstripping, window felts, and other interior trim can make an otherwise solid truck feel finished again.

And you don't necessarily need a ground-up restoration to benefit from those upgrades.

A weekend interior refresh can make a dramatic visual difference in a driver-quality truck.

AMD Restoration Parts for 1973–1979 Ford F-Series Trucks

Auto Metal Direct continues to expand its selection of 1973–1979 Ford truck replacement parts for the trucks enthusiasts commonly call Dentsides.

AMD develops restoration products with an emphasis on fit, appearance, and the details enthusiasts expect when bringing a classic American truck back to life.

Whether you're performing a full frame-off restoration, building a restomod, or simply replacing worn components one project at a time, starting with quality restoration parts can make a major difference in the finished truck.

Aaron’s 1979 F-100 is a perfect example.

The truck didn't need to lose its personality to look new again. With carefully selected components and attention to the original details, the interior now looks clean, complete, and ready for many more miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years are considered Ford Dentside trucks?

“Dentside” is the enthusiast nickname commonly used for the sixth-generation Ford F-Series pickups produced from 1973 through 1979. The name comes from the distinctive recessed body line running along the sides of the truck.

Can I replace a cloudy Ford F-100 instrument cluster lens?

Yes. A worn, scratched, cracked, or cloudy instrument cluster lens can be replaced while retaining the original gauge assembly. In Aaron's F-100, a new AMD lens was installed as part of the instrument cluster refresh.

Does AMD offer Ford Dentside interior restoration parts?

Yes. Auto Metal Direct offers restoration components for classic Ford trucks, including interior pieces featured in Aaron's Dentside Depot F-100 project. Check the AMD website for current applications and availability for your specific year and model.

Should window felts and channels be replaced during an interior restoration?

If the original components are worn or deteriorated, replacing them while the door is apart can be worthwhile. Fresh window channels and felts can help reduce glass movement and rattles while improving the finished appearance of the door.

Do restoration parts have to match the truck's original trim level?

That depends on your restoration goals. Aaron's truck is an Explorer, but he chose a Ranger XLT-inspired door-panel treatment because he preferred the appearance. Factory-correct restorations may require trim-specific components, while restomods and driver builds allow more freedom.

Keep Restoring Those Classic Ford Trucks

Aaron's Dentside Depot F-100 proves that you don't have to completely reinvent a classic truck to make a huge improvement.

Sometimes it's the details—a clear gauge lens, fresh dash bezel, clean door panels, new window seals, restored controls, and a great steering wheel—that bring an old Ford interior back to life.

If you're working on a 1973–1979 Ford F-100, F-150, F-250, or F-350 restoration, explore Auto Metal Direct's growing selection of Ford truck restoration parts and find the components you need to keep your project moving.

And be sure to follow Dentside Depot to see more of Aaron's 1979 F-100 build and more hands-on Ford truck restoration content.

Keep restoring those classic trucks.