Bumpside and Dentside are enthusiast nicknames for the two generations of Ford F-Series trucks built between 1967 and 1979. Bumpsides are the 1967–1972 trucks; Dentsides are the 1973–1979 trucks. Both names come from a single styling line pressed into the sides of the truck — and once you know what to look for, you can tell them apart from across a parking lot.
Like “Highboy,” these names were never official Ford terms — owners came up with them, and they stuck. They describe the body style, so they apply right across the lineup: F-100, F-250, and F-350, in both two- and four-wheel drive.
Bumpside (1967–1972)
The Bumpside gets its name from a raised horizontal ridge — a “bump” — that runs along the upper body line down the doors and bed. This is Ford’s fifth-generation F-Series, and it’s the shape a lot of people picture when they think “classic Ford truck.” Across its run you’ll spot small grille and trim changes from year to year, but that protruding side line stays the signature.
Dentside (1973–1979)
For 1973 Ford restyled the F-Series into its sixth generation, and the side line flipped: instead of a raised bump, the trucks got an indented crease — a “dent” — running down the body. Hence Dentside. This generation brought roomier cabs and more creature comforts, and it’s the era of the crew cab and the Camper Special that so many people love today.
How to tell them apart at a glance
- Bumpside: the body line sticks out as a raised ridge. 1967–1972.
- Dentside: the body line goes in as an indented crease. 1973–1979.
- Front end: the grille and headlight styling also changed between the generations, so a quick look up front backs up what the side line tells you. To pin a truck to the exact year, our year-by-year grille guide breaks down every front end from 1967 to 1977.
Where the Highboy fits in
You’ll often hear “Bumpside” or “Dentside” paired with “Highboy.” Highboy refers to the tall 4x4 F-250 with a divorced transfer case, built from 1967 to the middle of 1977 — so a Highboy can be either a Bumpside or an early Dentside. If that’s new to you, we broke the whole thing down in What Is a Ford Highboy?
Rep your generation
Bumpside or Dentside, everybody’s got a side. Our Bumpside and Dentside tees, hats, and mugs are designed for people who know exactly which one is theirs — and why.
