While power and performance declined over the course of the 1970s, one thing classic trucks never lost was their iconic sense of style. In the late 1970s, Ford introduced one of its most visually striking and culturally resonant appearance packages: the Free Wheeling Package. Aimed at a growing audience of young drivers and outdoor enthusiasts, this factory offering blended bold design with factory personalization to capture the era’s sense of freedom, expression, and adventure. Available on a range of Ford vehicles, the Free Wheeling Package made its mark with a look that was unmistakable, thanks largely to its signature chromatic stripes and blacked-out trim.
The Free Wheeling Package was only available for a handful of years, but it remains a memorable chapter in Ford’s design history and a cult favorite among vintage truck and SUV enthusiasts. Keep reading to learn more about Ford's Free Wheeling Package, and if you're into re-engineered classics with dynamic decal packages, check out the Velocity Heritage Series Ford Bronco.
Free Wheeling Package
1978 Ford F-150 w/ Free Wheeling Package
1979 Free Wheeling Package brochureApplied over darker base paint colors like black, deep brown, or midnight blue, the chromatic stripes provided high contrast and immediate visual impact. They wrapped around body lines, complemented by unique accent decals, and served as the centerpiece of the package’s visual identity.
In addition to the graphics, the Free Wheeling Package included blacked-out exterior trim, color-keyed wheels, bright accents, sport mirrors, and in some cases, custom bumpers. The interiors of many Free Wheeling models echoed the vibrant exterior theme with optional color accents and striped cloth upholstery, reinforcing the coordinated, customized feel.
1980 Ford Bronco Free Wheeling Package with optional tri-color stripes.Sunset Never Sets On Cool
The Free Wheeling Package rode off into the sunset after the 1981 model year, but nostalgia sells. And Ford knows it. For 2024 the company rolled out a Bronco Sport Free Wheeling Edition dressed in gradient body graphics, red-accented 17-inch wheels and retro “sunset weave” seat fabric. It’s mechanically identical to other Bronco Sports, but the visual throwback is so faithful that vintage-truck fans gave it a pass on authenticity quibbles. The full-size Bronco joins the party for 2025 with an optional Free Wheeling appearance pack on Big Bend models: reflective red-orange-yellow decals, gloss-black steelies, silver grille lettering, and unique interior highlights.
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Comments (1)
Can I buy a drivers lower seat cushion and frame for a 1978 ford bronco? I have the high rise seats. if not, do you know where I can purchase them? thanks in advance. you guys do great work.