It will be on the right (passenger side) frame rail anywhere from the firewall to the radiator. The 48-50's were all supposed to be next to the radiator in the V8,or to the rear of the radiator on the 6 cylinder model, according to some manuals the 51 and 52's were above the axle on the same right frame rail.

 

Top of right frame rail, just behind the radiator. If you take off the RF wheel/tire, and take out the panel that is part of the inner fender, it will give you a lot more room to scrub. Don't sand or grind, it isn't stamped deeply. A scotchbrite coarse pad works well.

(Joe types faster... )

 

Here's a shot showing where mine is located.

 

I found the plate in the glove box,
We were told that it is a 1949 F1 series

ENGINE NO._ 98RC- 496514
Series F1 Model 9RC

Is there a way to find where it was manufactured and the original color?

 

Thanks 52 Merc,
We were told that it was a 1949 and from what I read today I thought the "9" in the Model # denotes that it was a 1949...
Guessed we have a '49, half ton since we have a "C" in our model #, but confused as ours says; 9RC..., is that 8 cylinder and 1/2 ton?

I found this info on line...

Model Year
8 = 1948
9 = 1949, 1950 & 1951 continue the 1949 number

Engine Code
7H = 6 Cylinder
8R = 8 Cylinder
1BC Carburetor
2BC Carburetor
Models Line
C = 1/2 Ton Pickup
Y = 3/4 Ton Pickup
T = 1 Ton Pickup

 

Having different numbers in different places can be confusing. As you've noted, the first number 9 was used for both 1949 and 1950 production. The consecutive unit numbers continued for both years, and with a unit number as high as yours it's more likely a 1950 model. 8R was the designation used in the serial number, but the rating plate in the glove box just used the R code for engine, so the model number on the rating plate will read 9 for 49-50, R for V8 engine, and C for series, F1.

You should have another tag on the firewall outside at the upper left near the hood hinge. It may have an assembly plant code stamped on it after the serial number. You may also find a series of numbers and letters stamped directly into the firewall that will give you a color code, assembly date and plant, etc. If you find those, let us know what you have and we'll try to help further.

 

Don't know where you got your info, but this looks like the wrong info that LMC has in their catalog. The 9 was used in 1949 & 1950, but 1951 has a completely different serial number format.

As for the model lines

C = F1 (1/2 ton)
D = F2 (3/4 ton)
Y= F3 (HD 3/4 ton)
TL = F4 (1 ton)
T = F5 (1 1/2 ton)
TH = F6 (2 ton)

 

I have looked for this elusive vin number on the frame in front of the passenger side front cab mount and also somewhere on a front support. Does anyone have an actual picture of the vin number stamped on the frame to help me locate.

Art

 

What year is your truck. I think Ford moved the stamps to different places on later years. '48 to '52 should be on the passenger side frame just ahead of the motor mount. Other years have been noted to be on the drivers side near the cab.

 

This is where it is on my '51. Your avatar looks like a newer truck, maybe a '53 - '56?

 

Art, on the 55 it is on top of the passenger side frame rail just behind the axle.





This is what the number stamp looks like





The blue light is shinning on the area of the stamp.

 

Thank you guys. On the truck now I would like to find it even tho it is registered and licensed . This will help a bunch. On the old truck the new owner still can find but I think I will go try to help him as he is having a heck of a time with title has a lawyer and all.
Art