So far I've only found the 2 places mentioned on my 56 but I'm still looking to see if they were stamped any place else.

 

I have a '51 F1 (Canadian Made). There are no numbers at all on the plate in the glove box.....just says Ford, made in Canada.
There are two plates riveted on the firewall.
1st reads..... Style IC-81B
Body No 2615
LEF50-2567
21


2nd reads....Engine IJ960
Model F1
Trim 13 Paint 91
Serial No BDA83BH51-9199*


May I ask what can you tell me about this truck from this information. Frame nos are where they are supposed to be, No engine number to be found! It does have the chrome trim around windshield, door locks (both sides) sunvisors (both sides) dome-light and armrests. V8 flattie and 4speed floor shift. I'm pretty sure its mostly original. I didn't see any paint No 91 (please, don't tell me it was originally red) Everybody has a red F!
Thanks in advance for any and information

 

From what I can tell:

1951 Ford F1 shortbox (114" wheelbase)
Deluxe cab
Built at home office

 

BaggedMerc
Thanks for that information. Where is 'home office'?,,,,,Windsor?
And the original colour 91, was ???

 

Yes, Windsor. Sorry, but no idea on that colour code.

 

There weren't that many colour choices on these trucks, back then. You should be able to decipher it by doing a little forensic research. Check behind the seat, behind the interior trim lining, door panels, etc. Places that wouldn't get redone if the truck was ever repainted. Firewall or bottom of the hood can be good places to check, as well, depending on how much work was ever done to the truck in the past. Let us know what you find.

 

52Merc
ok, here goes, I did the 'forensic check' as you suggested. I looked under the dashboard, firewall, inside the cab (up, down and sideways!) and its all red! BUT there was some flaking paint (that's novel) under the hood support webs. I scraped some off and it looks to be either light gray/ dirty white underneath. Don't think its primer though, as it feels glossy to the touch. Thoughts?

 

Not sure but this might help you.

 

56panelford.
Thanks for your help. The glove box plate on this truck has No information whatsoever on it, other than Ford, Made in Canada. It doesn't have any of the 'info box's' as per the '56 style you supplied.
Its not really a big deal about the original colour....just for my own satisfaction really!
But I did read on another thread that Ford routinely deleted letters and/or numbers from Vin's because they could be confused with each other as in I for 1, or 0 for 9. I wonder if that is the case here where the plate is stamped Paint 91 when it should have been 01, like the 56 example you supplied. The colour I found under the hood is more Colonial White than red.

Slightly off topic I know, but did the '51 F1 have Ford on the front below the 'nostrils' ? This one does.
Thanks for your help and suggestions.

 

Here's what I know, but it's far from any kind of definitive proof. I have noted that the last number on the square plate by the hood hinge matches the color code on the center plate in every case but yours. Your square plate says 21 there, which would be the code for Vermillion Red, according to my Canadian chassis parts book. Your center plate says 91, which I would believe to be a mis-stamp, if you found the inside of your truck was originally red. The square plate would back that up. Mis-stamps are rare, but not uncommon.

The header panel below the hood on the '51 models had a V8 emblem, as all Canadian trucks came with V8's then. The Ford wording is in the hood trim. It wouldn't be two places together. In the case of Mercury trucks, the same rules apply with Mercury lettering.

 

52Merc,
I have been out into my ice chest (garage) and looked one more time. There seems to be nothing to see in the cab other than red. As I said before there seems to be a little dirty white/pale grey gloss paint under the webs under the hood.
Your picture of the 51 seems to have different trim pieces alongside of the hood. Mine has three spears (centre one wider , with Ford F1) and narrower ones above and below with 'Boomerangs. If this is different to original then there's more than a good chance this truck has been damaged and hood and header panel replaced in days gone by. Would also explain the white/grey paint too!.
I have Ford on the hood -side 'spear' trims, above the 'Nostrils' and also across the header panel....something not quite right!
Thanks again for your help.

 

What you're describing is perfectly normal and inline with the deluxe cab option, which your truck was equipped with, bearing the 83B code in your vin. (standard cabs were 83A) All of the options you mentioned prior are part of that package.

 

52Mer,
So just to make sure I have it right......My truck is correct with the Hood
Spears/Boomerangs, Ford on the 'Nostrils' AND on the Header panel? It seems that it was a pretty tricked up truck for its day. It needs some TLC as it has been sitting underneath Maple trees for years and has a bit of cancer here and there.....not as bad as some I've seen on this site. No doubt I will be back here for more help and advice before I'm done.
Thanks again for your help Wayne, appreciate it!
Love that black truck!

 

No. The Ford letters on the header panel were there in 48-50 and in 52. It was moved to the hood trim in 51 only, and the header got a V8 emblem. Your truck should look just like the red truck in the photo above, with the deluxe windshield and hood trim from the black truck. Your header was replaced for some reason, at some point, or the letters were added by someone really wanting to advertise they owned a Ford.

Hope this clears everything up.

 

52Merc,
Yes Wayne, now I get the picture! One day I will have to look around and find the original type V8 badge, and change it. I guess the panels are all the same 'cept for the holes for badges.
It did (at one time) look like the pictured red truck , except that the front 'Teeth' were painted Silver/Argent. The silver looks nicer, I think.
Thanks again.......