Greetings, I recently purchased a 1951 Ford F5 dually truck. The truck looks complete; however, I am attempting to locate specific information as to how the truck was orginally built (color, transmission, rear-end, engine, etc). I have located teh VIN number and model number on data place and can decode the VIN number. I am unable to locate sites that provide information specific to the 51 ford. I am open to any site recommendations, resources or information peretaining to the following VIN and model number. Thanks

F5RINR14629
Model: 1R8T

 

About all we can say from the serial number and model info is that the truck is a 1951 F-5 V8 that was built at the Norfolk plant. Early 1951s have a cowl stamping that can give build date and color, but that's about it. Late year 1951s have a different glove box data plate that contains this info. Nothing in the numbers tells anything about options. This below thread contains much good info. BTW, welcome. Stu

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l-numbers.html

 

The owner's manual, '49-'51 shop manual (CD or book), and the chassis parts catalogue can be a big help in determining what options you have. All of these are available online.

 

Your V8 would be the 239 cubic inch flat head that was optional on all F-1s through F-6s. The transmission could be the non-synchro 4 speed Warner Gear T9 or the synchro T98. If you have a single speed rear axle the available ratios were 5.14/1, 5.83/1, and 6.67/1. I don't have the two speed ratios commited to memory so if you have a two speed come back and I'll look it up.

An unfortunate fact of all big trucks of the era is their "widow maker" wheels with the "Firestone RH-5°" two part split outer rims. You'd be wise to do a Google search of those quote marked names.

Posting a few pictures of your truck would help us help you know what features were optional versus base level. In 1951 and 1952 there were two trim packages. The base level package was called the "5 Star", and the deluxe level was called the "5 Star Extra". Here is a pic from the sales handbook showing the "Extra" features.



Here are lists of available accessories. Stu

 

Based on the info you posted, I can tell you that your truck was built prior to September 1951, as you have the 'old' style rating plate on the glovebox. As Stu (truckdog) mentioned your truck was built at the Norfolk plant, the numbers stamped on the cowl (firewall) is probably on the drivers side near the hood hinge mount. Most of the plants stamped them in the center like on my 51 F1 that was built in Chicago, but my 50 F5 was built in Norfolk and the stampings are as I described above.
Once you get all the numbers please post them on the 51-52 serial number thread https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...numbers-5.html




1951 Chicago Firewall stamping



1950 Norfolk stamping, look to the right between the voltage regulator and the hood hinge above the wiring grommet