v6 as in 3.8? I contemplated this myself, but decided the v8 would be better suited to my desire to go fast. the supercoupe version is plenty fast, but torque is what you want with that big shoebox.

 

The Ford 3.8 232 ci V6 was not one of Ford's better engines....IMHO = STAY AWAY!!

 

Thanks guys for the engine thoughts.A friend has a stock Ford 6 banger and 3 speed I know that it would be "all Ford" but when folks ask what's under the hood I do not want to be bashful about opening the hood.If I could get the 318 that's there now to run I know it would roll that panel pretty good.I had a 75 Ply. 318 Fury and it would get on down the road. The six banger above is an inline six. Thank's for the feedback on the V6--Mike

 

The 3.8L engines were good once you properly installed the good aftermarket head gaskets and a good exhaust then you never blow headgaskets again. The 3.8L is basically a 302 with two cylinders cut off. I just don't know if it would move one of our trucks too well.

 

Thanks for the info. I think the v-6 will be weak. My stepson has an 84 Buick Sabre (not LeSabre)he thinks it has a 307 v-8 I ck'ed out last eve.and it sounds good.Did not drive it but it was driven to that barn a few wk.ago.Cranks and sounds great 4barrel -auto trans.105 K mileage and will fit my small budget right now.My buddy can use all drive train-would sound good to hear ole Lazuras come to life.I have tried to find the gvw for the full size Buick and my 59 Ford Panel but no luck. My thoughts are if the mill will push that full size Buick down the road it should be fine for my panel.I could build a 350 later and switch out when budget allows.I know the 307 will not do a back flip but it will be swift enough for a grandpa like me. Any thoughts on a gas tank? the salvage yard crunched this one picking up with forklift.My buddy thinks a Chevy truck will work.Have not measured but it is long and thin located between the frame and driveshaft.Thanks for any ideas. Mike

 

Vin or data plate?? Here is the data on plate found wired to hood hinge. 6-140 S M2J-187 line2 F1 1-1 110 (line3) HTR2 AUXST TS2 This is what I found on this plate.Please help decipher this code if you can.Thanks for any help Mike

 

Don't forget to replace the timing cover and gears. Both had the tendency to "go south" after 80,000 miles. Replace the waterpump, also. I could write a book on all the parts these engines had replaced while still under warranty.

 

Mike,

I don't know much about the firewall data plates, but that's definately not the VIN plate (which is properly called the "Rating Plate"). I can't find a firewall data plate on either of my 1960 trucks. I remember seeing mention of them somewhere here, but that may have been for trucks prior to 1957. Canadian trucks had a seperate plate with transmission and axle codes, but they don’t match what you have.

The “M2J-187” looks a little like a paint code but without enough letters. All of the 1960 paint codes started with “M30J-”; “Corinthian White” was “M30J-1238”, for example. “M2J” might also be some sort of two-tone paint designation, where M = “Corinthian White” and J = “Monte Carlo Red” (at least that what those letters meant in 1960).

The second line appears to include the series (F1 = F100 = ½ ton) and wheelbase. 110 is correct for the wheelbase of a panel truck.

The third line appears to be accessories. HTR2 probably indicates which heater was installed (there were recirculating and outside air versions). I have no clue about the rest of the line.

Hopefully someone else knows more.

Cal

 

Cal, thanks for the info. The only thing I was sure about was the 110 wheel base which I picked up from reading some old threads from you and the other guys.This data plate has two holes that match up with the holes in the glove box lid.Why it was taken off and wired to the hood hinge is another "old truck mystery" that only the guy that did it knows why.I'm still looking for the vin.Have been told that if the inspector cannot find the vin he will issue one but the truck will be listed as a 2007 like someone gets when building a kit car.I don't want that! I want a 1959 Ford title, so I'll keep looking.Where can I find vehicle weights for the 59 panel and a 1984 Buick?( maybe that's an ugly word on a Ford site.)This is a great site because of all you guys with years of knowledge and a willingness to share.
Thanks a million,Mike

 

The plate wired to the firewall or hood hinge is not the VIN plate, it was what Ford used as a BUILD plate...there was also a BUILD sheet, that Ford either put under the right side of the seat, or under the floor mat. Look on the left frame rail near the steering gear box for the hidden VIN number.


The original VIN plate has the following info:

First line: VIN or Serial Number.

Second line: Wheelbase; Color; Model; Date; Trans Code; Axle Code.

Third line: Max GVW; Cert Net HP; RPM; DSO.

 

Thanks Bill, I may have to get Columbo out of retirement to help me find this vin.I cleaned up the frame rails on both sides right above the axle and my buddy and I looked over that firewall with no luck--I'll not give up. Thanks again, Mike

 

Bill,

Was there a standard location for the build plate? I assume from what you said that they were not riveted to the body like the VIN/rating plate?

Mike,

If I was you I would pull the tires and inner fenders and go over the tops of the frame rails from the firewall to the radiator. I would strip it down to bare metal and then go after it with a green abrasive pad, then a drill mounted wire brush. Everything I've read says that the VIN number should be on the top of the frame rail somewhere forward of the firewall.

Cal

 

Thanks guys my computer was zapped by lightning a few weeks back so I have not been able to respond to you.The DVW guy came out and found the begining of the vin. on the right frame rail just below the firewall. I will clean this up trying not to destroy the numbers as I do so. I'll try the wire brush and maybe spray down with WD40 to expose the numbers better,he stated if I could not read entire # he will issue new numbers but bill a 2007--that's not going to happen to ole Lazuras I bought a '59 and I intend to drive a FIVE-NINE. Thanks again to the help, Mike

 

I had a computer melt-down myself and have been off line.

The frame VIN numbers I have seen are about 6" long and 1/4" tall. There's an asterisk of either end of the number on my '60 pickup.

Cal

 

I just came in from wire brushing,Navel Jelly,blow off with air and I can see the left asterisk 1 letter 2 numbers 1 letter 1 number 1 letter then 4 numbers and maybe one more number. How many numbers are in the last part before the right hand asterisk? BTW I can't see the right asterisk and the DMV guy also said it would be there.Will try at a different time, diff. light sometimes you have to sneek up on these things.For now I'm out of daylight but the flor. trouble light was the best to show up numbers.
Thanks Mike