I have two 1942 Ford Fire Trucks that I am working on. I am trying to identify them, and am having a a tough time. Here is what I have:

First Engine:
SN: 99T483893
Bell Housing: K6144 (I think I am missing a number, but it is too rusty to read)
Here are some other numbers found on the engine: 19 AP
Tag on Driver Side valve cover: 86

Second Engine
SN: 99T492434
Here are some other numbers found on the engine: 19-A AP KK TII
Bell Housing: K27133
Frame: 21T5087
Door Frame: T310-092N

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I would like to know as much as I can about all these numbers

Thanks
Aaron

 

The serial numbers are the ones that are most important. They tell you they are '42 heavy duty trucks. The rest or the numbers are just casting numbers, manufacturer stuff, most can't really be decoded or were known to the manufacturer. The 21T-5087 is a part number of that component of the frame. Ford never put door tags, so that tag was probably added at another time, maybe a fleet number or something, but not a Ford thing. Sounds like you have a couple of neat projects there.

 

Since I know know that they are 1942 engines, do you know if they are 90, 95, or 100 hp engines? or if they are Mercury engines?


Thanks
Aaron

 

Thank you for all the information that has been provided so far. It is great. I am new to the early v8s.

Thanks
Aaron

 

Are they the original fitment engine? the 42 truck was only 85 or 95 hp,21T and 29T,What is the number on back of block between heads? There is also a number on end of cam,under distributer,That is the cam grind eg 5T ,The 46,7 trucks went to 51T 59T series of motors 90 and 97 hp,I think the mercury engine was the 100 horsepower one,The war one had a relived block? they were a bit more torque but less hp,I beleive the releived block made them flow a bit better and ran a bit cooler,This is not gospel Its just info ive used myself over the years,All the best with your trucks,How bout some photos?

 

Both engines are 1942 Mercury 100HP engines. They are original, one engine had less than 8,000 miles on it. The trucks that they were in are 1942 Ford 2 -Tons.

Thanks for all the info