Ok this really isn't all this difficult, and the AAA person you spoke to is being kind of a jerk, which is pretty unusual for them - must be a transplant from the DMV. Frankly, it's their responsibility to know that the first number after the second letter of your Serial Number is the year code. But rotsa ruck!:

First of all, post a picture of your truck here so we can see that it's a 56.

Second, since you are in California (PLEASE put your state on your member info so it shows on your posting pages!) unless you already have a title to the truck, they are not going to issue a title or registration until you have a VIN Number Verification! And, they will not accept any number except the one that is stamped on the frame of the truck - period.

It should read: F25V6R12345 (12345 being hypothetical - it will have a series of 5 numbers)

So you are going to have to find that on your right frame rail next to the front shock mount, or on the forward crossmember to show to them for the VIN Verification.

Once you do, all you need to do is show them this page - take it with you and show it to them saying that the #6 (5th character) proves it's a 56.







The Official Ford Publication that these pages came from is the "1948-1956 Ford Truck Parts and Accessories Illustrations Catalogue" Ford Form "FD 9465." Copyright C 1964 Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Mi. If they should ask. There is no ISBN (that I can find on my copy).

If you want a fullsize copy, send me an e-mail at babbiebuddie@***.net

 

Actually, the D in you VIN represents that the truck came equipped with a O.H.V. 6 Cylinder-223 cid engine.

 

Different poster, different model truck, with different equipment - it's gonna have different Serial Number codes!

 

The model of the truck F-100, F-250 etc. will be different, but the engine and year codes will remain the same throughout the line. In 1956, the 4th character of the Ford truck VIN represented the engine installed.
As indicated in your post above.
The engine codes were:
1956 Engine Codes
D O.H.V. 6 Cylinder-223 cid
V O.H.V. 8 Cylinder-2V Carb (L/D)-272 cid
Z O.H.V. 8 Cylinder-2V Carb (H/D)-272 cid
R O.H.V. 8 Cylinder-4V Carb (H/D)-272 cid

 

Perhaps you misunderstood what I was saying Joe.

The original poster gave us a number: F25V6R and we all determined what that was.

Just as a part of the conversation, a different member with an F-100 and a 6 cylinder threw his Serial Number into the mix and we got talking about two different serial numbers and two different trucks. Unfortunately the second poster decoded his engine code incorrectly and you pointed that out. I was just making sure the two numbers were not being confused or compared.

So, that was the "different poster", with the "different model" (F-100 Vs an F-250 - and thus the F10 Vs the F25 respectively) and "different equipment" (a 223 OHV 6 Vs a 272 V8 and thus a "D" instead of a "V") having "Different Serial Number Codes". As a matter of fact, of the info that was given the only "Serial Number Code" that was the same between those two was in fact the year code!

Point is when you start intermixing everyones Serial Numbers, it can get confusing.

Here's another reason why it's important: Originally the year code letter was ommited from the OPs submission so we weren't 100% sure what year it was. Under those circumstances you have to be careful saying that the engine code letters will be the same - they will be ONLY for a known single year group. However they will not be if the year hasn't been determined - as the OP stated was the whole point of the post and his year designator was missing from his initial post.

For example, a Serial Number missing the year code and reading F25VR12345 could be a 54-56 truck. But more important is that the "V" engine code could be a 2239 OHV for a 54-55, or a 272 for a 56. Same thing with the "D" code.....it would be a 215 OHV from 53 but it would be a 223 OHV in a 54-56.

Just trying to keep that clear for everyone - that's one reason I posted the reference pages - to show the differences in each trucks serial numbers and where they came from.

 

There is no ISBN (Library of Congress Catalog numbers) in Ford parts catalogs.

btw: R = 1953/55 = Richmond CA

Ford closed the Richmond CA plant in 1955, San Jose opened in 1956. Ford transfered the R from Richmond to San Jose.

Irony: The Richmond plant is still there today, owned by the City of Richmond, restored and rented out to diverse businesses.

San Jose is long gone, replaced by a shopping mall.

 

I live in Eagle Rock California and actually belong to a local car club. What I like about this club is all the knowledge available and this is a great example. When the question of the VIN number first came up I told a couple of the guys that I belong to a club on the internet and if anybody would would know these guys would. Have a dinner Sunday with the club and plan on bring the letter to show the guys how helpdul you've been.

Why can't I set up my printer to print the entire response without leaving off the last few words on each line. I have it on shrink to fit but I still can't get it to fit.

Thanks for all the info. Well worth the price I pay for the membership.

 

Ok my wife looked at the printout and got it work. Now I have to get her to show me how to put pictures of the truck on.

 

On 56's the VIN # may be stamped on top the pass side frame rail right in front of the firewall.

 

If you'd like to go to AAA or DMV with the actual 1948/56 Ford Truck Parts Catalog, instead of pics of the pages, let me know.

I have this catalog (I got it from Pasadena Ford when they closed August 2008) and I don't live too far from Eagle Rock.

 

hello friend how are you , my name is castaneda fritz , I'm from Peru and I have
a 1952 ford f1 truck and am very interested in the
" 1948-1956 Ford Truck Parts and Accessories Illustrations Catalogue"
and also know where I can see this frame measures model truck, in advance
thank you very much for the support. P.D excuse my English is not good</pre>

 

1948-1956 Ford Truck Parts and Accessories Illustrations Catalogue

 

Welcome to FTE, Sr. Fritz! You found the best Ford Truck forum on the World Wide Web!

Did you realize this thread is 5 years old? You would be better off by starting a new thread (look at the top of the page) to introduce yourself and then ask your question.

Also, you should show us some pictures of your truck and tell us a little of its history. And your English is good enough to understand and it will get better! Yo habla espanol un poco solamente!

 

this old tread popping back up like this is absolutely hilarious.

 

Hola Castaneda!
Welcome!
I think these will give you the information you wanted:






The measurements are in inches units (1 inch = 2.54 cm), weights are in pounds (1 lb. = 0.45 Kg.).