59 F250 4x4 VIN decode
 

Hi guys, sorry if I overlooked, but I did look through the stickies and couldn't find a VIN decoder or literature so I could decode. I'm a big time 73-79 Ford owner, but have always loved the 57-60's as well. I always wanted a 59 250 4x4 seeing as that's the first factory 4x4 year for Ford...and now I finally have an opportunity to own one. I live in NC, but know a guy in Cincinnati that has a line on the truck. The pics I was sent look really good, extremely minimal rust, the owner appears to have been pretty meticulous. It has a 300 swapped with a 4 spd...I'd eat off the engine bay. Body is straight, minimal rust. Almost all primer, trim is all there. Underneath looks really really good. I know pics say 1000 words, but I can't seem to get them off my phone in to photobucket at the moment...but what's the going rate for these trucks these days??? Looks like anywhere from $1500-2500 for a decent truck.

And for the VIN, what was sent to me was this: F25C9K4881

Now that 3rd digit worries me, I know in dentside talk, if that's not a '6' that body (or door at least) had been swapped from a 2by. Thanks for any info.

does this help?


VIN Decoder

That does definitely help. And I was right to be afraid of that 3rd digit...should be a 6 if it's a 4wd. Sooooo...either a door or body swap has been done.

Do these things have a secondary VIN like on the 73-79's...passenger side frame rail in front of the firewall???

Check on the top of the frame just in front of the cab on the passenger side. Mine is stamped on there.
Kinda like you said!

Hold on cowboy! Don't be discouraged by the third digit in the vin. My truck's vin is a good example, showing that the model code is the key to determine whether its a 4x4 or note.
F280 or F290 as a model code shows that it is a 4x4 plus the front axle code.
Attachment 81769
Good luck, keep us posted!

It is a good idea to confirm the data plate and frame numbers match!

Thanks Wally...I got the guys contact info from my buddy now...so it should make things easier.

Am I right in assuming the market is in the 1500-2500 range for these trucks???

704 Dentside; From your description that price sounds fair. I live in the Southwest (More old iron less rust) so I would expect to pay the low end of your scale.
Guess it boils down to your comfort level.
I can tell you that just driving my old truck around has a great value.
Good luck and post pictures when you can.