Can anyone decode the vin on my '79 LN7000? It reads: R70QVEC7973. I'm not familiar with the plant code which isn't the louisville plant. Plus I'm having issues filing my heavy use tax with a Q in the number as they are no longer accepted. Also does anyone know where the frame number should be? I've tried the tops and sides of both rails, as well as the bottom of both rails behind the cab. The frame is sleeved behind the cab, so if it's there I'm out of luck

 

I managed to answer my own question, through exhaustive research. The lack of sources for truck vin decoding made it difficult, as pickups are different. I have discovered the "Q" is incorrect on my title, and should be a "D" which should be the engine code for the 636 Cat motor. With that in mind the rest of the number makes sense; "V" for Kentucky plant. Thanks to all who read my post.

 

Welcome to FTE

R70 = LN700 (diesel).

Q = VIN engine code = Not listed for 1979.

V = Kentucky Truck Assembly Plant.

EC7973 = 1979.

If the DSO code is 6 digits, the truck was a Domestic Special Order, which might explain the Q code last used in 1978.

Contact FoMoCo Customer Service, pass along your VIN and ask for a copy of the trucks original build sheet...it's free.

The build sheet will tell you what engine was factory installed. D is the correct VIN engine code for the Cat 636.

Sorry it took me so long to decode the VIN.

Lack of truck resources for decoding (1973 and later) VIN's was due to my ancient 1960's microfiche viewer ceasing to work. Now I have another, made in the 1990's.

 

Thanx for the reply. I'm pretty sure the D engine code is correct. The door tag was painted over and scraped off, so I could imagien someone mistaking a scratched up D for a Q. Thanks again, Bob