VIN stamped incorrectly?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,035
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From: Waterford, VA. USA
VIN stamped incorrectly?
My '52 F3 appears to be Meadow Green, but the VIN states "N" which is Vermillion? (I seem to recall reading that "N" was for the month of build?) I was under the truck last night removing the starter and can tell you this truck has never been any shade of red.....what gives? What are the chances that the VIN was mis-stamped? The VIN reads 4 4.86 N 18C302 BTW what does the 18C302 represent?
As always, thanks for the help.
w
As always, thanks for the help.
w
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 330
From: Waterford, VA. USA
I have decoded the VIN info that was pulled from the glove box door. The info posted above is stamped below the actual VIN number. It actually reads like this....
*F3R2KC 13756* 6800 122 96 3400
4 4.86 N 18C302
I have the guys here help break this down, so I am familiar with the info., but am confused as to what the "N" stands for.... also not sure what the 18C302 is about.
Thanks,
Wade
*F3R2KC 13756* 6800 122 96 3400
4 4.86 N 18C302
I have the guys here help break this down, so I am familiar with the info., but am confused as to what the "N" stands for.... also not sure what the 18C302 is about.
Thanks,
Wade
Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,986
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From: Central Illinois
You're right that in 1952 an "N" was Vermillion. An "M" was Meadow Green, so no doubt somebody at the KC plant had a bad day. The Production Codes are a mystery. In theory they are supposed to show date of manufacture. But I don't recall anybody finding one that followed the coded explanation. I don't find the Production Code reference after a quick look through my books, so if somebody wants to try decoding yours, they can have at it. Stu
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Waterford, VA. USA
Thanks Stu, I'm a newbie to the old trucks and the procedures of the times. I was hoping that maybe someone made a mistake as I can't find any evidence of the Vermillion color anywhere.
Wade
Wade
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
And just to clarify, VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, which is the modern term for what was known in our truck's day as the "serial" number. The numbers you posted here are not considered either the serial number or the VIN. Those are just production codes of one sort or another identifying original equipment installed on the vehicle at assembly. The VIN only denotes the year, model, engine, assembly plant, and consecutive unit number assigned to the vehicle.
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Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Central Illinois
That book also has the Production Code formula I was looking for which works out like you said. That might be the first I've seen where the formula actually works. It works for none of my trucks. Stu
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Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
F3 = F3.
R = 239 V8.
2 = 1952.
KC = Kansas City MO Assembly Plant.
13756 = Numerical Sequence of Assembly, the truck's specific serial number.
6,800 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
122" Wheelbase.
96 net HP @ 3,400 RPM
4 = 4 Speed 'Spur' Manual Transmission.
4.86-1 Rear Axle Ratio.
N = Vermillion.
18C302: 18C = Assembled March 18, 1952 / 302 = Production Code.
R = 239 V8.
2 = 1952.
KC = Kansas City MO Assembly Plant.
13756 = Numerical Sequence of Assembly, the truck's specific serial number.
6,800 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
122" Wheelbase.
96 net HP @ 3,400 RPM
4 = 4 Speed 'Spur' Manual Transmission.
4.86-1 Rear Axle Ratio.
N = Vermillion.
18C302: 18C = Assembled March 18, 1952 / 302 = Production Code.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Kalispell, MT
Are you using the Cars and Parts Magazine, Catalog of Ford Truck ID Numbers 1946 - 1972? I suspect so because that book lists it as you said, "N" for Meadow Green and "M" for Vermilion. It, however, is backwards from Ford's Truck Chassis Parts Catalogs. All the Ford references (1/52, 1/54, and 1964 reprint edition) have it as "N" for Vermilion and "M" for Meadow Green.
That book also has the Production Code formula I was looking for which works out like you said. That might be the first I've seen where the formula actually works. It works for none of my trucks. Stu
That book also has the Production Code formula I was looking for which works out like you said. That might be the first I've seen where the formula actually works. It works for none of my trucks. Stu
afaik, that book doesn't have the production code - I just went by what I've seen on the 48-50 serial number/firewall production codes. This one happens to work out the same. Tim
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,172
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From: Burbank, WA
Stamping mistakes on data plates and serial numbers are rare, but not unusual. It's not hard to imagine an N being swapped accidentally with an M, or vice-versa, on a color code. I do it with my keyboard all the tine. Afterall, we are human. ;-)
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Northshore, MN
Yeah, figure a guy back in the day reaching for his stamping tools while looking at the production sheet at the same time, trying to get everything right every time, every day.
Also, is it possible the stamp for the letter M is just faded enough to look like an N?
My letter Y looks odd, too.
Also, is it possible the stamp for the letter M is just faded enough to look like an N?
My letter Y looks odd, too.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Waterford, VA. USA
w
