Vin number plate has a DSO designation of 5173. From what I've read in this forum regarding this code it indicates that this truck was a special order and the number should correspond with a location or dealership. However, I cannot find charts anywhere that list these numbers. Does one exist? The truck is a 1961 F100. Also, in how many places on these trucks does the complete vin plate or related info/codes appear. As I understand it there are also stamps and casting numbers on various parts that relate to a particular truck or car and should correspond to the vin plate codes and/or give additional information about each vehicle. For originality purposes these are identifiers as I recall.

 

5173 is a Domestic Special Order number. Something was installed on the truck that was not an RPO (Regular Production Order), which means there was no parts catalog reference.

Or, if there's no COLOR code stamped on the Warranty Plate, the truck was painted a non standard color per the original purchasers order.

If a DSO part failed or the truck needed to be repainted, dealer contacted FoMoCo with DSO number.

FoMoCo looked up the order number, passed the info back to the dealer where the part could be found or passed the paint formula along.

If there's no COLOR code, that most likely explains Domestic Special Order, but if there is a COLOR code, you're out of luck.

No info exists for any 1961/66 FoMoCo vehicle, except scant production figures, as FoMoCo THREW AWAY all the records decades ago.

 

We should not expect Ford to store the old stuff. Imagine how big of storage building / number of people needed to keep everything in the pre-computer age. Post computer age it is reasonable to keep info and sell it on disc.

Of course, the number dummys should have kept the records on the 62 4x4s.

 

R. victor,

To answer your other questions.

Your 61 should have a frame vin on the right side, top of the frame. One roughly 12 inches behind the front axle and one somewhere under the cab, if you have a under cab battery, it should be center of the battery access. You can use alum. tape to get a trace rubbing on these if you use a stick.

The frame vins for legal purpose trumps the Data Tag and any other vin including title. The only time it will not is when a state has issued a rebuild, salvage, or some other type title/vin.

The component castings are great for comparing to other trucks to identify some component years. Of course part numbers and tags are great to use.

The following vin decode site has been referenced on this site but I am not sure of the accuracy. If you post your data plate, you can get input to what is suppose to be on the truck.

Didgey Specs 61-66

good luck with your 61.

 

My thanks once again to NumberDummy and Old Broke Prospector for their help with my questions. Because I do not have the truck in my possesion at this time since the deal won't be completed until my inspection next Wednesday or Thursday, I have had to ask questions as the info is relayed to me by the seller every few days or when I think of something I forgot to ask. Yesterday he sent me a picture of the Vin Plate and on it were various other codes that needed decoding. The Color Code area is blank but the oringinal color is Dark Green from what I am told by this 3rd generation owner plus the cab foot panels and trim are still green. There is a DSO number which I formerly mentioned. The exterior has been repainted silver within the last three years. I am just trying to put the truck in perspective of originallity and history for my reference, so I may need more Forum advice as time goes by. I have three friends in my neighborhood who work on older cars including rebuilding engines. One is an autobody repairman, one is an upholsterer and one is a mechanic that worked for Bill Jenkins years ago and rebuilds engines for both money and a hobby for his children. They deal with cars only for repair work and some restoration. I have no intentions of restoring this truck since it has been modified over the years nor could I afford to. However, they know what questions to ask and I relay them to the seller. According to the seller it needs nothing. We will see!

 

COLOR code blank: Truck painted a non standard color per the original purchasers request, making it a Domestic Special Order.
Crap decode info, has multiple errors and omissions!

 

Could we see some pictures? Here is how.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 76f350spercamprspeal

Welcome to FTE, Best Damn Forum EVER!
------------------------
Here's How to Post Pictures:
1. Login to FTE.
2.Click User CP (In the Top Left Hand Corner)
3.(On the Left, There will be a list, The 5th Option Down, will say "Pictures & Albums) Click That.
4.Then, Click Add Album, Enter a title, and description, if ya want to.
5. Click Upload Pictures, Then click Browse, Locate the Files of your truck. (You can add 3 files at a time)
5. Click Upload.
6. Add a description to the individual pictures, then click save.
7. Add more files if ya want.
8. Click The Picture you want to post, it will give you two codes at the bottom, Right Click The Second one (It say's BB Code, Then Say's [IMG]http:blahblahblah...[/IMG])
Then, Once that is highlighted, Right Click, Then Copy, Then Paste it into your post.
You can add up to 30 Images in one FTE Post.
If, Ya need any help, Don't hesitate to ask.


Quote:
Originally Posted by old_dan

You can also go to the "Garage" tab and start an album right here on FTE. After you post pictures to an album, we can look in your album, but you'll also be able to "insert a picture" by pasting in a link to the picture in your album.

It seems awkward, but whenever you "insert a picture" to one of these threads, the forum is looking for the picture somewhere on the web (which is always available) rather than from somewhere on your hard drive (which isn't always available).

Quote:
Originally Posted By Jolly Roger Joe

Welcome to FTE!

Go to Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket and sign up for a free account. Then create an album for your truck. Upload any pics you want to post on FTE to that album. Have this album open on your computer when you want to post pics on FTE.

While you're making a post on FTE, select the pic you want to post from your Photobucket album. When the large version of the pic is open, right mouse click on it and select "View Image Info". The image info will be highlighted and will look something like this:
The best photos and videos | Photobucket

Copy that highlighted info (right click / copy).

When you have the spot in your post where you want the pic to be placed, select the "Insert Image" icon at the top of the post (looks like a mountain) and paste (right click / paste) the image info you copied in the highlighted box (just shows "http://" when it opens).

Your pic will be placed in the post.

Hope that helps.

Here's a tutorial Bob put together: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/67...-pictures.html

 

Thanks artic y block for those directions on posting pictures. At this time I don't have any pictures of this 1962 F100 since I have not purchased it yet an only have the 5 listing pictures in Hemmings. The truck was supposed to be delivered to me for my inspection today but the repairs by the seller were not complete. He will bring it Sunday or Monday. It did not have a heater or original horn in the steering column so the seller was going to install a heater and replace the horn column button by adding brushes and a center plate. I am relying on his honesty. I will not buy it if it does not pass my inspection whenever it arrives. If it meets my satisfaction I will buy it and then post pictures. Best Regards. ron