I have found most of the build info in my 55-56 truck-tough parts book but paint (05) has me baffled and some numbers don't seem to line up with correct line.
I have 18150554tk-33882 AGA 05 4/STD 6.2.1
M500 154 15,000( doesn't match book)
I also have a Oakville plate which book shows Windsor Ont.
My book shows codes for 02,04 which are blue.Mine is 05
Thanks in advance.
Dave

 

I don't have decode info for anything that new, but being Canadian, they have a different code system than US production. Your codes do seem to be fairly straight forward, though. Series M500 Mercury truck, 154" wheelbase, 16,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Unless that is not what your truck is, it makes perfect sense to me. The upper line is similar. You have your serial number, trim code (AGA) which denotes the interior style and color, color code(05); which may or may not match an early printed manual if a color/code was changed or added in later assembly, the transmission type (standard 4 speed) and rear axle ratio(6.2:1 gears). Again, all pretty typical and self explanatory. What are you confused about?

 

Try this site, it may help you out.
1956 Ford & Mercury Serial Plate

Bruce

 

It actually says 15,000 lbs,it must be the way the camera took picture.I took the plate off of the parts cab and it shows a 17,000 lb rateing.Which is right for a 600.The ford is also made in Oakville.
Something you might find interesting,on the Merc where the firewall tag should be there is a PAINT OK stamp in yellow paint vs the tag on a ford.
My book doesn't list a 05 for a paint code,Just curious is all.I have the same page as that one on mercury site.154"er lists at 16,000.Book printed july 56 and covers 55-56 100 to 900.

 

As I see the GVW stamping, it looks like a double strike. It may have accidentally been stamped 15,000 at first then struck again with 16,000 to correct it.

 

Ya your right,when I look at the back it is double stamped.But it looks to be corrected to a 5.Maybe that is what happened to the paint code only not corrected?