Vin number decoder?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 225
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From: Central Florida
Vin number decoder?
So I was thinking. So far my trucks been one big lie. So what about the rest is a lie? Says it's an xlt ranger. No clue if it's true. No idea what engine was stock. Any way to pick through my vin?
F14hry90516
Thanks!
F14hry90516
Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
Likes: 4
From: Lynchburg, VA
Have at it: Decoding '73-'79 Ford Truck VIN Tags - FORDification.net
I might eventually dump all that info a few databases and host a VIN decoder on my site.
I might eventually dump all that info a few databases and host a VIN decoder on my site.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
H=351M V8
R=San Jose assy plant
Y90516=1977 model year consecutive serial number
If you post the rest of the info on the warranty plate thats on the drivers door, that will tell even more, assuming of course that the door hasn't been swapped out.
Also, you might want to check the frame VIN, see if it matches the door warranty plate and the VIN on the title.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 2
Grab the VIN from the frame, if it's different, send that one over to Ford and see if you can't get one of the 'build sheets'. I don't think they're free anymore (maybe $10) and they take 6-8 weeks to get. But at least then you'd know what your truck was originally. If the frame and the door VIN match, just decode your warranty plate.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 783
From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by stercorarius
Most of the time this works for the VIN vinwiz
Grab the VIN from the frame, if it's different, send that one over to Ford and see if you can't get one of the 'build sheets'. I don't think they're free anymore (maybe $10) and they take 6-8 weeks to get. But at least then you'd know what your truck was originally. If the frame and the door VIN match, just decode your warranty plate.
Kevin Marti, a Mustang/Shelby 'nut' in Phoenix AZ found out and got ALL of it.
If you request a build sheet from FoMoCo (it's no longer free), they have to get the info from martiauto.com
And, all Ford has ever supplied is the basic build sheet, Marti has much more info then that. If you're going to order a build sheet and pay a fee, eliminate the 'middle man.'
btw: F14 = F150 4WD Pickup.
BODY code: If a Ranger XLT, will decode to as such, also decodes to the type of bed.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 2
Just as I suspected, typed two 1965 F100 VIN's, both of them decoded wrong.
Late 1980's: FoMoCo was planning to THROW AWAY all the records that pertained to 1967/79 vehicles.
Kevin Marti, a Mustang/Shelby 'nut' in Phoenix AZ found out and got ALL of it.
If you request a build sheet from FoMoCo (it's no longer free), they have to get the info from martiauto.com
And, all Ford has ever supplied is the basic build sheet, Marti has much more info then that. If you're going to order a build sheet and pay a fee, eliminate the 'middle man.'
Late 1980's: FoMoCo was planning to THROW AWAY all the records that pertained to 1967/79 vehicles.
Kevin Marti, a Mustang/Shelby 'nut' in Phoenix AZ found out and got ALL of it.
If you request a build sheet from FoMoCo (it's no longer free), they have to get the info from martiauto.com
And, all Ford has ever supplied is the basic build sheet, Marti has much more info then that. If you're going to order a build sheet and pay a fee, eliminate the 'middle man.'
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 783
From: Simi Valley, CA
I've heard that...also heard that there was a fire where some of these documents were stored, and they were ruined from sprinkler water damage. I heard it was mostly 76-77 documentation. I have no proof. But I do have a 77 250 4x4, that I went round and round with Ford on about the VIN, sent pics of door tags, the truck, axle BoM's, frame VIN, original build sheet, etc...and they kept telling me my VIN was wrong, and the truck didn't exist, because they didn't have any documentation. I've done umpteen other vehicles 'build sheets' through Ford, and that 77 is the only one I've had issues with, so the story I heard kinda fits. I've read on the forums over the years a couple other stories like mine, all with 76/77 pick ups though.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
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Yeah...I have no real issues decoding the info, I have the shop manuals from 75-79 and a bunch of other literature...but haven't snagged a Parts catalog yet. I've also gotten a few Marti reports. With the particular truck I mentioned above, I have the original build sheet and Marti...just thought the Ford 'build sheet' would be cool to have as well.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
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From: Grants Pass, Oregon
Dont feel too bad Mr750........other than a 69 F350 Cab and chassis i owned about 13 or so years back, NONE of my other bumpsides or dentsides have been as they rolled off the assembly line. Ive owned a 72 F100 4x4, a 69 F250 4x4, a 72 on a 75 Chassis F250 4x4, a 76 F250 4x4, and a 77 F250 4x4.......Of these trucks only one had its proper 360 2bbl, engine, NONE have had the proper steering for there model and year, several didnt even have the right body for the truck
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