Hi

I have spent all afternoon trying to find a source to ID my truck and can't find one. My door tag is a paper tag and does not list much more than the VIN and weight. I can decode the VIN but I can't find the W\wheel base, body style, etc.

It's a F-150 Ranger but I suspect it was a camper special. It has air bag/shocks, dual gas tanks, 8 ft bed, 351 modified, but I can't find out if it's a Lariat or Camper Special or what.

 

The paper tag you're referring to is the federal cert sticker. What you want is the warranty plate. It's a metal plate riveted to the driver's door, just below the latch mechanism. It will have the VIN on the first line, then codes for the wheelbase, color, trim, trans, axle, etc.
One thing to do is compare the VIN on your door to both the title AND the frame VIN. If someone in the past has changed the driver's door, it's rare they also swap the warranty plate.
If you're missing the warranty plate, or have an incorrect one, you can order new ones from Kevin Marti http://www.martiauto.com/ You can also order a Marti Report, that will tell you exactly how your truck was equipped when it left the factory, build dates, selling dealer, production numbers and more.
This is what the warranty plate looks like:

 

Yes indeed! It was painted over and I completely missed it!

Thanks

Now to ID the data

 

Decode your plate here: Decoding '73-'79 Ford Truck VIN Tags - FORDification.net

 

F14HRDG8045
F14=F150 4WD pickup
H=351 2bbl V8
R=San Jose assy plant
DG8045=1979 model year sequential serial number


WB 133=133" wheelbase
Color VU=(V) medium chestnut metallic (U) pastel sand
Type F141=F150 4WD pickup 6300 lb gvw
Body QT4=(QT) Sand vinyl and sand cloth interior (4) Styleside pickup bed
Trans K=Automatic transmission
Axle H2A=(H2) Ford 9" 3.50 ratio, limited slip, 3750 lb capacity (A) Adjustable steering column, with power steering
GVW 06300=6300 lb gross vehicle weight
1979=1979 model year vehicle
DSO 75=ordered through Phoenix district sales office

 

Thanks!

Do you know if the door tag would show if it was a camper special?

I think I will order the Marti report too.

 

No, the warranty plate won't show whether it's a Camper Special or not. A Marti report will show it though.
A Marti Report will list all the options that were installed on your truck when it left the factory.
This is what a Marti Report looks like

 

Mike
The warranty plate was gone from my door when I bought the truck.
I have tried to locate the vin on the frame but can't find it.
Can you give me some specifics on exactly where the vin is located on the frame?
Is it underneath or top side?
Apprx. How large are the letters/numbers?
Anynother info would be appreciated.
Thx

 

It's on top of the passenger side frame rail, just in front of the crossmember (2wd), or I think I've read just behind it for 4wd. Letters are ~1/4" tall, and usually obscured by grime. It's also in a second place on the top of the passenger frame, near the rear cab mount, but that one's not exactly visible with the truck assembled...

You can't actually see it in this picture, but the location is directly under all the vacuum hoses in between where I mounted my charcoal canisters (those weren't there from the factory):

 

Bkaul is correct, the VIN is stamped on the frame in two places. The visible VIN is on the top right (passenger side) frame rail, usually about inline with the alternator but can be anywhere between the firewall and radiator support. The second, hidden VIN is also on the top right frame rail between the front and rear cab mount.
The first picture is the engine compartment VIN, the second is the hidden VIN.