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F350 data plate decode

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Old Dec 28, 2015 | 09:32 PM
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F350 data plate decode

I spend most of my time in the 80-86 forum but may have an opportunity to purchase a dually F350 with a dump box. I know very little about the truck other than its an F350 and looks like a 63. Before I go look at it I am hoping to have some information as to what it should be/have. Any help is appreciated.




 
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Old Dec 29, 2015 | 04:21 PM
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There was a period of years when there was some sort of trade dispute between the U S and Canada, and the Canadian government wanted their own data plate format which was different from the U S format. There is obvious information on your warranty plate that needs no decoding, but things like engine and trim information do not share their codes with U S vehicles. Our best decoder, Number Dummy, seems to be temporarily off the air. Your best bet is to find a fellow Canadian who has access to the Canadian codes. The codes became the same between the two countries with the 1966 model year vehicles, but as you noted, yours is older. Good luck!
 
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Old Dec 29, 2015 | 04:27 PM
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Well that would seem to explain the difficulty I'm having with my own research into this truck. It sounds like a Y block (unknown displacement) with a 4 speed (?). I am going to guess it has the infamous widow maker wheels but I won't know until I look at it. Then I have to decide whether it is worth buying if the wheels and tires are going to be a pain. Thanks for the info.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2015 | 07:20 PM
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Brad: Is that truck out a bit further west from Evansburg (if so, I saw it on kijiji over the summer)

Here is a link where Jason(The bigM) posted the front few pages from my 1964 Canadian Ford/Mercury truck shop manual, as well as his 1961 version of the same. The truck looks to be a '63, so hopefully the 61/64 CDN info is close enough to help you decode your warranty plate.
A quick look at that plate & the truck tells me that it appears similar to my 64 M350, except mine is a 6 cyl SRW, not a y block w/duals

Jut took a quick look, and my '64 Shop Manual does not list Engine Code OR, so '64 coding is a bit different than '63 & earlier, but the 61 (as well as the 62-63 supplemental do not list OR, only R (292 V8)???

I just emailed Jason the two pages from the 62-63 supplemental that show the CDN produced info, but it may be a day (or two or more) before he gets the email & adds them.

Anyways, here's the link

Slick 60's ? View topic - Canadian-Built Ford and Mercury Truck Data: VIN Decoding

and also here
Mercury truck VIN numbers? - Canadian Rodder Hot Rod Community Forum

HTH
James
 
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Old Dec 29, 2015 | 08:20 PM
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Not on kijiji. Private sale and only a maybe. Thanks for the info, I think the engine code is QR, but it still doesn't work with the 64 code sheet. I will go look at it this week and see what is what. My main concern is the wheels being (likely) widow makers and virtually un swappable.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2015 | 08:36 PM
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Brad: I seem to recall someone telling me that Binders (aka: International, aka seven letter ***** spreader) used the same bolt circle as the Fords?

BTW: Your sig doesn't say where you are? Edm? Cowtown?

After spending some time this fall cleaning out the cab on my '64 M-350, I've learned a bunch about where the bad spots are, so if you're local & want to check it out, let me know!

But in the last few days, another fellow on here posted about a mod to change the bolt circle and add discs

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...5-dilemma.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15209816

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-raytasch.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...y-59-f350.html
 
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Old Dec 30, 2015 | 08:38 AM
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James, I'm just north of Edmonton. If I am reading everything correctly, it looks as though the front end should have 8 lugs at the drum and should only need an adapter off a newer dually (8 on 6.5") to convert it to 16" modern rims. Then a rear end swap would put 8 on 6.5" on the back. I will have to look at the truck and see what adapters are on the front. Is there a newer rear end that bolts in easily? I have access to a 2002 super duty dually rear axle for real cheap but I think it is a metric bolt pattern.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2016 | 11:04 AM
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That's a Q in the engine code. The 1962-63 shop manual supplement doesn't indicate such, but I'm convinced that Q corresponds to 1963.

The R suffix indicates a 292 V-8. The 4 in the second part of the serial number (4813532L, following the hyphen) also corresponds to Ford V-8.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2016 | 12:06 PM
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Thanks for the info. The truck is a bust, I went and looked at it and it is too far gone for me. No where near worth the price. Just for my knowledge, these are not widow maker wheels are they?




 
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Old Jan 4, 2016 | 01:56 PM
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Originally Posted by brad1979
I spend most of my time in the 80-86 forum but may have an opportunity to purchase a dually F350 with a dump box.

I know very little about the truck other than its an F350 and looks like a 63. Before I go look at it I am hoping to have some information as to what it should be/have. Any help is appreciated.




1354968 = Numerical Sequence of Assembly.

4 = V8 engine (292 2V).

81 = Cab & Chassis (no back of cab equipment).

35 = 350 series.

32 = 132" Wheelbase.

L = Left Hand Drive.

4 Speed is the Warner T-98.

IMO, you do not want it as it rides and steers like an oxcart! And it has a stake bed, which may dump, may not.

1953/66 F350's have 6 lug wheels on a 7.25" bolt circle.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2016 | 02:06 PM
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Hi Bill, thanks for the input. I appreciate the info and the opinion.
 
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