My searches have turned up empty and I'm probably overlooking something obvious, but hopefully someone has some insight. I'd greatly appreciate it.

How do you go about identifying an f100 vs. f250 by only looking at the body of the vehicle (not the emblems, wheels, rating plate, rear end)? Are there measurements in the fender that would reveal the model?

Thanks

 

Both the F-100 long bed and the F-250 share the same 118" wheelbase and bed. The same front fenders are used on both models fitted with 15", 16", and 17.5" wheels and tires. Fenders having larger openings are fitted to F-250 and bigger models having 19.5" and larger wheels/tires. So, no obvious differences on the F-100 and F-250s with smaller wheels, unless you can see wheel bolt patterns or perhaps subtle hub cap differences. Stu

 

That's a big help Stu. So then I can conclude that a short bed (no mods to the frame btw) has to be an f100?

 

Yup, think so. Always good to verify that frame and plate vin numbers match the paper. Stu

 

For sure. If I'm remembering right, the VIN is stamped on the top part of the frame on the passenger's side and visible from the engine bay. I'll need to take the wire brush to it. Is there also a second stamp on the same rail under the cab?l assume that's not visible unless you take the cab off.

 

I'll defer on that to the guys that have 57-60s. My earlier trucks are as you describe. Stu

 

Nope, not even close.
As I have seen F-250 & F-350s that were Special Orders w/ 6' Beds.
Never take anything concerning our Orphan Years Trucks for granted.

 

So, following your line of thinking, we're supposed to ignore general truths about the differences in models in deference to the handful of special bodied DSO trucks that were produced? Like the aftermarket crew cabs. I don't see that being real helpful to new guys. Stu

 

My VIN number is stamped on the frame on the passenger side rail straight out from the starter. You can see it in this picture.

 

Thanks all for the broad-based knowledge, the finer points on the subject and the pic. I count myself all the more enlightened for it and can hopefully pay it forward in the future. I wonder if that rare f250/f350 with short box would have been available in only the 110" wheelbase, or maybe not.

 

The series code (1st 3 digits of the VIN) & the MODEL code stamped on the Rating/Warranty plate do not decode to a pickup until 1972.

So, for previous years, there's no way to know what type of "back of cab equipment" (if any) these trucks came with.

110" wheelbase only available on F100 thru 1960. 1961, the short wheelbase increased to 114."

 

Many thanks. The picture is much clearer as a result of all the feedback.