I was cruising the net today and found this slick Ranger for sale. It is a 1966 model with a factory paint code 5M. I know the M is wimbledon white but my manual does not show what the 5 is. I cannot find it in any web searches either.

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/6022647046.html

 

I think it's a mis-stamp and should read SM, to indicate poppy red / Wimbledon white two-tone. Mine is also poppy red and also has a paint code error - it has a paint code of J on the door tag. It should be S because it is definitely not Rangoon red and it looks orange to the uninitiated. I have seen other poppy red slicks with incorrect paint codes, usually a J instead of an S. The 5 is a new one to me too, but I'm sure it's just a mistake.
Eric

 

More research has revealed that code 5 is a mustang colour called signal flare red. Maybe the truck colour was called poppy red and labelled as an S. My factory manual does not show poppy red either.

 

Is your manual Canadian? I think I recall my (lost) Ford/Merc manual didn't show it either. I know poppy red is relatively rare in Canada, but maybe it's actually non-existent and I'm seeing paint code 5, not S, trucks.

 

code 5 does not show for 1966 trucks on the paint chip match sites. I thought I would try the rustang codes this morning and found it. ND has a more comprehensive source than I do and has more codes and trade names. My manual is the Canadian Ford/Merc 100 thru 850 I think?

 

I think that's the book I had. Does it show "S - Poppy Red"?

 

My guess is the truck was signal flare red. That is probaby the 3rd or 4th truck I have seen with a 5 color code.

 

No S code poppy red in my book Eric but code 5 is a Mustang colour

 

Boss9F100 has a short bed that is 5M he was putting a 427 in it. He had done a bunch of research on the truck and why it was that colour don't remember the story now. But he had a write up on the truck.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/941219-sneak-peek-project-update-4.html
here was his build but the pictures are all gone

 

I've seen the pics of Boss9's shortie. I think (thought?) it is Poppy Red code S, but two tone. No?

 

Major issue's with photobucket had to revamp my entire 1000's of photo's so a lot of links were lost.

Still issues but few lost links.

My truck was a 5M. ordered from the West Coast distributor for Shelby's. Owner was a friend of plant manager in Texas. I still have the email from owner of dealerships son. Interesting thing I found is the interior was a more red but exterior even on edges corners, under hood, inside of box etc was what some say is Poppy red but its bright orange. Paint code 60449 which is the same as paint code 1 or 9 in the 69-70 Ford Mercury line. THere was a color change in door jamb. But the Paint code S poppy red was a perfect match. ALso called calypso coral or competition orange. The interior was closer to Signal Flare, Truck was 100% original paint when I got it.

Although a special order color the door tag did not reflect this. Plant managers and dealer big wigs could pretty much do what they wanted.

There was some special paint writing with grease pencil will see if I can find photo's.

 

I still own the truck. Over 17yrs now. Its been in storage since 2010 and have worked very little on it. Breaking my heart to have it just sitting.

Where its at now