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Guys - I started trying to decode Big Blue's build sheet today. And then realized that this isn't going to be easy. In fact, it is going to take several of us to pull this off, and it is going to take time.
Why? Because there is a bunch of information on the sheet. And, because some of it isn't intuitive to the casual observer.
Anyway, I've done these things so far: First, I scanned in Big Blue's build sheet. Second, I created a document (spreadsheet) with which to capture the data. Third, I put the first two rows of info from both Big Blue's build sheet as well as another that I happen to have in the document. And last, I created a web page to show the info on: Build Sheet Interpretation - ???Gary's Garagemahal.
So, I have three questions:
Do you understand what I'm doing?
Workable? Is this approach workable? Or, can you think of a better approach?
Your Build Sheet? How 'bout sending me a scan of your build sheet so I can enter its info. The more info that we have the easier it'll be to decode things.
The goal of this project is to decode what the code numbers mean correct? So for instance, if you have a body paint code of 34, what do you think the original color was? I would enter that in if you have a good idea. Also the accent color, see if you can figure out what it was originally.
Someone with the same truck may write in, have the same body color code, if they it was the same color as your truck, then you have at least two sources that agree that color x is code "XX" on the build sheet.
It's going to take some time, there is a lot of information on the build sheet. And you might be able to start to pinpoint where to look for evidence of certain things. Like pulling the rubber up around the door to figure out the original color, etc.
Those build sheets that people bought from that Marti place or whatever it was. What do they get from them when they send in the original vin? The papers they get along with their original build sheet may really shed some light really quick on some of these codes.
Yes, that is the goal. And, it may be worth getting a Marti report on Big Blue to crack the codes. But, first I want to have a go at it myself. I have a big portion, if not all, of the original window sticker, so know what the original colors were as well as the options. And, with the Explorer documentation that I have I also know what was in that package. Given that, I ought to be able to decode many things on the build sheet. I hope.
But, it will certainly help if others chime in and add their build sheets and specifics about their trucks. And that's why I started this thread - asking for HELP!
Well, I agree with you, Chris. However, I don't know if there is anyone anywhere who decodes build sheets - for a fee or for free. I've done some rudimentary Googling and not found anything.
But, what about Marti? Well, it turns out from what I read they don't do any build sheet decoding. They take your VIN and go back in the archives and provide one of two reports, Standard or Deluxe, as shown below. And they can recreate your window sticker. But none of that decodes the build sheet and I don't find anything referencing build sheets on their web site. So, I called and left a message.
And, in the interim I'll continue on with my work on the two sheets that I have. But, if anyone has a sheet on a truck that they know about I'd like to get a copy of that.
And, in the interim I'll continue on with my work on the two sheets that I have. But, if anyone has a sheet on a truck that they know about I'd like to get a copy of that.
Is it true that the build sheets are often located on the underside of the seat? Given that my truck is a stripper I don't know how useful adding my build sheet would actually be, but I'll take a look and see if the build sheet has survived.
I'll do my best to find a build sheet in Blue OX tomorrow while scouring around the interior....no promises though..ok ? Maybe in the seat bottom springs
Build sheets have been found above the glove box, underneath the carpet, and sandwiched between the seat's foam and it's springs. That's where Dad's is, and it looks impossible to remove w/o severe damage. But, wherever Big Blue's was it has been preserved quite well.
Anyway, I've finished taking the info off of the two build sheets I have to use, and put it out on my web site. And then I took a stab at decoding a bit of the stuff. You can go look, but I have worked out how to look up things like the paint colors, trim colors, regions & districts, engines, springs, etc. But, lots of other things remain obscure, if not obtuse. Like, what does "FL499BA" mean on Big Blue's engine?
And, I've also learned these things:
Packages: With a build sheet it is possible to tell if a truck was a Free Wheeling truck or an Explorer - and what package level it is. Big Blue is an Explorer C package, but I already knew that.
Engine oil cooler: Big Blue came with an engine oil cooler from the factory.
Given that there were at least two forms used (I have a 1980 form and a 1984 form), we can tell when some options started and stopped. For instance, "tool storage" was an option on the 1980 form but not on the 1984 form. Ditto box rails.
Anyway, go see what you think. And, if any of you can find your build sheet, and especially if you also know quite a bit about how the truck came from the factory, I'd really be interested.
Build sheets have been found above the glove box, underneath the carpet, and sandwiched between the seat's foam and it's springs. That's where Dad's is, and it looks impossible to remove w/o severe damage. But, wherever Big Blue's was it has been preserved quite well.
Nothing under my seat, and I know it's not above the glove compartment. I don't have carpet, so unless they shoved it under the rubber floor mat (which I hope to replace this year, I'll check then) my build sheet has been lost to time.
Nothing under my seat, and I know it's not above the glove compartment.
I don't have carpet, so unless they shoved it under the rubber floor mat (which I hope to replace this year, I'll check then) my build sheet has been lost to time.
That's where you may find it...most likely on the right side, a common place to put the build sheet on 1961 and later trucks.
Some of these trucks didn't have sill plates used to retain the floor mat, so it was EZ to lift the mat...at final assembly...and place it under.
Tis a lot easier at final assembly to install a build sheet under a mat, rather than stick it in the seat bottom cushion.
Nothing under my seat, and I know it's not above the glove compartment. I don't have carpet, so unless they shoved it under the rubber floor mat (which I hope to replace this year, I'll check then) my build sheet has been lost to time.
This convo prompted me to go out and do an invasive search...Blue Ox objected by the way, as she felt it intrusive ! She's opposed to cavity searches She is after all....Babe, the Blue Ox. She revealed no documentation.
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Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
She is after all....Babe, the Blue Ox. She revealed no documentation. 
