I posted a couple weeks ago about the 1960 F250 4x4 that I picked up recently... I had to leave on a trip for work shortly after picking it up so I haven't had much time to go over it.

I was looking at the pictures that I took after delivery and noticed the light blue valve cover and engine block. It may be a repaint but the paint certainly looks old enough to be original. My understanding is that for 1960 it should be a black block with a red valve cover.

How i.e. can I verify the approximate year of this engine and it's originality? When these classic car dealers use the term "numbers matching" is there really a sequence number on the engine to match with the sequence number on the frame?

Thanks!
Jesse

 

1952/65 OHV engines: The valve covers were painted specific colors, as this was how FoMoCo identified engine sizes for garages & body shops.

1960/65: Engines (except the valve covers) were painted black.

1952/53 215 I-6 & 1953/59 223 I-6: Valve cover retained to the head with two studs/acorn nuts.

1960/64 223 I-6: Valve cover retained to the head with 8 bolts (as pictured).

No FoMoCo vehicle prior to the late 1980's is numbers matching. Numbers matching is a GM thing.

In an effort to cut down on auto thefts, beginning in the late 1980's, the US Gov't mandated that VIN's were to be stamped on engine/trans/rear axle parts.

Decals with VIN's were placed on body parts.

 

Find and record block - cyl head - manifold Casting I.D. Nos and Date Codes found on the components.

What that term is referring to is the car has all original parts or it is a restoration and any replacement parts are date correct.