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Old Sep 25, 2017 | 08:47 PM
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Decode Vin

Could anyone help me decode my vin on the vehicle we just purchased please?

97HD-209456

Thank you!
 
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Old Sep 26, 2017 | 07:47 AM
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What type of vehicle did you purchase?
 
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Old Sep 26, 2017 | 10:54 AM
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It's an Ford F2. Not positive of year that's why I'm searching. Possibly a 48 but that doesn't really match the vin.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2017 | 06:51 PM
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Welcome to FTE, Shermie. I'm going to move this over to the '48-'56 forum, this is the '47 and older here. Those guys over there will be sure to be able to help you out.
Also, if you can post some pictures of your truck, that will certainly help. Good luck.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2017 | 07:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Shermie3570
It's an Ford F2. Not positive of year that's why I'm searching. Possibly a 48 but that doesn't really match the vin.
VIN: Look on the inside of the glove box door for the Rating Plate. Post a pic of it, or all the info stamped on it.

It's probably a 1949 as 9HD is a 1949 F2 w/a 226 I-6.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2017 | 07:35 PM
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This was in the glove box but there is no stamp on the frame rail that I see.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2017 | 07:52 PM
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Here is some info from vanpelt:

Ford Patent Plate Decoding Chart

 
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Old Sep 27, 2017 | 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Shermie3570
This was in the glove box but there is no stamp on the frame rail that I see.
Welcome to FTE, the Best place for help and advise on these old trucks.

9= 1949/1950 Based on the serial number it is a 1949 The 49/50 change was around the 375000 mark
7H= 226 ci flathead 6
D= F2

Other identifying information should be found under the hood on the firewall.
On the passenger side should be the patent data plate. It will only include the serrial number and then at the far right will be the assembly plant code.


Depending on the plant location (usually upper center firewall/cowl area) should be a group of number and letter stampings.
This will usually identify the plant, model, color, date of build and internal plant codes.


The serial number will also be stamped in the passenger side frame rail near the motor mount


All stampings were generally not very deep, Do Not sand in the areas where stampings should be found, you can use a wire brush and once clean use scotchbrite material. Usually wetting the area will make it easier to see the stampings.
 
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Old Sep 27, 2017 | 08:50 PM
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I found the stampings exactly where you said. They are basically the same as the glove compartment.
 
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Old Sep 27, 2017 | 11:03 PM
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OK, the patent plate shows us the assembly plant
BUF= Buffalo, NY, (the plant is actually in the Woodlawn community Town of Hamburg) your trucks was built about 3 miles from the house I grew up in.
Here are what the stampings on the firewall tell us,
7= Original color Meadow Green
BF= Buffalo
L1= (if I am seeing right) Build date Oct 1, 1949

Just noticed you are from NY, what area?
 
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 06:39 AM
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Wow, thank you all so much. This is cool information. I am 45 minutes south of Buffalo.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2017 | 11:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Shermie3570
I found the stampings exactly where you said.
Shermie3570, What I think I see for the stamp into the firewall is
7PF LI I8, is this right? Anything else found?
Do you have both Driver and passenger side windshield wiper?
Same question about Visor?
3 or 4 spd? Floor or column shift?
Heater? If so what kind?
Radio (support brackets)?


Thanks! Want add info to our database
 
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Old Oct 6, 2017 | 07:45 AM
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Welcome to the madness of old trucks. Now we need pics of the truck!
 
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Old Oct 6, 2017 | 02:05 PM
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Hey Shermie,
Welcome aboard! What is all that crusty stuff in your pictures?
A pic of your whole truck would be fantastic.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1
 
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Old Oct 7, 2017 | 08:51 PM
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There is only the driver side wiper but I don’t think it’s original, and there is a driver side visor which is definitely original. The engine is not original, it’s actually a boat motor but I will replace that. No radio but does have original ashtray. There was a wood box on it. The previous owner chopped the body and z’d the frame. The crusty stuff is rust but the frame looks to have been undercoated somehow.
 
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