Is there a way to decode the VIN number on a 1959 F-100 truck? The VIN is F10J9R19968
This truck was left inside a garage of a foreclosed home that the bank is paying me to remove so the home can be put up for sale. The homeowner has signed everything over to the bank with a deed in lieu and left this truck. It was last registered in Hawaii 2013 and is now in Oregon.
Any help would be greatly appreciated because the bank is wanting me to find out as much info as possible.

 

What does the bank need decoded? Why would they care where the truck was made, ect. Just run the numbers through your local DMV and find out who the truck was last registered to. There is also a national search to see if it comes up in another state.
We don't have a good process for the average guy, so I use a towing company. It takes 3-4 months for a titlle and usually $100. Worth it.

 

F10 = F100.

J = 223 1V I-6.

9 = 1959.

R = San Jose CA Assembly Plant.

19968 = 1959 Numerical Sequence of Assembly, the trucks specific serial number.

Note: 1959/60 F100 & F250: The first 3 digits of the VIN only decode to F100 or F250, does not define 2WD or 4WD

The MODEL code stamped on the Warranty Plate decodes to 2WD or 4WD

 

The bank does not need it decoded that is for me. They are wanting me to find out who was the owner previously before they approve me to remove it.
The car was last registered in Hawaii 2013, I called the Hawaii DMV. The Oregon DMV has no record of this truck they show the vin belonging to a 1982 Pontiac for some reason. and there is the packing slip in the glovebox from the shipping co bringing it from Hawaii to San Francisco.

 

Bill,
I really appreciate this.
The J code what is that telling me, 223 1V I-6 ?
Do you also know where to find the VIN plate on this truck?
I went over and took a look at it today and it's in pretty good shape, the interior looks really good, engine looks to have had some upgrades. I'm assuming it's a Ford O Matic
Not bad for free

 

I cannot make out where the distributor is. If behind the carb, it's a Y block, but what size it is or what it's from, you'll have to investigate it further.

If the distributor is in front of the carb, count the number of valve cover bolts (on one side), to determine which engine family it could be.

If the distributor is there, I doubt it has Ford-O-Matic. More than likely the A/T is from the same vehicle that the engine came from.

To pin it down a bit, count the number of trans pan bolts.

EDIT: Whatever the A/T is, it wasn't there originally. This truck came w/a 3 speed M/T column shift originally (shift tube visible in pic).

The A/T shift lever and the shift dial indicator were originally on the column, I see no evidence of either. The brake pedal isn't original, either.

 

Bob,

The VIN number tag is located in the glove box. If it is missing, there is usually a stamp on the frame somewhere. Mine was on the passenger side straight out from the starter. You can see it in this picture. I don't know if they were all stamped there.

 

That a small block chev (SBC) sitting in there. So the tranny is likely a GM product as well.

 

Great info and now I just need to do some more looking at it as soon as I can take it out of the garage. Once I can get it registered I'll take it in and have everything checked out.
Thanks again for your help

 

I'll check it and see what I can find, I like your engine better it looks great. Thanks for the help

 

Is that common to swap out a Ford engine for a Chevy? I guess it's better than the original

 

Lots of old Fords end up with chevy engines but you won't find many of us here that think it's a better idea.

 

I agree 100% with that!

 

Easy, Hoss.

 

taking out the garbage-the chevy engine-