Vin question
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,297
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
That's not a legit serial number for a 51. Is that what is stamped on the frame near the right front motor mount?
"O" as the 3rd digit and "J" as the 4th in particular aren't right.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 4
From: Southern SC.
Maybe this will help.
- Where to find your VIN
- For 1948-51 Fords the VIN plate is located on the glove box door and on the left side of the frame near the steering gear mounting bracket. The information on the rating plate is the VIN number. The first four digits of the VIN number indicate year, series and number of cylinders. The last six digits indicate the production sequence.
- Series Prefix:
- F-1 = 1/2 Ton
- F-2 = 3/4 Ton
- F-3 = 3/4 Ton Heavy Duty
- F-4 = 1Ton
- Vehicle Identification Number -87HC 139260
- Model Year
- 8 = 1948
- 9 = 1949, 1950 & 1951 continue the 1949 number
- Engine Code
- 7H = 6 Cylinder
- 8R = 8 Cylinder
- 1BC Carburetor
- 2BC Carburetor
- Models Line
- C = 1/2 Ton Pickup
- Y = 3/4 Ton Pickup
- T = 1 Ton Pickup
- Production Sequence (Series #)Key Information 1948-51
- 1948: The 1948 trucks were redesigned, featuring wider, longer, and taller cabs. Model designations were changed as well; the 1/2 ton trucks were known as F-1s.
- 1949: The most noticeable change on the 1949 trucks was the deletion of the red pinstripes on the silver painted grille bars. Also, wheels were painted to match body color, rather than the previous black.
- 1950: A running change on the F-1s was the relocation of the standard three-speed shift lever to the steering column from the floor. No other changes were made.
- 1951: The 1951 trucks were restyled with a single bar type grille and a headlight at each end of the grille bar. The grille was painted argent (silver) to complement the chrome headlight bezels. During the model year, the grille was painted ivory and the headlight rings argent (silver). The hood got new side spears and a three slot embellishment at the front. The front bumper was redesigned. A V-8 emblem was used on the upper grille support on trucks that were so equipped. The pickup bed and tailgate were redesigned. The bed used a hardwood floor instead of the previous all metal floor. The rear window was larger. Door panels were added.
- How to Identify Your Transmission
- C4 and C6 Transmissions can be identified by the shape of the transmission pan.
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 2
From: Holly Springs, NC
That vin # looks like it belongs to a 57-58 F100 with a 223 6 cylinder engine, made at the Norfolk ,Va. plant .
https://www.f100central.com/identify-your-truck
https://www.f100central.com/identify-your-truck
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 21
From: HUDSON, FL
my 51 had the vin # stamped on the right side of the frame up front-it also had plate on the right side of the firewall with the same vin #-it also had a plate on the glove box door with the same vin #-so i had 3 places with the same vin#
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,777
Likes: 553
From: Kalispell, MT
That vin # looks like it belongs to a 57-58 F100 with a 223 6 cylinder engine, made at the Norfolk ,Va. plant .
https://www.f100central.com/identify-your-truck
https://www.f100central.com/identify-your-truck
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
This is a 1962 .. not a 1951. Originally the 1961/62 Warranty Plate was riveted to the inside of the glove box door.
The 1961/62 Warranty Plate looks totally different than the 1951 Rating Plate and the codes stamped thereon are also different.
F10 = F100 2WD
J = 223 1V I-6.
N = Norfolk VA Assembly Plant.
281039 = 1962 .. assembled April 1962.
1962 serial number range: 205,001-325,000 (see below):
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Depending on the state, the glove box door VIN may be enough. I have registered two Bonus Built trucks in New Hampshire using only the glove box door VIN. The first had no title at all and the second had only an old plate registration from the 80s. Had to have the local police look at it and fill out a special form but that was all. It may be tougher than that in your state.
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