Just a quick question or two from the new kid on the block:

question `1: I can't find a simple answer as to WHY 57-60 are known as the ORPHAN YEARS. Ford still makes trucks, so WHO orphaned them? Was it the aftermarket parts people who abandoned these years? Were sales or interest slow in these years?

question 2: My vin on glovebox plate is F10J0K35900. I also found the same number on the passenger side frame rail. Yet, the vin indicates a 2wd, and it is a 4wd. Shouldn't the vin start with F11? All the info on the vin tag indicate a 4wd, for instance, Model F103, Date 23B, Trans FA, Axle 02, MGVW 5600. Those are 4wd specs, with a vin of F10 on the same pate. Is this an anomaly?

Please help this new kid understand!

Vin starts with F10, yet all other specs are for 4wd. The truck is a 4wd.


Vin # is also on frame, matching glovebox vin tag.

 

The first 3 digit of the VIN in 1959/60 only decodes to F100 or F250.

The MODEL code stamped on the Rating Plate defines 2WD from 4WD

F10 = F100.

J = 223 1V I-6.

0 = 1960.

K = Kansas City MO Assembly Plant.

35900 = 1960 Numerical Sequence of Assembly, the trucks specific serial number.

118" Wheelbase:

F = Light Blue.

F103 = F100 4WD .. 5,600 lbs. GVWR

23B = Assembled February (B) 23, 1960.*

FA = Borg-Warner T-98 4 Speed Manual Transmission.*

02 = Ford 9" Rear Axle / 3.89-1 / 3,300 lbs. Axle Capacity.*

5,600 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.#

126 net HP @ 4,000 RPM*

1438 = Domestic Special Order number, truck ordered special by the original purchaser, not "bought off the lot."

When the '57's were introduced, the Styleside pickups sold like hotcakes, sales of Flareside pickups began to drop off dramatically.

But the collector market has never embraced 1957/60's. One possible reason, the dual headlights on 1958/60's. Even the C series Tilt Cabs had them.

I thought the 1957's were nice looking, never cared for the 1958/60's because of those (IMO) fugly dual headlamps.

1958: The auto makers went berserk, installing dual headlamps on just about everything excepting Ford P series Parcel Delivery's & Studebaker Hawks.

Thankfully, dual headlamps went bye-bye in 1961 Ford trucks, never to return.

*2WD/4WD makes no difference.

#4WD only.

 

Thanks Bill. Great info, and well explained. I was not sure about, the date of birth and the Borg Warner T-98 four speed mt. Borg is desirable and well made. I own a Borg-Warner O/D for my Model A, uninstalled. Do you think I could use it in the Fridge for lower rpm cruising? - CHUCK

 

3 M/T with overdrive was optional for 1953/71 F100's, but was never offered with 4WD .. The 3 M/T without overdrive was available in F100/250 2WD's and 4WD's.

Factory installed 4WD introduced in 1959 F100/250.

 

Thanx again, Bill.

 

Orphan refers mostly to the lack of a strong after market following. It is better now than when that name was coined, but we are still way behind the after market support of our fat fendered older siblings.

 

Thanks for the reply, Walston. I get it now. Personally, I like the look. But I'm not the average dude and never followed the crowd. Besides, orphans need love too. I'll probably name him OLIVER.

What I like about this one is that it was a ranch find, and totally original. It even has old cracked bias ply tires holding air! I wouldn't drive it with them on. The rancher special ordered it and it is set up for hard work.