The '97H' matches the 226 H Series in-line 6 cylinder engine shown. I can't read the characters after that. Perhaps you might tell us what you see.

Smarter folks will be along shortly to decode the cowl stampings.

 

The data plate that is pinned on the firewall looks like 97HC 288437 MP as best I can read it.
This would be from an F1 with a 226 six cylinder produced in Memphis TN

I can't see enough of the first four characters on the stamped assembly code to give you much help. These would tell color and assembly plant.
The first two characters I can't make fit any of the usual color codes.
If I were to guess, characters three and four seem to be spaced right for HM - the Highland Michigan assembly plant - which doesn't work with your data plate.
It was produced Nov 23 so it would be a late '49 truck. It may have been titled in '50 and some states used first title as year of the vehicle.
The last 31 (?) would be the vehicle down the assembly line.

You really need to get the number off the frame. Passenger side near the cross-member for the motor mount. They are stamped lightly and may need to be scrubbed to make it stand out.

 

Tim,
The plant code on the patent plate looks to possibly be H.P.
Would/could they have stamped HP on the patent plate, for Highland Park, but HM on the firewall? Have you ever seen that before?

 

I see that Wayne - I wondered if they were intentional periods. It's possible - I believe they started using Highland Park later anyway.

 

Those photos are all I have of the data plates/stamping. I will try to get some better photos when I pick it up on the 30th.

Everything I've seen so far on the truck leads me to believe it is original and unmolested.

It is a three speed floor shift, and I believe the original color was Sea Island Green.

Thanks for the help so far!

 

 

 

A fine looking beast. It does appear to be an unmolested original. The 3 speeds in the F2s were less common than the unsyncro 4 speed.

 

Good chances the 3 spd is the HD variety in an F2. If it is a T87D 2nd and 3rd are synchronized.

I enlarged the pic of the data plate. It's clear it was stamped 97HC, but almost looks like it has a D stamped over the C which would be right for F2.
Variation on these stamped plates is normal.

It does look like it's all original and I've never seen that color before. If Sea Island Green, the color code should be G...
When you get it home I'd appreciate another shot of the firewall stamping for those first two characters.
Enjoy your truck!!

 

Thanks for all the help. I am really excited for this truck. I've worked on WWII MB and GPW jeeps for many years, but this is my first truck. I've been wanting one for quite some time, but have been waiting for a solid original truck. I really like factory restorations.

The second digit of the firewall stamping looks like it could be a G. Hopefully I can clear it up on the 30th.

I agree that it looks like a C and D were both stamped.

Thanks again

 

It looks like you've found a great project and have an amazing starting place for a restoration. I look forward to seeing more and following your progress.

 

This truck is as good as it gets, I would buy it in a heartbeat, if ….. if I not already had my 49 F2.

Enjoy it, you won't regret buying a pristine unmolested truck.

Wil from Hamburg

 

I agree 100% with Wil. If I didn't have my 49 F2, I'd buy that in a heartbeat, it looks to be in excellent condition. I'm in the process of restoring a '49 F2 and can help you with all the things you'll need and come across when trying to bring your truck back to life and keep it as stock as possible. There are a few things that are just NLA, so here's how I got around them.

1. Front drums are NLA, here's how I solved for that. - Disc brake upgrade to maintain your original wheels
2. Rear drums are also NLA - Dana 60 rear end swap, bolts right in, no mods necessary, plus will give you modern drum brakes with a better gear ratio.
3. Rear Leaf spring shackles, NLA - You'll have to have a restoration shop who will repair/restore them for you, I have a local hot rod shop doing mine right now.

Hard to find, but available none the less parts
1. Rear leaf springs with bushings - found HERE
2. Rear leaf spring pins, super hard to find, but still available HERE

And just a great link I found to help me along with identifying where my truck was built HERE

Most of the rest of the truck shares F1 parts, so you should be able to find a lot of it. Best of luck!

-AV

 

That thing looks amazing just the way it stands right now!

Pick her up and get started on that project!