Vin information
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Vin information
Hello. I’m a newbie here and have questions regarding an F1 I purchased yesterday. It seems to be untouched virtually rust free.surface in a few places. with the flathead v8, shifter on the floor. I can read the vin tag on the firewall clearly. 98RC. 290769. HP. I’ve read the first digit 9 could be 49 or 50. Also I found a list of the plant codes but haven’t found what HP designates. Any input or information would be appreciated.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
Hi vrod, welcome to the forum, and congratulations on your purchase! We'd love to see pictures of your find. It sounds like a nice place to start for a fun project. We get excited over untouched original trucks. There aren't too many of those left anymore.
Is your floor shifter for a 3 speed or 4 speed transmission?
Plant code HP is Highland Park, MI. Later, the code became HM. Your consecutive unit number 290769 I believe puts you near the cutoff for for 49-50. There should be a series of numbers and letters hand stamped into the firewall near the cowl seam. If you can find and post those, we can tell you the color code and assembly date. That would help nail down the model year for you. You are correct about the first digit 9 in the serial number denoting both 49 and 50 trucks. What does your title say?
Is your floor shifter for a 3 speed or 4 speed transmission?
Plant code HP is Highland Park, MI. Later, the code became HM. Your consecutive unit number 290769 I believe puts you near the cutoff for for 49-50. There should be a series of numbers and letters hand stamped into the firewall near the cowl seam. If you can find and post those, we can tell you the color code and assembly date. That would help nail down the model year for you. You are correct about the first digit 9 in the serial number denoting both 49 and 50 trucks. What does your title say?
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Hi vrod, welcome to the forum, and congratulations on your purchase! We'd love to see pictures of your find. It sounds like a nice place to start for a fun project. We get excited over untouched original trucks. There aren't too many of those left anymore.
Is your floor shifter for a 3 speed or 4 speed transmission?
Plant code HP is Highland Park, MI. Later, the code became HM. Your consecutive unit number 290769 I believe puts you near the cutoff for for 49-50. There should be a series of numbers and letters hand stamped into the firewall near the cowl seam. If you can find and post those, we can tell you the color code and assembly date. That would help nail down the model year for you. You are correct about the first digit 9 in the serial number denoting both 49 and 50 trucks. What does your title say?
Is your floor shifter for a 3 speed or 4 speed transmission?
Plant code HP is Highland Park, MI. Later, the code became HM. Your consecutive unit number 290769 I believe puts you near the cutoff for for 49-50. There should be a series of numbers and letters hand stamped into the firewall near the cowl seam. If you can find and post those, we can tell you the color code and assembly date. That would help nail down the model year for you. You are correct about the first digit 9 in the serial number denoting both 49 and 50 trucks. What does your title say?
Here are a few pics.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,190
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From: Burbank, WA
What you see as 1P is HP, the same Highland Park as on your patent plate. 15L is November 15, 1949, your assembly date. 304 is the rotation number, which was an internal plant tracking number, has nothing to do with the truck.You say you didn't get a title with the truck. How do you propose to register and license it? I would highly recommend, and others here will, as well, to get your paperwork in order before putting much time and money into it. Too many people have invested thousands of dollars restoring or refurbishing old vehicles without papers, only to find it was stolen or otherwise had some registration issue and the vehicle was confiscated or junked. Beware. Other than that, it looks like a pretty nice truck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,427
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From: Hot AZ (Phoenix Valley)
7 = Meadow Green
Rear fenders are wrong year looks like 53. Rear bumper is for a 51-52 years. aftermarket outside mirror.... and it looks like the running boards have been cut to add side pipes. Looks like your missing the bed floor & front bumper.
Nice looking truck!
Rear fenders are wrong year looks like 53. Rear bumper is for a 51-52 years. aftermarket outside mirror.... and it looks like the running boards have been cut to add side pipes. Looks like your missing the bed floor & front bumper.
Nice looking truck!
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Thanks for your reply. I did see the cuts to the running boards for the pipes. As for the rear fenders, what makes them wrong? Also , as for the bed, I removed a sheet of plywood from the bed. As I researched the year truck I was told that the wood slat beds didn’t begin until 53. Any more information is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
The correct rear fenders look like this...
The ones on your truck are from a 53 and newer.
Toward the end of 1950 production, ford redesigned the bed which used wood slats and skid strips. Prior to that, including your truck, the beds had tongue and groove wood subfloor with a sheetmetal covering welded in. The sheetmetal floor is no longer produced, and most guys will convert to the later floor style since it's a lot more attractive.
The ones on your truck are from a 53 and newer.
Toward the end of 1950 production, ford redesigned the bed which used wood slats and skid strips. Prior to that, including your truck, the beds had tongue and groove wood subfloor with a sheetmetal covering welded in. The sheetmetal floor is no longer produced, and most guys will convert to the later floor style since it's a lot more attractive.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
My guess is that someone long ago wanted the sidemount spare on their 49, and swapping fenders with the carrier was the easiest way to do it. It's on the original bed.
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Thanks for all the knowledge and information. It truck just went from what I thought was an unmolested project to a Bride of Frankenstein truck!
Lead Driver
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
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From: Austin
Hey Vrod,
Don't sweat it - you have a nice truck. We used Midwest Early Ford for our body parts...
we replaced our fenders with fiberglass as well at $265ea. What drivetrain are you thinking about?
It's nice to see another '49 - '50 getting ready for the road.
Where are you at in New Mexico? We have several really experienced members out your way.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)
Don't sweat it - you have a nice truck. We used Midwest Early Ford for our body parts...
we replaced our fenders with fiberglass as well at $265ea. What drivetrain are you thinking about?
It's nice to see another '49 - '50 getting ready for the road.
Where are you at in New Mexico? We have several really experienced members out your way.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,406
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From: Central PA
That is correct, 1954 which is of course the best year with the new Yblock and the side mount spare tire option. Not to mention the new vinyl woven seats.
Lead Driver
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From: AKRON ohio
It WAS the best until the 56s rolled out!