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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Tag Decode Help Please

Old Sep 21, 2021 | 07:39 AM
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Tag Decode Help Please

Hey everyone...new member here. I'm just a couple of weeks away from finishing up a complete frame-off restoration of a 1966 Mustang and I'm already looking forward to my next project. I've been looking at an F-1 that the seller says is a 1948 - but he doesn't have any paperwork, etc. (it was handed down to him from his father).
Here are 2 photos of the tags - I would be very grateful if someone could help me decode these. I've looked online but can't seem to find a definite answer/resource.
Thanks so much for your help!



 
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Old Sep 21, 2021 | 08:28 AM
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I believe it is...

9 1949
8RC 1948 V8
 
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Old Sep 21, 2021 | 08:34 AM
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Thanks so much.
That's what I thought (it was a 49) and when I told him....I think it's a 1949 (he had always said 1948) - his response was "yes, maybe" :-)
 
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Old Sep 21, 2021 | 08:44 AM
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There is a good chance it was built in early 1950. If you can find the firewall stamping (usually centered on the firewall/cowl area) it should nail down the date.

Also, the truck was assembled in Edgewater, NJ
 
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Old Sep 21, 2021 | 08:54 AM
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It could be a 49 or it could be a 50. 1950 serial numbers were a continuation from 49 numbers so there is no difference in the prefix between the two. We've been tracking 49-50 serial numbers for years trying to find the cutoff and your truck could be either way. 273,000 is right on the cusp, but every plant is slightly different. Yours is from Edgewater, NJ. (That's the EG branch code) You should find some numbers and letters hand stamped into the firewall near the cowl seam. That is your production code. If you can grab a picture of that and post it, it will give us your color code and build date, as well, and we can add that info to our database to help others in the future. Thanks!

9=1949-50
8R=239 V8 engine
C=F1


PS, I see Tim was typing while I was investigating. At least our story is straight. lol
 
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Old Sep 21, 2021 | 09:05 AM
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Guys, thanks so much. I'll try to get a photo of the stamp on the firewall and post.
I really appreciate the education and assistance.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2021 | 09:39 AM
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Between Wayne and I, we can supply more info on your serial number than you can find anywhere else online. The "VIN" sites don't cover these early serial numbers.

Not all trucks were stamped. I think there are only 3 others that I can verify as Edgewater trucks and the only one I have firewall data for is a 48, but the pattern used is standard.
You're looking for something like this: 3EG12B605
 
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Old Sep 21, 2021 | 09:44 AM
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Thanks so much. The truck is about 2 hours away and I've asked the gentleman selling it if he can snap the photo. If/when received, I'll post it here. Thanks again.
 
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