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Hi everyone, first post, thanks for having me. Curious if experts here can help me decode the plate on my 1972 Econoline 100, the Grape Ape. Found some info online but some things don't seem to check out.
Seems like it was built in Lorain OH (H), and was Wimbledon White originally (M). But 105 doesn't seem right for a wheelbase, and 4300 would be a strange weight capacity. And does (A) mean it had a 240 6 cyl originally? It's definitely got a 302 now, with a C5 auto trans.
Obviously it's pretty beat up, and I don't know much about its history (I bought it from a guy outside Austin TX but it had old Oklahoma plates). Thanks for any info you can give.
Go to Facebook and look for the Mid Ford Econoline group, I will help no owner of one here as when I answer a question I am told I am trolling, and my friends will not come here to help either.
Q08000 = Early 1973 numerical series. (1972 ended at Q00,000) Your van was no doubt made in '72 and probably sold in '72 which may be why it's titled (?) as a '72.
105 = 105 inch wheelbase
M = White
E140 = E100 regular van, 4325 lbs GVWR. (Your GVWR agrees with the model designation from the '72 info at 4300 lbs.) Model year crossover? Typo? It's really a '72 and the serial numbe chart is wrong in the MPC? Who knows....)
31 = Regular van, standard.
C = Ford 3 speed manual. (All synchro "3.03" top loaded Ford)
12 = Ford 3,300 lb capacity rear axle, 3.70 ratio. (should be a 9". If the carrier bolts in from the front, 9 inch.)
Interesting to see that the engine (to an early 80s 302) and the transmission (to a C5 auto) have been swapped out along the way. Wish I could know the story but it'll just be a mystery forever.
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1972 Econoline VIN decode
