(another) 1971 Ford F-600 VIN plate decode:

Hi there everyone -

I've never posted on a forum before, and I hope I'm doing this right.

I need some help decoding the VIN on a 1971 F600 that I'm interested in buying. Some of the info is obvious, as it's listed right there on the plate (for example, gvw = 24,000 lbs, hp = 182 @ 3800 rpm, etc,) but other things like trans, axle, engine, etc. I can't figure out. This vehicle is an ex-municipal rescue truck with only 13,700 miles on it. The current owner bought it from the town in '95 and didn't use it much - it pretty much sat in his large equipment barn (he's a farmer). It has surface rust underneath, some body rust here and there but overall, it's a solid piece of equipment.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Brian welcome to FTE. Bill, or Chap, or someone will probably be around to do a decode in due time, but here’s a link to Fordification that will show you hot to DIY.

Decode Your '61-'66 Ford Truck VIN - FORDification.info - The '61-'66 Ford Pickup Resource

Good luck.

 

Posts moved. I'll be back with a decode shortly.

 

Thanks, 85e150!

 

F61 = F600 gas 4x2

E = 361 2V FT gas V8

C = Ontario Truck Plant

K50429 = 1971 numerical series, November 1970 production

174 = 174 inch wheelbase

No color code--truck is a special order, so color was probably part of that. The red looks to be a repaint based on the overspray on the tag.

F615 = F600 gas, 4x2, 24,000 lbs GVWR

438
4 or 43 = Black vinyl
8 = Standard cab without back of cab equipment. (Cab and Chassis)

M = Clark model 285V five speed direct transmission

54D
54 = Rockwell model H-170 single speed rear axle, 6.83 ratio. (Capacity at least 17,000, max 18,500. There is a plate on the housing with that info)
D = Ford-Rockwell (Timken) front axle, 7,000 lbs capacity

24000 = 24,000 lbs GVWR

182 3800 = 182 certified net HP @ 3800 RPM

110258
11 = Boston District Sales Office
0259 = sequential special order number.

Other than color, everything else is seemingly there--engine, trans, axles.

Let me know if you have questions or something doesn't line up.

Check your wheels:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...l#post19892682

Brake parts EXCEPT DRUMS are available. (If you have Dayton style wheels there is hope for drums....)

 

Thanks for the info! The owner warned me several times about the "widow makers" so that's something I need to figure out. It's got a dually rear, and I don't know if the interior and exterior rims are the same. If you zoom in on the side pic you might be able to confirm what type they are?

I think I must be nuts for wanting this truck, but with less than 14,000 on the clock, I fell like I just can't pass it up. I want to use it as a work / transport vehicle for bringing all my gear up to Northern VT where I've started work on building a timber frame house. I see that winch coming in really handy! I didn't realize until I crawled underneath that it's run directly from the tranny. Very cool.

 

Dayton type wheels are usually NOT widow makers. More on that tomorrow.

 

Thank you, much appreciated!

 

I see a split locking ring on the front wheel. Not a widow maker. Those need to be handled properly and will kill you if you are sloppy, but are safe when handled right.

With the Dayton style wheel it is possible, although it might take some doing, to swap the rims out for 22.5" tubeless types.

Air brake brake drums are said to work but must be narrowed to work with your shoes. I haven't seen pictures of this, so beware.....