I have recently purchased a 1979 F-250 Custom Explorer 4x4. What I do know is that the engine has been swapped out with a 460. It still has the original tranny and axles, a little surface rust and needs a lot of TLC. When I tried to do a VIN search the number is not long enough. Is there a secret to adding characters to make the VIN long enough to be searchable? Any help would be appreciated!

 

Good luck with the truck!

Check the Read First: FAQ thread at the top of the 73-9 forum for VIN info. Older VIN numbers are not as long as the new ones.

 

I read that yeseterday and even used one of the links to find some info about the truck but I didn't find anywhere that stated what info to use to add on to the VIN to make it like the ones used today. It'll be a few months before I can tinker with it on a regular basis but I can't wait!

 

If you'd like, you can come to my house and play with mine!

I don't believe you'll be able to find a way to "convert" the old vin to a new one. Nope, Carfax, etc. won't be much help to you.

Lots of guys on here know these trucks inside out tho, got questions? Ask away.

 

Just post the info and I'll decode it for you.

also please put the topic in the title

ie:Engine Code on Rating Plate

I'm suprised no one mentioned my page here.

http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion...ruckCodes.html

In 1981 a new Amercian standard for VIN#'ing was created ....it became a 17 digit code from the other Ford 11 digit code system.

 

D- Your pages are listed in the FAQ also.

2006- there is no way to "convert" VIN numbers. You have to look them up in the decoders made for them like the ones listed in the FAQ for 73-9 trucks.

 

I think Mil1ion's site is where I went to get the info for the truck. It is on my home computer which I am not on right now but I will post this afternoon. Thanks for the help guys!

 

Here is what I found out from my VIN:

Results for VIN#: F26HPEE4262
Model Year: 79
Series: F250 - 4x4 Pickup
Engine: 8 Cyl, 351ci (5.8L) 2bbl
Assembly Plant: St. Paul
Transmission: Automatic, Ford C6
Front Axle: ('78-79) P.S. w/adj col.
Rear Axle: 3.54 5300lb Dana 60

Granted the engine has been swapped for a 460, I believe the rest is right.