When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Not all of them Dennis - my 48 has it on the passenger (right) side front near the waterpump/motormount. Not stamped very deep and if I recall correctly it isn't the entire vin, just the serial string [i.e. *133323*]
My 48 F-3 didn't have any numbers stamped on the frame rails either but it did have a partial VIN stamped on the front crossmember. I think Ford was not very consistent on the frame stamp locations
My 48 has the complete vin, matching the plate on the firewall, stamped on the top of the right side frame rail about 6" in front of the front axle. It's not very easy to see, I didn't notice it untill I was cleaning the frame to do some welding.
On all the frames and trucks that I've had pass through me, I've always found the VIN stamped on the right frame rail around the front suspension area (usually in front of it).
I'm pretty sure that if you search in the areas suggested, you'd find it.
Let's see some pictures of your Panel! Set up a gallery. I have a 51 and a 52 Panel.