63 Stepside Custom Cab
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63 Stepside Custom Cab
Help! I just purchased a 1963 Ford Stepside Custom Cab. I would like to know anything about the truck's history, i.e., where it was manufactured, how many were made, original engine, approximate value, and so forth. The listed VIN is 31500082, and the Bill of Sale says it is an F-150. It has a 351W which does not appear to be the factory engine. Manual transmission on the column was switched to an automatic on the floor. Can anyone tell me anything about this truck? Thanks!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
63 Stepside Custom Cab
Bruce, First of all you don't have a F150, maybe a F100 if it's a 1/2 ton. The transmission and engine are transplanted, and dependind on the condition of the truck it's value would fall maybe between $300.00 and $3000.00. The 63 is not particually high value truck. If you like it and didn't over pay for it, BE HAPPY
John
John
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Joined: Aug 1999
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63 Stepside Custom Cab
I can decode your VIN number if you'd like. However, the number you listed isn't the original VIN #. There should be a small metal tag on the drivers door, that will list the vin #, and some other info on your truck. If that tag isn't there, then the VIN # should also be stamped in the frame, on the top passenger side either in front of or behind the front axle. With this info, I or others with a decoding book could tell you more info on your truck.
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Joined: Jun 1999
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63 Stepside Custom Cab
Hi Tim- I read your reply about the vin # info and ran out to my recent purchase a 1961 F-100, flareside. I didnt have the door tag and looked under the truck but didnt see a #. Is the Vin # in the same location on my 1961 model? The truck is an old Forest Service unit and was told the motor was a 300-six. I will look again under the truck for the #. I would be very curious to see what information you could reveal on my truck. Thanks. My e-mail, S_hawes(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
63 Stepside Custom Cab
Steve The vin is cut into the top of the frame rail, passinger side, about where the axle crosses under, but can be anywhere from the firewall to the radiator. The original engine would not have been a 300, maybe a 240. The 300 came later, but could have been installed, to replace the original.
Good truckin to you,
John
Good truckin to you,
John
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63 Stepside Custom Cab
The engine, if factory, would more likely be a 223. The 240 was developed with the 300 ( 240 is essentially a 300 with a shorter stroke), and didn't see service in pickups untill 1965.
The VIN # should be on the frame, if the tag is no longer intact on the door or the door frame.
Tim
The VIN # should be on the frame, if the tag is no longer intact on the door or the door frame.
Tim
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63 Stepside Custom Cab
Thanks for the information. I tried to find the VIN on the frame as the door tag was sanded for a paint job. Could not find the VIN today, but I will put it on a rack tomorrow and find it. As soon as I have it, I will E-Mail you with the number, and your decoder book should give us some historical information. It is worse than adopting a child! You just want to know everything you can about it. I could tell from the door tag that it is an F-100, contrary to the bill of sale which lists it as a 150.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
63 Stepside Custom Cab
Bruce, I'm confused here, why are you putting it on a rack? The number is on top of the rail not under it, just raise the hood and look over the fender, unless someone was funny that day, the truck was built. The number was by a die being struck by a hammer, it is indented into the metal.
Here in North Carolina there is a title that goes with the vehicle. Unless you want to open a can of worms use the listed number that the last tags were purchased with.
John
Here in North Carolina there is a title that goes with the vehicle. Unless you want to open a can of worms use the listed number that the last tags were purchased with.
John
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63 Stepside Custom Cab
I FINALLY got a VIN on my truck. I had hand surgery the day after I got the last E-mail on where to look for the VIN on the frame, and have not been able to get around and scrub on the frame. The VIN is F10JN421731. Is there any information you can give me on this truck? I would appreciate any info you may have. Thanks, Dalton, Georgia.
Senior User
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63 Stepside Custom Cab
Here is your vin # decoded:
F10 : 2wd 1/2 ton
J: 223 cid engine
N: assembly plant ( Norfolk, VA)
421731: Unit number, which indicates your truck was built in June, 1963.
Hope this helps.
Tim
F10 : 2wd 1/2 ton
J: 223 cid engine
N: assembly plant ( Norfolk, VA)
421731: Unit number, which indicates your truck was built in June, 1963.
Hope this helps.
Tim
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63 Stepside Custom Cab
Bruce,
Visit a site belonging to the F100 parts store named Johns F-Funhundreds. You will be able to find almost any part you need including bolt on disk brake and power steering kits for your 63, and the nice point is they have all vins broken down from 1957-1966, along with pictures of all body style differences, grills, emblem differences, model identification, and lots of other great info.
Enjoy your 63.
Heath
Visit a site belonging to the F100 parts store named Johns F-Funhundreds. You will be able to find almost any part you need including bolt on disk brake and power steering kits for your 63, and the nice point is they have all vins broken down from 1957-1966, along with pictures of all body style differences, grills, emblem differences, model identification, and lots of other great info.
Enjoy your 63.
Heath
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