I'm curious as to what site will search and explain a 1951 vin # . all sites I have been to want a 17 digit vin # thanks jack

 

I don't know that it works, but this site just launched a VIN decoder.

Give it a try and let us know:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/vin-decoder/index.php

 

You can also go to http://www.bonusbuilt.com for an explanation on how to decode your VIN.

You can also post it here and I can decode it for you.

Lastly, look for more stampings on the firewall. That stamping will provide the original color, production date and other minor info.

Ilya

 

the vin number is f1r1lb13577 numbers on firewall are same as vin but the model # is 1rc

 

f1 = F1
r = 239 V8 Flathead
1 = 1951
lb = Long Beach, CA assembly plant
13577 = production number that started with 10001 at each plant

Your firewall stamping doesn't sound right.

Ilya

 

inside the glove box on the plate it says. model 1rc . It's on the same plate as the vin

 

it says series F1- model -1 R C

 

I'm not sure if you ever got this resolved. But I have done a lot of research on th e51 F1 Vins and was looking fo rone site That explained production codes on rating plate. You have 3 places the VIN is located. First, it is stamped into the top of the frame just above the shock absorber mount. Second, there is a VIN plate onthe passenger side fire wall, and third, is the RATING plate on the glove box door. The VIN data the other guys have given you is correct for the SERIAL NUMBER on the rating plate. This will also be th enumber stamped on the frame. The MODEL number youare refering to is listed correctly. The "1" stands for 1951, the "R" is for truck; and the "C" is th enomenclature for the light duty 1/2 ton pick-up (F1) this "C" is used throughout the parts catalogues when refering to the F1. This is really picky, but semantically, there is no "Vehicle Identification Number" on these trucks. There are "Serial Numbers;" and "Model Numbers" Andf both may appear correctly on the truck. For Licensing and Registration purposes, the Serial Number on the frame should be used (and unless the glove box door or for that matter the cab - has been switched out) the serial number on the glove box ratin gplate should match it. If not, use the one stamped on the frame - it's there for good.

The Serial number decoding is listed on page VIII of the 1948-1952 Ford Chassis and Accessories Parts Catalogue

 

17 digit VIN's were first used on FoMoCo passenger cars in 1980, and on trucks in 1981.

 

Pretty neat decoder. I ran mine and found out mine is a 51 F-1 came with a V8 239 and was assembled in Atlanta.

 

Hi Jack,

Try this for 48-52 trucks....

http://www.bonusbuilt.com/decoder.html

If you can't figure it out write me back and I'll look in the front of the Chassis Manual which has a description.

Dan