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Just read through this entire thread. What a great story. I think there is always going to be some mystery about the F130, but I'm convinced it was just a work around for emissions standards at the time. Gave people another option for ordering. Although the real mystery is why the F13 designation is missing from so much documentation. You'd think Ford would have recorded that.
It's that time again! Guy on YouTube found a F130, and actually mentioned this very thread which landed me here, which I have now read through and sure as s--t here we are close to 20 years later and the community is still stumped!! Seems to be an EXTREMELYrare bird. After 20 years of the community scrounging, there have been a literal handful of these things to be found. Even googling Ford "F13" or Ford "F130" dig up just a handful of examples in the entirety of the internet. Very, very interesting. I want to know why Ford bothered to make these things! Like they went out of their way to give them their own unique model number, yet there is essentially zero record of them ever existing aside from the few that have been dug up over the past 20 years.
I am in ownership of a f130. It was originally a plumbing companies down in Killeen Texas and then was sold to my grandad and I inherited it. It’s got dual piston disc brakes in front and drums in back. It’s a 1976 and it’s got a four barrel 390 engine. It’s a four speed manual. Vin says f13. Badges say f150. I was searching for aftermarket rims online and put in my trucks info and all that came up were five lug rims and not eight which is what my truck is. I found this puzzling so I did some digging and came across this thread.
wow, I had no idea this would be such a hot (and mysterious) topic! Thanks to everyone for their ideas and two cents worth.
So here's where we're at then: After reading all the recent posts I've got Dad hunting for the VIN number on the chasis and/or the build sheet. In the mean time I've been in touch with Ford who's research team is now (theoretically) tearing throught the vaults in search of some scrap of evidence to help clarify the situation. They said I should hear something by Tuesday, at which point I will, of course, let everyone know what I found out.
In the mean time any new ideas or theories are still welcome (encouraged actually)!
Thanks again everyone,
-Bill
Hello Bill and guys on this forum I also have a F130. I bought it from the original owner who got it off the Atlanta dealership show floor. It’s a 1976 F-150 regular cab with a 300cid three on the tree and 3/4 ton axles and 8 lug rims. VIN is F13BNC07386. Where it says Type/G.V.W it has F130
Welcome to FTE. Ol'Red sounds like a keeper...and the perfect tow vehicle for that red aluminum fish boat in the background.
Top Three F-130 Theories so far...
1. Early prototype or work-around for EPA laws
2 Limited production run for Forestry (or similar) contract
3. My favorite, as suggested by Bullitt390, a Prototype for the Mexican F-200.
l would imagine any F-130 survivor would be very rare and thus desirable to some Forders collectors.
First time posting, and partly just to join the fun. I'm more inclined to thinks it is an emissions loophole because:
1: more are popping up in colors that we "likely" wouldn't see if it was a limited run for Military, forest, fire, etc.
2: I'm seeing more and more plant codes in the VINs. its possible ford just built and shipped wherever, but if they were f-200 protos it would have made to most sense to only build them in San Jose.
The story I remember had to do with a shortage of 9" 1/2 ton rear axles. F-150 orders were piling up, the decision was made to build the trucks with 8 stud F-250 hubs, rear axles, and brakes. Otherwise the trucks are regular F-150's. All F-130's supposedly have late 1976 production dates. Can anyone confirm?
The story I remember had to do with a shortage of 9" 1/2 ton rear axles. F-150 orders were piling up, the decision was made to build the trucks with 8 stud F-250 hubs, rear axles, and brakes. Otherwise the trucks are regular F-150's. All F-130's supposedly have late 1976 production dates. Can anyone confirm?
So far, this is the most logical reason for the F130 I've heard. That could possibly be a valid reason.
I've often been amazed that certain people here that used to work for FoMoCo don't have an explanation for these trucks.
KInda makes me wonder what kind of oddities will be discovered in the future as a result of the "chip shortage" we experience recently.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
