Just bought, 1976 F-150 2wd 300 cid 3 speed. Truck came with catalytic converter...can some one tell me how to Identify VIN code (decode) to see if this is Correct? F15BECO4472 This Exhaust System isn't the Originial, it also has a Cherry bomb muffler.

 

The VIN code will not tell you. The catalytic converter requirements went by weight back in those years.

BTW- Welcome to FTE!

 

Yeah but. :)
It's an F150, even the VIN sez so.
Factory califonicated F150? :/
Or at some point someone was sold "muffler bearings"? :/
I want to get to the bottom of this one myself. :)

Alvin in AZ

 

GVW is 6050

 

Does it say unleaded fuel only on the gas gauge? It the tank fill neck under the cap open or does it have a flap?

 

My F250 says "unleaded fuel only" and has a cat on it. But this is a camper special and the gvr is like 7900 I think I am reading that correctly? Wouldnt that meet the requirement for not needing this and not have to do a smog test on my truck?? BTW it has a 460 c/6 auto 2wd 1978 in California wich now the smog law is 1975 and before exempt. Does anybody know if California is ever going to go with the 30 year and older no smog?

 

If it says "unleaded fuel only", then it came with a converter and it is required for a smog test.

 

Very similar thread here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ml#post4649410

F150 was created in 1976, I think, to get around catalytic converters. Higher GVW. Just like the GM "heavy half ton". Does it have a lot of other pollution junk?

 

Sounds like your truck was sold new in CA.

Find its DSO on the rating plate found on the driver's door.

 

dso....Means? What would it be for a truck w/catalytic converter?

 

I think it translates to District Sales Office. Indicates where the truck was sold. If sold new in CA, it could have cats.

 

Vin#'s don;t really tel l much about a truck


F15BECO4472

F15- F150 4x2
B - 300
E- Plant built at Mahwah NJ
C04472 - concecutive build number

I doubt that is a California truck being built in the NE is.

Check your fuel filler holes to accommodate the fuel nozzle

Large for leaded or small for unleaded fuel

Leaded fuel vehicles didn't have CC's

Also, Have a look at the Rating plate at the top of this page.
Yours will be slightly different.

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

 

Thanks for help everyone, I'm cutting it off Sat. morning.