Hello!
I am new here, looking at a 65' F100.
I hate to ask favors right off, but can anyone point me in the direction of a reputable resource to de-code the data plate from the driver's door, please?

Thanks so much!

 

If you post the data plate #'s here, it can be decoded.

 

I'll post a picture. Let me figure out how

 

Thanks,

Alex

 

Alex welcome aboard; here's what I can decode; others are able to fill in any blanks I leave.

F10DR648601
F10= 2wd F100
D= 352 2V 208H.P @4400RPM
R= San Jose assembly plant
648601= built date of Feb 1965

W.B 129"
JM=COLOR EXTERIOR "Monte Carlo Red" Interior ?????
E81= Customcab with Red Crush Vnyl & Red Ladder pattern woven seat plastic.
G= trans Cruiseomatic 3spd
C1= Axle 3:31 ratio

Mitch

 

Exterior is Red and white.

Regarding the seat(s):

Would it be possible that this rig came from the factory with black bucket seats, and a matching console?

It is a Custom Cab, also below F-100 it says "RANGER"

Thanks again!

 

Yes; you got the Ranger package; As I mention some thing's I wouldn't decode as well as other might. The M on color is for Corinthian White (two tone) exterior paint; on your color code. You got a rare truck in my opinion being a Ranger package with OEM factory buckets. Disregard my interior bench seat comment...
I didn't pay attention to your initial post.

Mitch

 

Thank you for your timely responses. I have not bought this pickup yet, I am thinking really long and hard about it.

I'm not a Ford guy(YET), SO I really appreciate all the help and guidance. I am somewhat clueless about Fords!


One Last Question:

Is there any way to know if the diff is Posi fromt the data plate and without jackin it up and spinning the tires?

 

M is not Corinthan White...it's Wimbledon White.

Corinthian White was not used after 1963.

J is Rangoon Red, not Monte Carlo Red.

Mitch..the decoder book you are using is in-correct.

If the VIN on the Warranty Plate matches the VIN registration it is not a true Ranger.

E81 = This is not the Body Code for a Ranger Package.

And...the Body Code says it all.

E81 denotes a Custom Cab with a red interior and a bench seat. E81: E = Red Crush Vinyl & Red Ladder Pattern Woven Plastic / 81 = 81B Custom Cab.

F81 is a Ranger with a red interior with bucket seats. G81 is a Ranger with a black interior with bucket seats. H81 is a Ranger with a palomino (tan) interior with bucket seats.

The Body Code is the only way to tell if it's a true Ranger, or not.

Since the red inserts for the fender emblems have been reproduced, crooked sellers can install Mustang bucket seats (the same seats the Rangers used) and add the Ranger fender emblem inserts to fool the unwary.

The correct center console is the same as 1964/65 Falcon Sprints.

The axle code of C1 is: Spicer 44 / 3.31-1 / Limited Slip / 3300 lb. Rear Axle Capacity

DSO 740402: 74 = Seattle WA Ford District Sales (Zone) Office, where the original selling dealer ordered the truck from, and it was ordered, not bought off a lot, because > > / 0402 = Special Order Number.

 

Maybe these will help?

 

Welcome to FTE

The only thing the pics show is the wrong seats and EDIT: a 1963/64 Galaxie 500 XL steering wheel and horn ring.

The Galaxie steeing wheels have cutouts for the horn ring to nestle into, the trucks steering wheels do not have this feature. (I also own two '63 Galaxie 500 XL's).

Black bucket seats would not have come with a red interior.

The E81 Body Code does not designate a Ranger Body Code as previously stated.

It appears that someone swapped seats, and added the Ranger emblems, from the looks of both, quite a while back.

I know these trucks better than most ppl, because not only was I a Ford partsman back then, but own a 1965 F100, which I bought brand new...back then.

From the last 6 digits of the VIN (serial number) my truck (not a Ranger) was assembled prolly the same week as this one was, on the same assembly line in San Jose, CA.

 

Bill,

Thanks so much for all of your time and information.
The people that own it are kind of yayhoos, nothing would surprise me. It's been off the road since '75.

I am asking my self the same questions about black seats in a Red/white interior and why is the dash pad black? And behind the seats is black as well.

Maybe someone really wanted to make it into a Ranger?

 

It appears the Ranger emblems and other stuff were added, who knows when.

IMO, someone wanted to upgrade their truck.

The seats might be from the same Galaxie 500XL the steering wheel/horn ring is from.

1963 Galaxie 500XL seats are basically the same as the seats used in 1965/66 Mustangs, 1965/66 Rangers and 1963/65 Falcon Sprints. Even the upholstery pattern is the same.

The seats are not from a 1964 Galaxie 500XL, because those seats have a different outer configuration. The shape is different as is the upholstery pattern.

If you are in the Sea-Tac area, FTE member camperspecial65 is in the same area, and knows a real Ranger when he sees one (he owns a 1965 F250 CC Camper Special). Mebbe he could look at it for you.

Because you don't have 25 posts yet, you can't P/M or email him and vice versa.

IMO: Stick a coupla Ranger emblems on a truck, swap seats, you now have a truck that's worth twice what a non Ranger is worth.

ALL the padded dashes were black and did you notice it has a Limited Slip rear axle? (see post #9)

Ford: Limited Slip / GM: Posi-Traction.

 

Did someone call my name...hehehhe...I would be absolutely delighted to give the truck a looksee...tell me when and where...drop me an email or pvt msg...IM in south sound area but have no problem driving the distance for a FTE fella in need of assistance :-)


- cs65

btw..if you want, drop your tel. # in the email and we can touch base faster...

 

I suggested he contact you, but, he'll need 25 posts before he can do so.