Newbie Frame Code Help
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Adrian Michigan
Newbie Frame Code Help
I'm trying to determine the identity of my truck.
The VIN from title and the Warranty plate on the door tell me it's a '76 F-100 2 WD (VIN: F10BLB81728). HOWEVER it's a 4x4 so after much wire brushing I got this code off the frame on the passenger's side (it was stamped into the steel):
D7TA EL C8
This is all I could find. The VIN decoder told me the year of the truck is 1979. I searched the boards for info. on this frame code but had no luck. Can anyone tell me what this code means? Do I need to keep looking for an actual VIN on the frame?
The VIN from title and the Warranty plate on the door tell me it's a '76 F-100 2 WD (VIN: F10BLB81728). HOWEVER it's a 4x4 so after much wire brushing I got this code off the frame on the passenger's side (it was stamped into the steel):
D7TA EL C8
This is all I could find. The VIN decoder told me the year of the truck is 1979. I searched the boards for info. on this frame code but had no luck. Can anyone tell me what this code means? Do I need to keep looking for an actual VIN on the frame?
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Junior User
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From: Adrian Michigan
I've run a wire wheel all up and down the the frame. The only number I can find is:
D7TA EL C8
Decoders are telling me '79, 8 Cyl, 460ci (7.5L) 4bbl. Of course now it has an '83 straight 6 in it and apparently a '76 F100 2 WD cab. All I know for sure is that it's a Ford 4x4 from somewhere between '73 & '79.
D7TA EL C8
Decoders are telling me '79, 8 Cyl, 460ci (7.5L) 4bbl. Of course now it has an '83 straight 6 in it and apparently a '76 F100 2 WD cab. All I know for sure is that it's a Ford 4x4 from somewhere between '73 & '79.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I'm trying to determine the identity of my truck.
The VIN from title and the Warranty plate on the door tell me it's a '76 F-100 2 WD (VIN: F10BLB81728). HOWEVER it's a 4x4 so after much wire brushing I got this code off the frame on the passenger's side (it was stamped into the steel):
D7TA EL C8
This is all I could find. The VIN decoder told me the year of the truck is 1979. I searched the boards for info. on this frame code but had no luck. Can anyone tell me what this code means? Do I need to keep looking for an actual VIN on the frame?
The VIN from title and the Warranty plate on the door tell me it's a '76 F-100 2 WD (VIN: F10BLB81728). HOWEVER it's a 4x4 so after much wire brushing I got this code off the frame on the passenger's side (it was stamped into the steel):
D7TA EL C8
This is all I could find. The VIN decoder told me the year of the truck is 1979. I searched the boards for info. on this frame code but had no luck. Can anyone tell me what this code means? Do I need to keep looking for an actual VIN on the frame?
D7TA-EL is stamped on the right outer frame rail near the front crossmember.
That's the ID number for the frame itself.
After 1972, one needs a truck specification book to decode it, I haven't got one.
This I know: D7TA = 1977. There were no F100 4WD's made after 1976.
C8 is the frame assembly date: C = March / 8 = 1978.
Measure the width and depth of the frame rails, post what those measurements are.
I'll tell you if it's an F100 2WD or a F150 4WD frame.
My guess is, you have a 1976 (by the VIN: F100) body on a 1978 F150 4WD frame (1977 is also the same frame).
Years ago, this truck could have had a "salvage title," that over the years has been "washed."
That was an old used car dealers trick, as vehicles in say TX, could be registered in several other states (Alabama, for one) over the telephone.
The dealer receives a clean title and Alabama license plates. The new title doesn't reflect salvage.
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From: Northern Illinois
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From: Adrian Michigan
I'm actually a Catholic priest so no girlfriend. But I have photos of old girlfriends somewhere...
Today I buried Tom Wild who worked for 35 years for Ford on the line in Cleveland.
Thanks Ben. Ranger429 you just massively simplified my life. And Bill you are the MAN. I was hoping you might read this thread. Thanks guys.
Today I buried Tom Wild who worked for 35 years for Ford on the line in Cleveland.
Thanks Ben. Ranger429 you just massively simplified my life. And Bill you are the MAN. I was hoping you might read this thread. Thanks guys.
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Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa!
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From: Adrian Michigan
Well Ben I don't know about Mass but if you want to make a confession here on FTE I'm sure folks would be interested. ;-)
Bill as far as I can tell you don't have any faults on this forum. You were right about my truck. I found the VIN thanks to Ranger429's photo.
VIN: F14HLY26559
Model Year: 77
Series: F150 - 4x4 Pickup
Engine: 8 Cyl, 351ci (5.8L) 2bbl
Assembly Plant: Michigan Truck
So it's got a '76 cab and an '83 straight 6. The cab and the bed are badly rusted out...pure Fred Flintstone. Perhaps in the spring I'll look for a '77 cab. For now it's brakes and wiring to get a reliable work truck/plow.
Thanks again men for all the help. I'll be sure to read and search the forum before asking more questions as I move ahead. I'd like to give this old truck back some dignity.
Bill as far as I can tell you don't have any faults on this forum. You were right about my truck. I found the VIN thanks to Ranger429's photo.
VIN: F14HLY26559
Model Year: 77
Series: F150 - 4x4 Pickup
Engine: 8 Cyl, 351ci (5.8L) 2bbl
Assembly Plant: Michigan Truck
So it's got a '76 cab and an '83 straight 6. The cab and the bed are badly rusted out...pure Fred Flintstone. Perhaps in the spring I'll look for a '77 cab. For now it's brakes and wiring to get a reliable work truck/plow.
Thanks again men for all the help. I'll be sure to read and search the forum before asking more questions as I move ahead. I'd like to give this old truck back some dignity.
