VIN on Frame
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
VIN on Frame
I just picked up a 1981 F100 and there has been a few body parts swapped around on the truck. I was wondering if anyone here would know where I could find the VIN on the frame or somewhere other than on the dash.
Thanks,
James
Thanks,
James
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Diboll, Tx.
On the B pillar (door jam) on the drivers side there should be a sticker with the vin on it. I was told on the passenger side under the cab on top of the frame, between the cab mounts. I was also told passenger side, top of the frame near the core support. I have the same problem, i'm just waiting for the ground to dry up so i can look.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Pass side, top of the frame, usually near where the starter is located. Usually you need a good mirror to see it, or you need to have the cab off. It isn't that deep a stamping, so if you have a decent amount of chassis surface rust, it may be long gone
It isn't the full VIN though, it's only a partial, what you will find is only 11 characters, and only contains the truck model, model year, production plant code, and the sequence number, the engine designation is not there. But, that should be enough to match to your truck and tell you if it is the factory chassis.
Just to explain this a bit further, and how to read it, this is how it works for my 81 F100:
The complete 17 character VIN is 2FTCF10E9BCA40098
What's on the frame is F10BCA40098.
So, not only is the VIN on the frame only a partial, it's also broken up. All that's on the frame rail is the model designation, model year, plant and sequence number. The Manufacturer Identifier(first three #'s,) brake system/GVWR class(4th number,) engine code(8th character) and check digit(9th position) are missing.
Hope that helps.
It isn't the full VIN though, it's only a partial, what you will find is only 11 characters, and only contains the truck model, model year, production plant code, and the sequence number, the engine designation is not there. But, that should be enough to match to your truck and tell you if it is the factory chassis.
Just to explain this a bit further, and how to read it, this is how it works for my 81 F100:
The complete 17 character VIN is 2FTCF10E9BCA40098
What's on the frame is F10BCA40098.
So, not only is the VIN on the frame only a partial, it's also broken up. All that's on the frame rail is the model designation, model year, plant and sequence number. The Manufacturer Identifier(first three #'s,) brake system/GVWR class(4th number,) engine code(8th character) and check digit(9th position) are missing.
Hope that helps.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Thanks, I will check it out tomorrow and let yall know. I got the truck for 600 but they had popped the windshield vin off because they put a different windshield in and I am just trying to make sure I haven't got took on the deal.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 5
From: Out of here
That what "five o" looks for when they pull you over........
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Diboll, Tx.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski