Hi there! I'm new to the site,love old Fords,and have tons of questions!First of all I'm the proud owner of a '69 swb F100,'69 lwb F100Ranger,'76lwbF150,and a '95swbF150.My first question is about the DSO code on my Ranger.It has six characters instead of the usual two.Reads as follows:613273.Dallas,Cleaveland,Saltlake City?Anyone have an explanation? THANKS for any help!!!!!

 

DSO codes are 6-digit numbers.

The first two numbers are the District code. 61=Dallas

The remaining four numbers are the actual order number.

 

THANKS! That explains it!

 

This info is only partially correct, note the corrections in red.

If the DSO code is two numbers, they refer to the District Sales (Zone) Office, where the original selling dealer ordered the vehicle from.

Prolly 90% + of all trucks assembled, have a two digit DSO.

6 numbered DSO: The first two numbers refer to the District Sales Office.

The next 4 numbers are the: Domestic Special Order number. In other words, the original purchaser ordered something that was not an RPO = Regular Production Order.

This can be special paint, special body, etc etc etc...the list is endless.

Why a 6 numbered DSO code? If the vehicle comes in for service, and the parts are not listed in the parts catalog for whatever is special, the dealer contacts FoMoCo, gives them the 6 digit DSO.

Ford looks up the order number, tells the dealer what the parts are, and where to get them if not Ford parts...or gives the dealer the specifics of the paint.

The DSO system was initiated in 1948 for trucks (1949 for passenger cars) and is still in use today.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
61 = Dallas TX Ford District Sales Zone Office, where the original selling dealer ordered the truck from.

3273: Domestic Special Order number. The truck was special ordered by the original purchaser, not "bought off the lot."

If you post all the codes from the Warranty Plate, located on the left door face below the latch...it might be possible to see what was "special" after the codes are decoded.

btw: Henry Ford died in 1947, taking his last ride in a Packard Hearse followed by dozens of Lincoln's.