Hello All,

I am trying to figure out the production code for a new data plate, the original is long gone. The frame VIN and pink slip match, so that is good. The VIN I have is *F10V6R40XXX*, it has a three speed overdrive, a rebuilt stock 292 in lieu of the 272, 3.92 gear ratio stock rear end and is small window custom cab. I need help in figuring out the production code for the new data plate. It is still under restoration right now. It will have a two tone paint job when I get it done.

Thank you in advance for any help, insight or whatever you can send my way.

Frank

SW Orygun

 

Well, you have just entered the rating plate Twilight Zone.

According to the rating plate pages in both the "48-52 Ford Truck Chassis Parts Catalog", and the 1948-1956 Ford Truck Parts and Accessories Illustrations Catalog," the Production Code should be a code that represents a date. However many times there are many more letters and numbers in these boxes than those for the advertised date. Perhaps it reflected a contract number or th etop drawing number of a special order series. No one seems to have a definate answer.

The first two numbers are the day of the month - ei 14 would be the 14th of the month. The next letter that follows indicates the month and year. A thru M is January thru December of the "First Year" (Letter "I" was not used so not to be confused with "1"[number one]) and N thru Z is January thru December of the "Second Year" (Letter "O" was not used so not to be confused with "0" [number zero]). Next will be three numbers which indicate which number truck that recieved a production code on that date.

So, a production code of 05J055 (which is the production code off my 51) indicates it was started on the 5th of September of the first year and was teh 55th truck started.

I'm not sure if the date was the date the truck was started, the date it was ordered or the date of the particular contract was let. Not all trucks have production dates in these boxes. And, I don't know what criteria a truck had to have to get one.

So, for all the data you have provided, it is kind of irrelevent. Unless you know the date teh truck was begun, I'd just pick a date - I did.

 

Julie,

Thanks for the reply and the information. At least I have a starting point. I will have to start paying attention the data plate at car shows and the like.

When I started to restore my USMC 43 Ford ambulance jeep conversion, it was much the same way. Not alot of information, but alot of friends were met along the way and it all worked out in the finished product.

Have a great week and thanks for the reply,

Frank

SW Orygun

 

And OBTW,

Welcome to FTE. You should start a new thread to introduce yourself to everyone!