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VIN Decoding?

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Old Sep 20, 2009 | 07:45 PM
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Question VIN Decoding?

Is there a specific place to go to decode a VIN? Have seen a lot of them done here by somebody ( forget the name, maybe Number Guru? ). If I remember correctly, he's a retired FORD parts guy. May be confusing him with someone else, my memory actually works sometimes Tried to look through the list here & read some of the stuff people said. Think he said something about a lot of these places didn't have the right info. Am sure you get a lot of people asking, was just curious about what my truck came with from the factory. It's a '91 150. VIN is 1FTDF15N2MKA08556. Just didn't want to be asking the guy the same question he's already answered thousands of times.
 
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Old Sep 20, 2009 | 08:22 PM
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You are thinking of Numberdummy... (Bill)

At the top of every page under Articles/Specs is a VIN Decoder.

For your VIN it says:

Your VIN number: 1FTDF15N2MKA08556
World Manufacturer Identifier - 1st, 2nd, 3rd Positions:
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company, USA
Make: Ford
Vehicle Type: Truck (Completed Vehicle)
Brake Type and GVWR Class - 4th Position:
Brake System: • Hydraulic brake system, Class D, GVWR 5,001-6,000 pounds, None
Line Series, Chassis Type, Body Type - 5th, 6th, 7th Positions:
Line Series: F-Series - F150
Chassis Type: 4x2
Body Type: Pickup - Regular Cab
Engine Type - 8th Position:
Engine: 5.0(302cid)
Cylinders: V-8
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Horse Power: 185
Model Year - 10th Position:
Model Year: 1991
Assembly Plant - 11th Position:
Assembly Plant: Kansas City; Claycomo, Missouri
Production Sequence Number - 12th - 17th:
Sequence Number: A08556


There will be more information on the door jamb tag and there's another decoder up there for that.
I hope this helps.
 
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Old Sep 20, 2009 | 08:33 PM
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The door sticker decoder is under: List Articles-> Decoders,Codes, Charts etc...-> Ford door sticker decoder.

Link:https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_Decoder.html
 
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Old Sep 20, 2009 | 08:47 PM
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ArdWrknTrk Jim, thanks for the info. Didn't see the part at the top about articles / specs. Sorry! Thanks for the patience with a newbie. Part of the problem is I don't speak computer anyway. Know a couple words, *(&&^*(* and ^&989. They make these letters too close together for my fat fingers. Will check the door #s when I get it back. Guessing that's where I find tranny type & rear axle info? May have gotten the 2 numbers confused / thought they were the same. Number Dummy? Thought it was Guru. My mistake ( yet again ).
 
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Old Sep 20, 2009 | 08:54 PM
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No need to apologize. I'm just trying to help.

Yes, you will find all drivetrain and spring information on the door sticker, as well as paint color and interior and exterior trim.

Welcome to the forum 1OldFordMan!
 
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Old Sep 20, 2009 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
No need to apologize. I'm just trying to help.

Yes, you will find all drivetrain and spring information on the door sticker, as well as paint color and interior and exterior trim.

Welcome to the forum 1OldFordMan!
Thanks for the welcome & info. Guess I did think they were the same #s. In the shop at Tech school. Main reason is when I took it to get inspected, they said lower rad. hose rubbing trans. cooler line, almost ready to blow. Haven't driven it much. Figured since that hose needed replaced & they had to drain it anyway, might as well do a flush & fill, all hoses, & thermostat. Also figured it might as well have a tune up. Then decided while it's there, why not flush the tranny & new filter ( shops around here want about $100.00 for that ). Also a bunch of small stuff ( loose fuel tank switch in dash, gearshift indicator not working right, etc. ). Instructor said this will be good training for the kids. Works for me, I pay for parts & they do the work. No camera, can't take pictures. Looks kind of rough, but runs good. Just wanted it to haul stuff anyway. Do NOT like the rusted out fenders /bed. Tech school body shop ( separate section ) instructor said the only way he'd do that was replace the whole bed sides. Won't teach the kids patch panels. By the way, where is a good place to find prices for patch panels? Can't afford bed sides, he said probably around a grand. Tried J. C. Whitney, didn't see patch panels. Don't know where else to look.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2009 | 05:54 AM
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We have a paint and bodywork forum, here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum67/
You would likely get a better answer there.

You might try one of our many sponsors: http://www.blueovaltruckparts.com/
has them. Or places such as:
Raybuck http://raybuck.com/ and LMC Truck http://www.lmctruck.com/
Though I must say most of the imported patch panels I've seen are flimsy.

Glad to hear you're allowing the students to learn how to work on vehicles. I wish there was still a trade school where I live.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2009 | 06:19 AM
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Broncograveyard should have them and here is a link http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/c-187 i know what you mean about not liking the rust its better to just cut it out and get rid of it rather than just trying to cover it up.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2009 | 08:15 AM
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Originally Posted by 73'360f100
Broncograveyard should have them and here is a link http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/c-187 i know what you mean about not liking the rust its better to just cut it out and get rid of it rather than just trying to cover it up.
Thanks for the help. Will check them out. Yeah, wanted to fix it, not just putty over & call it fixed. Still haven't decided if I'm going to do much to the body. Not much left that isn't either bent or rusted. Whole thing needs paint. This was just supposed to be an old beater to haul stuff with. Wasn't concerned about looks, wanted it mechanically sound. Think I'm getting myself away from that.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2009 | 08:25 AM
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Just checked $35 each for patch panels? Are they any good? Instructor at tech school body shop told me they were probably $250 - $300 each for patch panels. Now I'm sorry I bought an old banged up tailgate to replace my rusted out one. Got it from a junkyard, told the guy I didn't care what it looked like as long as it wasn't rusted out. "It can even be pink for all I care". Now if I fix this, I'll need another semi-straight one. Parts only less than $250. Just need to find someone who can do tho work. Still have the bent bumpers & fenders, plus complete re-paint. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2009 | 03:05 PM
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i've never really purchased anything from them but from what i've heard there a reputable company and every time i've inquired about something they been very quick with responses.
 
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