I would like for someone to check out this link and tell me what you think of the green 4x4 that is listed for sale, it is listed as having the explorer package, but I have found a few issues with that, the truck has no emblems on it except for on the front of the hood and the tailgate has no ford markings on it either, just wondering for myself, I think the truck is in very good condition for the age, especially the body is in good shape no rust that i can see in the pictures, and I don't think the price is outrageous for the condition, but I do think the truck is missing some stuff on the exterior, if you would look at the truck and let me know what you all think, I personall would rather have a four speed but an automatic is not out of the question, I am looking for a truck in this condition so if anyone knows of one at a fair price I would be interested, here is the link
http://www.rustfreeclassics.com

 

Its hard to say if its an Explorer package. Other than the hood ornimant, badges and wide pinstripes the only other thing I know of on those pakages is the seat inserts. It appears to atleast be a custom trim level with alot of options. Locking hood latch, tilt, factory a/c. It looks like the hood used to have the hood ornimant. Looks like an unmolested truck in nice shape to me although I dont like what he says about the trans not being right till it warms up. Thats probably due for a rebuild. Its probably an aftermarket tailgate. Theres one on my truck and it has no markings.

 

If you decode the vin it would tell you if it came with the explorer package or not. I kinda doubt it, but that would tell you for sure.

 

It had the Explorer hood ornament at one time, it also states it's a repaint thus the reason for no stripes. Aftermarket, cheap, junk tailgates don't have any letters embossed in them. Custom badge is correct for the glovebox, they did not put an Explorer badge there. The only marking for this year for an Explorer was the hood ornament, striping and seat material.

Harold the VIN won't tell you if it was an Explorer, a build sheet from Ford would tell you.

Me personally, I'd take the yellow one over the green one. Factory paint on the yellow one should mean no hidden bondo. Lose that topper and some detail work and it would be a great looking truck with the side tool box.

 

Other than the missing hood ornament i see no indication this truck is an "Explorer".

 

For SIX grand, that thing should be detailed and spotless, it could have come with the Explorer option, AC is a nice thing, it does have a bit more surface rust on places than my 77, if you look, the driver side picture looking forward, lines dont line up,,, and dent in front of rear tire,,,, the picture of the bed, it has been tweaked, top right is out a tad.
For 6G's I would say hell no, maybe $3500,,, MAYBE If you have some time, let me know what you are looking for I will watch,,
Joe

 

The VIN will not tell you diddly-squat whether it's an Explorer, or a: Ranger, Custom, Lariat...whatever...regardless of what year the vehicle is.

The BODY code...when decoded will tell if it's an Explorer, or not. The BODY code is located on the Warranty Plate, found on the left door face below the latch.

1979: There were six specific to Explorer only BODY codes.

The BODY code defines the type of material and color of the seat, and the "back of cab" equipment.

1979 Explorer: There were three interior color choices: Blue, Cordovan and Jade.

Since the truck is green, y'all can rule out a blue interior.

RF = Cordovan Vinyl & Cloth // RR = Cordovan all Vinyl

SF = Jade Vinyl & Cloth // SR = Jade all Vinyl.

The BODY code's 3rd digit for this truck will be the number 4.

4 = Styleside Pickup, Bench Seat. 4 is used for everything, not just Explorers.

 

You guys always amaze me with the amount of information that you all can put together on a post, I appreciate it. I do have two of these trucks already, one is a 76 f100 360 4speed, and I have a late 77 that I am currently in the process of totally restoring, but the trucks when bought have never been original and I have never minded so much to learn all the specifics each year model, but I am in the market for a good short bed 78 or 79 in like original condition, something similar to the green one on the link i posted, it is just were I live it is almost impossible to find one that is not beat all to hell from living in the mud hole or just not maintained and slap rusted out, I would love to find a short bed that is in similar condition with four wheel drive that has been taken care of even if it is on the west coast or in between, I just love these trucks they are simple to work on and really built ford tough, that is why I can't find one around here that doesn't need to be totally rebuilt because they just keep running until someone parks it under a tree and lets it rot till it is not worth fixing anymore, sorry for ramblin but if you all know of one somewhere at a reasonable price without any rust let me know, I will try to post some pictures of my other trucks but I am not that computer savy, but keep the replies coming thanks

 

Where do you live? The guy I sold this shortbed to sent me an email a while back stating he was going to sell it. It is an original Texas truck, 79 Explorer with around 64K original miles. I can look for his email if your interested but the price would be close to 8K for it.

http://www.supermotors.net/registry/18109/61790

 

I only looked at the first pic, not the others.

The seller posted the Warranty Plate.

The BODY code on this 1979 F150 4WD Explorer is SR4 = Jade all Vinyl, Styleside Pickup Bench Seat.

The DSO code is 72 =

The truck was originally ordered from the San Jose (NorCal) Ford District Sales Office, but that does not mean it was originally sold new in CA.

It could also have been sold in OR, NV, or HI.

Since there are two COLOR codes listed on the Warranty Plate, this truck was originally TU-TONED, not one solid color.

COLOR codes: DN: D = Dark Jade Metallic / N = Light Medium Pine.

AXLE code 16A: 16 = Ford 9" / 3.50-1 / non Limited Slip // A = Adjustable Steering Column.

VIN: F14SREG8147: F14 = F150 4WD // S = 400 2V // R = San Jose CA Assembly Plant // EG1847 = 1979.

The TRANS code is K = C6. 1979 was the first year that Ford used a specific TRANS code for any A/T.

Prior years, the TRANS code is a G = used for ALL A/T's.

One had to know which A/T came with what engine.

 

I live in Georgia, that is a nice 79 model I have never been too fond of the big stripes but those look good on that black, but I don't think I could stand 8k for it, plus I don't know if I would feel good about taking my boys on an afternoon ride on dirt roads in something that nice,but that is definitely something like I am lookin for, but if you can find his email and get in touch with him that would be great or if anyone else knows of another one somewhere, thanks for all the number info Numberdummy but i don't think you name does you justice you are no number dummy

 

I REALLY wish, (as I am sure we ALL do) that I had an extra 30 or 40 g's just laying around, because I would be buying these old trucks and cars like mad!

 

Oh, ok, I was thinking the body code would give you the seat color/material and you could tell from there if it was the plaid Explorer seat material. So, ok, I stand corrected, sorry for the misinformation