Greetings FTE faithful!

Although I am yet to see first hand the 51 F1 pickup I have purchased, I am curious about its origins. A VIN number was included in the eBay ad through which I bought the truck. In looking at postings concerning VIN decoding and on checking a book I purchased, I learned the following:
F1R1CH21718 This tells me: F1 = half ton model, R = 239 V-8 engine, 1 = 1951 model year, CH = built in Chicago. What remains of the VIN that was with the ad are five digits (not six). The digits are 21718. The book I have, FORD F-SERIES 1948-1956 by Don Bunn, says that all production numbers begin at 100001 (six digits). Would the numbers that I have indicate that this pickup was #21,717 built in Chicago?? If the numbers begin with 100001, wouldn't my number be 121718? Or, do I have an incorrect number here?

From other posting I have reviewed concerning VIN coding, I realize that there must be another body tag on the vehicle that can indicate much more on the specifics of the vehicle such as exact production date (J means October, Ford didn't us I for the 10th month), original color, options fitted, etc. Is this second tag fitted to the firewall?

Excitement on the purchase of the truck is growing. I agreed with the seller to leave it in his storage (100 miles from my home) until the end of March, when I would collect the vehicle. (I need to arrange storage on my end.) He does not live very close to the community where it is stored and I don't want to bother him just have a look. He has accepted my offer because I see that he has processed my check. I asked him to send a title to me when my check cleared and he was staisfied that it was legitimate money. (I am disgusted that we have to harbor such suspicions. Why can't people be honest and trust-worthy like the old days.) Perhaps when the title arrives I will see a difference from the VIN posted in the eBay ad.

Does anyone know if Ford's Chicago assembly facility still exists? (probably not) I think it might make an interesting photo to take the truck to the address of the plant where the iron, steel, nuts, and bolts were assembled on the sixtieth anniversary of its assembly. A picture of the truck could be taken with whatever is there today in the background along with a newspaper headline reprint from the day it was built and a newspaper headline on the 60th anniversary. Does anyone know where the Ford assembly plant was in Chicago in 1950-51?

This last part is an example of a crazy question, but in my very short time of the FTE forum, I see that there is a wide diversity of issues that list readers reply to.

Thanks in advance for any replies you may offer.

Respectfully yours,
brit_wheels_fan of Rensselaer, Indiana

 

Welcome to FTE and congrats on your new truck. Chicago Assembly is still in operation and currently makes the Ford Taurus, SHO and Lincoln. There should be id tags inside the glove box door and one underhood on the firewall on right side. And I'm sure Stu or Julie will jump in on your missing digit question shortly (if not by the time I'm done with this...

 

I'm afraid this is a case where everything you read in a book isn't always accurate. The consecutive unit portion of Ford truck vins of the era are only 5 digits long, and start with 10001. So your truck would be the 11,718th unit built in Chicago.

 

Thanks again Wayne and Bob. I believe the Tarus plant is south of Chicago in Chicago Heights. That is not too far from where I live in NW Indiana. Maybe I will go for the 60th anniversary for assembly photo back at the point of origin. i may have to trailer the old truck if I don't have it up and going in time, but that would make a nice photo of both of my Ford pickups.

Rob Blubaugh

 

There are three places the 1951 For F-1 had The serial number listed. Here is the quote from the "1951 Operators Manual for Ford Trucks, page 6:"

Quote:

"1.TRUCK IDENTIFICATION.

Your identification of the truck is by the serial number which appears on all trucks except the parcel delivery. This number is located on the side of the hood. Each truck is also provided with a serial number. The number is located in three places, the patent data plate in the engine compartment, the rating plate on the dispatch compartment door, and on the top of the right frame side rail above the front axel.

On the parcel delivery the rating plate is on the right-hand side of the dash."

End Quote.

On the 51 the "Patent Data Plate" is high onthe firewall just in front of the Passenger seat. Here's mine. Note that the serial number with engine prefix and catalogue designation for the type of truck is used ("C" as opposed to F1) :



On the early 51s they use the old glove box door "Rating Plate" like this one Again note how little information there is:



Lastly is a picture of the later 51 and on Glove box rating plate. It has much more information on it. I'll post a copy of the decypher page out of the Chassis Parts Catalogue. Also please note that this particular tag is one of two I had made specifically for my truck. While the lettering conventions are Ford typical, th especific information is for my truck as it hasd been modified and is not typical of a 1951 F1.



And lastly, here is the page to decode the numbering on the later plate (which is probably the one you will find in your truck)



If you have any questions please feel free to ask!

 

GREAT ANSWER LOTS OF GOOD INFO & THE PICS HELP A LOT.
I just "found' a Mercury M 500 & it has a plate in the patent data plate location but is body color & has following info stamped on it:

STYLE 188A
BODY NO 325
FBBS 490
22 100

No serial # as such. Is this my id plate or should i keep looking? (nothing on glove box door)

If so what is it telling me?

 

I'd suggest you create a new thread on this to help ensure that the Merc guys see it. The info in this old discussion thread won't really apply to your truck. Stu