Hey folks,


Long time listener, first time caller . I'm hoping to get ahold of a MH F600, but I'm having a hard time finding medium duty information for decoding the data plate (or information in general). I figured if I would be able to get that information anywhere it would be here. Here's what I've got so far (please correct anything that I may have gotten wrong):


VIN: F61BK760***
Truck Series: F61 - F600
Engine: B - 300 1V (65-66)
Assembly Plant: K - Kansas City, MO
Production Sequence: 760*** - Oct, 1965

DATA PLATE:
W.B.: 156
Color: *blank*
Model: F615 - 65-66 4WD F-600
Body: 481 - 4=Black all vinyl, 81=81A Standard Cab
Transmission: A - NP435 4 speed
Axle: 76 - ???
Max GVW Lbs: 24000
Cert. Net HP: 150
R.P.M.: 3600
DSO: 720027


One thing I'm confused by (other than not being able to figure out the axle code) is from what I've seen, MH conversions usually have a character next to the axle code which denotes the front axle rating. I am pretty sure it's a real MH (all the rivets seem original on the MH tags on the cowl, decals are there, the components don't look fussed with, etc). Is there a way to identify the front axle?


I got interested in it because I dig the thing, however I have a few questions out of curiosity's sake. How rare are these things? Is it insanely difficult to locate parts for these axles? This particular truck happens to have air brakes (which I've never worked on) and I don't want to run into a road block after I buy the thing.


I'll be going back to give it a better look next weekend. Is there anything in particular anyone can suggest to look out for which may tank this project, especially medium duty specific stuff, before it gets off the ground? Thanks!

 

F615 does not decode to 4WD (or 65/66) as there no were factory 4WD F600's until 1971.

MODEL code F615 decodes to: F600, 24,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

*This rear axle has probably been changed by Marmon-Harrington, as the front and rear axle ratios have to match.

#When there is no COLOR code stamped on the Warranty Plate, truck painted a non standard color per the original purchasers order, making it a Domestic Special Order.

It's also possible that the Domestic Special Order number refers to the M-H conversion.

If the purchaser requested it, Ford would have sent the truck out...after it left the assembly line...to M-H (Indianapolis) to be converted.

 

Thank you very much, sir!


I've never seen a DSO decoded before. That's super neat. I appreciate your efforts.

 

The best source for M-H parts and information is Chuck Mantiglia of Chuck's Trucks in CT. He probably also has the Maintenance and Parts Manual for your model and would sell you a copy. Below is a link to his site. Stu

Chucks Trucks LLC., Chuck's Trucks, Chucks Trucks

 

Thread moved to the Large Truck forum. You'll get more info on such a vehicle here.

Oh, and WELCOME to FTE!

 

Thanks folks!


Anyone have any insight on the remainder of my questions? Or was my post too long winded?

 

It was rare when it was brand new. Locating parts for the specific 4WD parts will be difficult. 99% of the genuine Ford parts are obsolete, some can be found NOS

These trucks are money pits, are only worth what people are willing to pay for them.

 

Understood. Thanks for your insight.

 

Bill hasn't acquired a taste for "rolling piles of misery", as he likes to call these oddballs. My contrarian point of view is that there's no challenge redoing a common little truck that can be rebuilt nearly complete out of vendor catalogs. That's why I suggest you get to know Chuck. Stu

 

I call all old cars/trucks by this term and I've owned more than my fair share of oddballs...some of which you may have never seen or heard of.

 

Okay, Bill, all in fun. Stu

 

I don't mind a bit of a challenge. However, if I can't get it rolling it'll just be a regular pile of misery. My property has plenty of those already.

I'll try to call Chuck here soon and see if he has any patience for my ignorance of these beasts. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

So, Chuck I called and he pretty much said the truck as it sits couldn't possibly exist. I'm going back to take a better look this weekend. I'll try to get some pics and get your guys' take on it.

 

Well, looks like Chuck was right. The harder I looked the more I found evidence that the axles had been
changed. A conversion was done seemingly some time ago to heavier Rockwell axles with 10 lug hubs, power
steering, and air brakes. I was rather impressed at the quality of the conversion. The only clues I had
that the conversion wasn't original were bolts in the front spring mounts instead of rivets and home made u-
bolt plates on the rear axle. The guy that owns it doesn't know much about it, but they mentioned something
about having "military axles," whatever that might actually mean. Since I've never seen these axles before
nor can I locate any information about them, here's the information I got from the tags on the axle housings:


FRONT: Model - FH150 HX17 / Ratio: 7.17
REAR: Model - H140 NX17 / Ratio: 7.20


There is some more information on the tags but I can't read what it refers to. Tag and axle pics are below
for anyone interested. At least I know that it's not untouched so I won't feel bad if I decide to modify
things a bit. The transfer case is Rockwell, but I'm not sure if it is the one that would have come with the truck or not. If anyone sees anything of note, I'd love any more information anyone might be able to pass on.


Now I just have to figure out what to offer the guy...

 

Now that is a cool truck! I love that it's got a 300 I6 in it, I've never seen one with an air brake compressor on it. Usually anything with a high enough GVW to need air brakes got a bigger engine. I imagine it tops out somewhere around 45 mph on level ground...

Sam