De Kalb DK8
Cab info plates
so hopefully I am posting on a proper form about this vehicle. I just acquired this vehicle and have been trying to dig up some information about it without much success. On the very front of the vehicle it mentions that the chassis is made by Ford however there is no information that I have discovered that give it a Ford make and model. The only information I have found is that DeKalb tag mentioning model dk8. I have included a picture of the vehicle exterior and the tags in the cab, I am hoping somebody might have some information or be able to direct me to where I can find information about this vehicle. The type of information I am looking for is engine information, Parts information, possible vehicle type and model that would have been used create this truck, or any other useful information about this vehicle.

I am planning on restoring this vehicle back to functioning status at least as a beginning project. I plan to completely repaint the exterior and interior to a design of my own choosing however, I am not certain at this moment as to what I plan to make the vehicle function for. I thought about using it as a work truck essentially for hauling items that obviously won't fit in my car. Or even just making it a custom classic vehicle given its age. I was informed by the owner that I am getting the vehicle from that I may expect to run into issues finding information about this vehicle apparently it's a rather rare vehicle to come across.

additionally I have attempted to search up the VIN number of the vehicle or what is believed and listed on the title as the VIN number to no avail so currently that is no help that I could find.

the engine is believed to be a Ford 292 but I do not think this is correct from what I gather from the Ford 292 it is a straight 6 and this engine is most definitely a v format.

hopefully there is someone out there with a vehicle like this on this form that has some information that could be of use to me thanks.

 

I don't know if this helps but did you try searching Ford P350. , Doug.

 

The 292 is a Ford Y-block V8.

You have a DeKalb "Forward Van". Some body pics & info here:

DeKalb Body Co., DeKalb Wagon Co., Sycamore Wagon Co., Dekalb Commercial Body Co., DeKalb Truck, Shipman Bradt & Co., Bradt Shipman, Illinois - Coachbult.com

So now you're either going to have to deliver furniture, or be a Culligan Man

 

The link will not load for me. ( nevermind I just had to open it in a new tab instead ) no I will be the crazy guy driving the tardis delivery truck when im done.

 

You left off the first line of your warranty plate - the sequence number (last 6 digits) determines what year this beast is. The year determines a lot of the rest of it. But, here's a rough stab at it without knowing what year it is. Has to be 1964 or older.

104" Wheelbase.

P = Color Code (might mean Primer in this case)

P350 = Parcel Delivery 8,000 Lbs. GVW Rating (Gas)

88 = P100/P350 Parcel Delivery

F = Warner T-98 4-speed Manual Transmission

23 = Dana (Spicer) 70 - Single speed - 5.13:1 ratio

8,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

135 net HP @ 3,800 RPM

54 - Omaha, NE - District Sales Office - where the original selling dealer ordered the truck from

If you give us the first portion of your VIN, maybe leaving off the last 3 numbers if you are concerned, would help nail it.

P35CXYYYYYY

X is going to be the Assembly Plant - I suspect either D = Dallas or V = Kentucky Truck

Chad

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This is a P350 'rolling chassis' that DeKalb mounted their body on.

 

Did I goof? I was looking at Text Section 70 Page 8 one up from the bottom. Seems to be code F and says Warner Gear T-98 and indicates it is a 4 speed. But, that's under 1964.

Ah, I see I had a typo there. Fixed. Thanks. Dyslexia strikes again!!!

Chad

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For the X it is actually an H. But as for the vin I do not know it. But its p35ch937855 for the warrenty number. Hope this helps find more info. The info you supplied was helpful especally its point of origin. I would be extremely surprised if it was sold anywhere but Nebraska.

And yes its a 1963

 

Can you check that Warranty Number again? Could the 9 actually be a 3 or 4? Post another picture of your warranty plate slightly higher up if you want us to look, too.

Typically the Warranty Number and the VIN are one and the same. I won't say always, but very common.

P35 = P350 (Gas) 8,000 Lbs. GVWR

C = 292 2bbl

H = Lorain, OH Assembly Plant - didn't think of it but that's not too far away.

437855 = July 1963

937855 = would seem like some gap between 1966 and 1967 that doesn't exist, but maybe with these units - hard to know.

Chad

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Serial number, the last 6 digits of the VIN cannot be 937855. 6 numbered serial numbers ended in 1966 @ 914000.

1963 serial number range: 325001-445000.

1967/77, the serial number is a letter followed by 5 numbers. 1978/80, the serial number is 2 letters followed by 4 numbers.

These serial numbers apply to ALL 1961/80 trucks, Econolines and 1966/80 Bronco's.

 

sorry I sorry I transposed the 9 and the three

P35ch397855 is the correct warranty number

at least I'm not the at least I'm not the only one suffering from dyslexia here today lol