1951 F3 Decode
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
R = 239 2V Flathead V8.
1 = 1951.
Assembly Plant code unreadable.
Complete 1951 Numerical Sequence of Assembly unreadable.
6,800 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
122" Wheelbase.
90 net HP @ 3,500 RPM
4 Speed Transmission.
AXLE = ?
M = Meadow Green.
Production code looks fishy. 5J = Assembled September (J) 5, 1950.
We need a clearer pic of the plate, shot at the correct angle so we don't get stiff necks attempting to read it.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,174
Likes: 4,782
From: Burbank, WA
Another interesting item of note is, the style of your rating plate on the glove box door is the new type, introduced "approximately September 4, 1951" according to the Ford parts catalog model identification section. Your truck being scheduled for build on September 5, 1951 (the 5J part of the production code) would have been one of the first trucks to receive the new style plate.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Another interesting item of note is, the style of your rating plate on the glove box door is the new type, introduced "approximately September 4, 1951" according to the Ford parts catalog model identification section. Your truck being scheduled for build on September 5, 1951 
(the 5J part of the production code) would have been one of the first trucks to receive the new style plate.
(the 5J part of the production code) would have been one of the first trucks to receive the new style plate.Historically, new vehicles are introduced in September of the previous year, so production begins in August.
A vehicle assembled in September 1951 would be a 1952 model.
First year: A = January, M = December, the letter I is skipped.
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Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,986
Likes: 444
From: Central Illinois
Add my welcome. Where is the emergency brake handle? If it’s in the left footwell it’s an early truck, or right of the shifter for a late 1951 truck. The early trucks feature the 14” Lockheed rear drums that necessitated the 17” widow maker wheels. You’ll want to do some Google search time on the “widow maker” and “Firestone RH-5°” terms. Your prior owner already replaced your left front wheel with one from a Chevy/GMC. That one is safer than the others but won't fit your rear hubs. Stu
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,174
Likes: 4,782
From: Burbank, WA
J code was used for September the first year, so the OP's truck was assembled in 1951
Historically, new vehicles are introduced in September of the previous year, so production begins in August.
A vehicle assembled in September 1951 would be a 1951 model.
First year: A = January, M = December, the letter I is skipped.
Historically, new vehicles are introduced in September of the previous year, so production begins in August.
A vehicle assembled in September 1951 would be a 1951 model.
First year: A = January, M = December, the letter I is skipped.
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