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Would sure appreciate it if someone could help with with an early Ford serial number that I can't figure out. It's the number stamped on the frame of my '41 Ford truck project (1/2 ton). I've looked at the list of serial numbers shown on www.vanpeltsales.com and can't seem to find a fit. I was just curious what model year this frame was as I understand the same frame was made for cars and trucks from 1935 to 41.
The number stamped on the left frame rail in front of firewall is 18 37I7722 (note, I'm guessing at the '8' as only the lower circle of the digit is readable -- I guess it could be a '6' also?). Also, note that the second digit after the '3' is stamped like a capital 'I'. A footnote on the vanpeltsales web site indicates this was to represent a '1' and comes from a 1940 stamp set that was used at the factory. That makes sense, but the number 3717722 doesn't fit in the range of serial numbers shown for 1940 or 1941. That is the same number repeated at the mid-rail and rear-rail positions as well.
Anybody have a good guess at what year the frame was made in?
Thanks- Ken
The frame numbers you give put it in the year 1936. It is odd that it is part of a '41 truck, however, in the 70+ years a frame swap could have been a possibility for some reason. But you're right, your frame numbers do not put it as a '40 or '41. The 18 would be right though, no 16 was used. As for the I instead of 1, not sure what to tell you on that one why it would be on a '36 frame. But it could be a possibility that I was used earlier than '40 on the line. With these old Fords and the hand stamped serial numbers anything was possible. But very good chance your frame is '36 judging by the number.
Thanks Gary. I guess it's no surprise that the frame doesn't fit the sheet metal. Like you said, a lot things can happen in 70+ years of fooling with these old trucks! I appreciate your answer.
I picked up a 3 speed for my '46. I bought it because it had the '39+ style gears in it. When I checked the serial number I noticed that it was an older case, I think it was in the '36-'37 range. It also had the I instead of the 1, so I think at least some plants were stamping the I earlier than '40. Is the first 1 an I as well -- I notice that you designated that as a 1.
As far as the frame goes, I would not find it odd that it got swapped out, past accident, rust through, you never know what the old farmers do to keep something going.
I found V.I.N. Numbers for a 41 Sedan Delivery that rage from the following
18-5896295 to 18-6769035
Now the frames were the same for Cars 35-41, and though little difference the Car Frames fit the Trucks 35-40. I believe that the 41 Truck had the Gas Tank under the Seat. Where the cars had them at the rear of the Frame.
Thats the closest I came to amount of numbers that you have on your Frame.
Usually 18 is Designated to 1932.
I know this doesen't answer your question as you wanted but if you dig a little deeper you may find the answer.
Just for interest sake the 32 Frame was a little different than the rest of the later Fords. Take a look at the bottom Frame Rail and if it has a little curve out at the bottom, its a 32. Worth a few bucks to the 32 guys, you just may have stumbled onto a little treasure.
While the 18 is commonly associated with the 1932 Ford (the 1932 was called model 18) it was used for the 85 and90 HP V8 all the way through the end of '42. But the number does put it as a '36.
The '41 pickup had the tank mounted on the frame under the bed, with filler pipe in the driver's side rear fender. In '42 is when Ford moved the tank under set in all tone ratings.
Sorry for not joining in on the discussion after throwing out the question ... been away for the last few weeks. Anyway, thanks for all feedback on this one. After a bit more research, I'm fairly sure that Gary is nearest the correct year. He says '36 ... the vanpeltsales.com web site indicates ser# 18-37I7722 fell in the range used in for '37 models, if I'm reading it correctly. In any event, it sure isn't a '40 or '41. For this project, that's OK ... the cab is a 42-47, but when I'm done it'll be a '40. It'll be like Johnny Cash's "One Piece At A Time" car ... It's a 36,37, 40, 41, 42 ... automobile !!
My son found just the cab of an old F-250 truck out in the woods and was asking what year and details I could find. Normally this has not been a problem for me but even I am now stumped. If anyone can shed some light on this, that would be great. Thanks
My son found just the cab of an old F-250 truck out in the woods and was asking what year and details I could find. Normally this has not been a problem for me but even I am now stumped. If anyone can shed some light on this, that would be great. Thanks
This is a Canadian Ford. The plate resembles what I have found for early 1960s but there are definitely some differences. Do you have a pict of the actual cab, might be able to more closely match the info on the plate with a year series. The first set of numbers 11144 is the serial number and will indicate the year, what I found though suggest that this # should be followed by a letter code as well.
Thanks for the reply and yes pictures should be coming my way but with winter and snow up north that may be difficult now but will pass them along when I get them.
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