FWIW, 1978 and 1979 F150s had a valid code (F151) for 6150 GVW trucks. Maybe the earlier trucks were F130s with the 6150 GVW to escape the emission law where anything that weight belows 6000 GVW must use unleaded gas and had a catalytic converter installed.

I like this truck and its in pretty good shape. I knew something was different when I noticed the eight lugs on the wheels, then started some research. I spoke to a guy that works for a dealer in Marble Falls, TX and he thought someone along the line switched out the ID plate on the door. That did not happen due to all the numbers matching from the original window sticker and what's on the truck.

If I can figure out how to post a picture of the truck I will.

David

These trucks really sound just like the Mexican F-200 that started in 1976 in Mexico. We see a few from mexico from time to time come harvest time here.

8 lug wheels is a typical F-200 trait.

This would be quite something if this turns out to be the rarest US/Canada F-series production in history.

I would like to see a pic of the F200.

OK,
Ill put it to rest....I have the answer you all seek! These trucks are actually built by Space Aliens! So far thats the only logical explanation for their existance lol. Seriously though...I think 81-F-150-Explorer may be on the right track in a way....maybey we need to start looking to build records from the international division of Ford. Maybey they're actually built in South America? Now that theres a repeat example of the VIN code perhaps we can reference all three to different countries? Or maybey theyre even from as far away as Austraila?

Dunno....one things for sure...it will be interesting to see how this whole thing pans out if it ever does.
-Chris

Welcome To FTE

F13 = Your Guess Is As Good As Mine

Y = 360 V8 2V

L = Michigan Truck

C34264 = 1976

133 = 133" Wheel Base

S = Dark Nectarine Metallic

P = Brite Dark Blue Metallic

F130 = See F13 Above

DB = Blue All Vinyl-Bench Seat

4 = Ranger Styleside

G = 3 Speed Automoatic Transmission = C6

23 = 3.31-1 .. Dana 61-1 .. Non Locking

J = Power Steering

:-X25

I thought San Jose (code R) was North America ? ;)

Space Aliens ?

maybe Legal/Illegal Aliens ?

But what if the R code stands for something completely different in the international division? I guess is my question...I would assume that Ford would keep seperate systems for domestic and international builds. So.....R code here stands for San Jose in the domestic sytem...but R may stand for a completely different city in the international system of their records :-huh . I dunno thats just the thought I had....kinda like fiction vs. non fiction in the library ya know....you need to look under the appropriate heading to get results and perhaps no one has yet...or perhaps they didnt keep as accurate records for other countries?
See....and if they used the same basic other letters and numbers for eveything else it would spec out in the doemstic system. In other words....the domestic and forigen systems are alike enough to almost inter change but different enough to be distingushed ( F13...VS...F15).

-Chris

I've already looked.

P is the international code

See the thread about the Australian F-series truck.

I added pictures of my truck if anyone wants to see them.

I kind of hopped in late on this thread but it was like reading a good book to be left hanging at the end. what happend? Im just as curious as yall.

Nick

Don't you just love a good mystery? Maybe my April Fool's comment has some merit after all.....



Pete :-D

The book says your truck is a Ranger, but something isn't right, because Rangers had side trim...your truck doesn't. Was it removed?

The hubcaps are correct = C8UZ-1130-B for a F250, as are the 16" wheels.

Your truck was built in Michigan (L), the other was built in San Jose (R).

R = Assembly Plant Code originally refered to Richmond CA assembly plant. New assembly plant in San Jose still used the R code when it opened in 1957.

F130 = The mystery continues...

I'm not sure if the truck is a Ranger model or not. The glove box has the custom emblem on the door. If there was any side trim it isn't there now and I think the mirrors are different as well. The lower mounts on the mirrors are in the center channel of the body, so no trim would work in this area. It also appears that there is an imperfection where the original mirrors were mounted (small divets). I wish I could find out the original trim package it came with. My plan is to get it back to original.

You should see it here

http://storm.tocmp.com/fordpickup1976.htm