How to Identify Early Ford Frames
- 1). Find the frame serial number. Van Pelt Sales' early Ford serial number page notes the only visible one is the forward stamping, with the other two accessible when the vehicle is off the frame. Locate the number by looking looking down toward the driver's side frame, toward the firewall under the hood. Beginning with the first vehicle manufactured that year and ending with the last, the number consists of hand-stamped, 1/4-inch characters, preceded and followed by an asterisk to prevent alteration. An illustration of the frame serial number locations is found at the bottom of the Van Pelt Sales' page.
- 2). Determine the frame's year of manufacture by cross-referencing the sequential number to the listing found on Van Pelt Sale's early Ford serial number page. The listing shows the first and last vehicle serial number for each year; you have to fit your number between the two.
- 3). Locate the engine code. The serial number is also stamped on the top of the transmission flange where the transmission mounts to the engine, visible when the floorboard and transmission cover plate are removed. An illustration of its location is found on Van Pelt Sales' transmission flange serial number location page.
- 4). Decode the engine number.
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