Need help understanding parts book
- Thread starter chevy43
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You will need to go by the prefix to figure out what year. As an example, 01A is 1940, 91A is 1939.
In the front of your parts book, there are pages dedicated to listing what prefix is what year / model.
Some parts will have an earlier year prefix that will apply to many years. As an example, "91" is 1939. However, many of the parts engineered and produced for 1939 Fords were also used without change in 1940.
In your parts book, there is a column just right of the description that lists specific models within any given year.
In the front of your parts book, there are pages dedicated to listing what prefix is what year / model.
Some parts will have an earlier year prefix that will apply to many years. As an example, "91" is 1939. However, many of the parts engineered and produced for 1939 Fords were also used without change in 1940.
In your parts book, there is a column just right of the description that lists specific models within any given year.
Karl Wescott
Well-known member
"Generally, but not always" is the best rule with Ford parts books.
For mechanical and chassis parts (prefix)-1 to (prefix)-19999 the base part number will tell WHAT the part is, ie a transmission gear or radiator cap or such.
The prefix gives the year/model of the FIRST use of that part. So a 1940 transmission might have some mix of A-(1928-31), B-(1932-34 4cyl), 48-(1935), 01A-(1940) etc components.
The suffix -A etc, is a variation on the theme. Might be color, might be a different design, could even be a different style (-A for 1939 standard, -B for 1939 deluxe). Note in 1928-31 practice Ford did not have a separate prefix so -A might be 1928-29 and -B might be 1930-31. If there is an "R" at the back of the suffix Ford replaced that part with a newer variation (-AR, -BR etc).
Use caution with the parts books. If you find a part that show for a earlier year with a later suffix that tends to indicate a replacement part that might be different from a "true" original. For example the "green bible" shows an 01A- part number for a 1939 Delxue front fender. A 1939 parts book shows a 91A- part number. The two are quite different in detail but the 1940 fender will bolt on in place of the 1939 fender.
The true EXPERTS, of which Kube and DavidG are among the select group, will strive to find an original engineering drawing to base an opinion, as the parts books might be a good indication but not a 100% reliable source.
For mechanical and chassis parts (prefix)-1 to (prefix)-19999 the base part number will tell WHAT the part is, ie a transmission gear or radiator cap or such.
The prefix gives the year/model of the FIRST use of that part. So a 1940 transmission might have some mix of A-(1928-31), B-(1932-34 4cyl), 48-(1935), 01A-(1940) etc components.
The suffix -A etc, is a variation on the theme. Might be color, might be a different design, could even be a different style (-A for 1939 standard, -B for 1939 deluxe). Note in 1928-31 practice Ford did not have a separate prefix so -A might be 1928-29 and -B might be 1930-31. If there is an "R" at the back of the suffix Ford replaced that part with a newer variation (-AR, -BR etc).
Use caution with the parts books. If you find a part that show for a earlier year with a later suffix that tends to indicate a replacement part that might be different from a "true" original. For example the "green bible" shows an 01A- part number for a 1939 Delxue front fender. A 1939 parts book shows a 91A- part number. The two are quite different in detail but the 1940 fender will bolt on in place of the 1939 fender.
The true EXPERTS, of which Kube and DavidG are among the select group, will strive to find an original engineering drawing to base an opinion, as the parts books might be a good indication but not a 100% reliable source.
Last edited:
Charlie Stephens
Well-known member
The following is my understand of the system:
Assignment of part numbers at Ford was not random but instead was approached in a logical manner. Blocks of basic part numbers (groups of numbers) were assigned according to their function. An example of this is that the engine components were assigned numbers from 6008 through 6856 (a complete list of these basic part numbers is contained in the table). Continuing the example within the block of numbers “6050” was assigned to the cylinder head. This number would continue to define the cylinder head as future parts were identified by new prefixes and suffixes. When later V8’s required a different cylinder head for each side of the engine the left head continued to be numbered “6050” while the right head was designated “6049”. A prefix was added to the basic part number representing the application for which the part was first used. These prefixes are shown on the illustrations at the back of the “Green Bible”. All Model A (1928-1931) part numbers began with “A” for passenger vehicle and “AA” for heavy trucks. When the 1932 vehicles were introduced the part numbers began with “B” for the 4 cylinder and common parts, with “18” for the parts unique to the V8 and with “BB” for the large trucks. Any Model A parts that were used in the 1932 vehicles were renumbered. Any part that was unique to the Model A retained the “A” prefix. This concept is important to the Model A owner because it explains why some Model A parts in the supplier’s catalogs carry a “B” prefix while others have an “A” prefix. The model year 1932 was the last time that Ford would completely renumber all the parts. In 1933 the prefix was “40” for the passenger car, “46” for the commercial and “BB” for the large trucks. Parts that remained the same from 1932 were not renumbered. If after the original release of the part a change was made such that the part was not functionally interchangeable a suffix was added to the part number beginning with ”A” and extending through the alphabet
Ford Basic part Numbers
(The following information is from the Ford Chassis Parts and Accessories Catalog dated November 1950 and has evolved slightly since the Model A era.)
1012-1244 Wheels, Hubs & Drums
1350-1498 Spare Wheel Carrier
2004-2441 Brakes (Service)
2442-2597 Brake Controls
2600-2866 Brakes (Hand)
3010-3446 Front Axle
3503-3743 Steering Gear
4000-4799 Rear Axle
4803-4906 Coupling Shaft
5000-5194 Frame & Brackets
5230-5293 Muffler & Exhaust Pipe
5300-5469 Front Spring
5484-5494 Stabilizer
5505-5799 Rear Spring
6008-6856 Engine
7000-7449 Transmission
7501-7620 Clutch
8005-8458 Radiator
8501-8592 Water Pump
8600-8665 Fan
9002-9326 Fuel Tank
9349-9417 Fuel Pump
9424-9488 Manifolds, Clamps, etc.
9502-9685 Carburetor
9700-9819 Accelerator, Throttle & Choke Control Rods
9902-9974 Carburetor
10000-10449 Generator
10505-10653 Cutout & Voltage Regulator
10655-10722 Battery
10732-10732 Battery Support
10844-10990 Instrument Cluster & Ammeter
11002-11383 Starter Motor
11450-11587 Starter Switch
11646-11673 Lighting Switch
12000-12388 Ignition Coil, Distributor, Condenser
12405-12410 Spark Plug
13002-13324 Lamps (Head, Parking & Cowl)
13402-13799 Lamps (Rear & Dome)
13801-13919 Horn
14176-14615 Wiring
15001-15709 Miscellaneous Accessories
16000-16157 Front Fender
16160-16446 Rear Fender
16450-16548 Running Board
16550-16590 Shield
16604-16960 Hood
17005-17125 Tools
17254-17293 Speedometer
17450-17647 Windshield Wiper
17679-17745 Mirrors
17749-17997 Bumpers
18006-18197 Shock Absorber
18204-18998 Miscellaneous Accessories
20039-S - 97015-S Standard Bolts, Screws, Nuts etc.
350001-S - 359932-S Special Bolts, Washers, etc.
The final change to the part numbers was a couple of years ago when Ford decided that anyone utilizing the Ford part numbering system was infringing on their intellectual property. In all fairness to Ford they were probably trying to combat “gyp” parts being produced for current model cars (remember, Henry warned us about “gyp” parts). Now antique parts suppliers can pay Ford to use the Ford part number system but most have chosen to make up their own numbers. Of course no one talks to each other and now the parts numbers really look like “they were pulled at random from a box much like lottery numbers.”
Assignment of part numbers at Ford was not random but instead was approached in a logical manner. Blocks of basic part numbers (groups of numbers) were assigned according to their function. An example of this is that the engine components were assigned numbers from 6008 through 6856 (a complete list of these basic part numbers is contained in the table). Continuing the example within the block of numbers “6050” was assigned to the cylinder head. This number would continue to define the cylinder head as future parts were identified by new prefixes and suffixes. When later V8’s required a different cylinder head for each side of the engine the left head continued to be numbered “6050” while the right head was designated “6049”. A prefix was added to the basic part number representing the application for which the part was first used. These prefixes are shown on the illustrations at the back of the “Green Bible”. All Model A (1928-1931) part numbers began with “A” for passenger vehicle and “AA” for heavy trucks. When the 1932 vehicles were introduced the part numbers began with “B” for the 4 cylinder and common parts, with “18” for the parts unique to the V8 and with “BB” for the large trucks. Any Model A parts that were used in the 1932 vehicles were renumbered. Any part that was unique to the Model A retained the “A” prefix. This concept is important to the Model A owner because it explains why some Model A parts in the supplier’s catalogs carry a “B” prefix while others have an “A” prefix. The model year 1932 was the last time that Ford would completely renumber all the parts. In 1933 the prefix was “40” for the passenger car, “46” for the commercial and “BB” for the large trucks. Parts that remained the same from 1932 were not renumbered. If after the original release of the part a change was made such that the part was not functionally interchangeable a suffix was added to the part number beginning with ”A” and extending through the alphabet
Ford Basic part Numbers
(The following information is from the Ford Chassis Parts and Accessories Catalog dated November 1950 and has evolved slightly since the Model A era.)
1012-1244 Wheels, Hubs & Drums
1350-1498 Spare Wheel Carrier
2004-2441 Brakes (Service)
2442-2597 Brake Controls
2600-2866 Brakes (Hand)
3010-3446 Front Axle
3503-3743 Steering Gear
4000-4799 Rear Axle
4803-4906 Coupling Shaft
5000-5194 Frame & Brackets
5230-5293 Muffler & Exhaust Pipe
5300-5469 Front Spring
5484-5494 Stabilizer
5505-5799 Rear Spring
6008-6856 Engine
7000-7449 Transmission
7501-7620 Clutch
8005-8458 Radiator
8501-8592 Water Pump
8600-8665 Fan
9002-9326 Fuel Tank
9349-9417 Fuel Pump
9424-9488 Manifolds, Clamps, etc.
9502-9685 Carburetor
9700-9819 Accelerator, Throttle & Choke Control Rods
9902-9974 Carburetor
10000-10449 Generator
10505-10653 Cutout & Voltage Regulator
10655-10722 Battery
10732-10732 Battery Support
10844-10990 Instrument Cluster & Ammeter
11002-11383 Starter Motor
11450-11587 Starter Switch
11646-11673 Lighting Switch
12000-12388 Ignition Coil, Distributor, Condenser
12405-12410 Spark Plug
13002-13324 Lamps (Head, Parking & Cowl)
13402-13799 Lamps (Rear & Dome)
13801-13919 Horn
14176-14615 Wiring
15001-15709 Miscellaneous Accessories
16000-16157 Front Fender
16160-16446 Rear Fender
16450-16548 Running Board
16550-16590 Shield
16604-16960 Hood
17005-17125 Tools
17254-17293 Speedometer
17450-17647 Windshield Wiper
17679-17745 Mirrors
17749-17997 Bumpers
18006-18197 Shock Absorber
18204-18998 Miscellaneous Accessories
20039-S - 97015-S Standard Bolts, Screws, Nuts etc.
350001-S - 359932-S Special Bolts, Washers, etc.
The final change to the part numbers was a couple of years ago when Ford decided that anyone utilizing the Ford part numbering system was infringing on their intellectual property. In all fairness to Ford they were probably trying to combat “gyp” parts being produced for current model cars (remember, Henry warned us about “gyp” parts). Now antique parts suppliers can pay Ford to use the Ford part number system but most have chosen to make up their own numbers. Of course no one talks to each other and now the parts numbers really look like “they were pulled at random from a box much like lottery numbers.”
DavidG
Well-known member
Compared to the part numbering system of other auto manufactures, the Ford system with its locked in basic numbers and highly informative prefixes and suffixes makes the others seem lacking rhyme or reason over any extended length of time. It's creation in 1928 was a work of genius. The fact that it is alive and well after 96 years says it all.
Despite it usefulness, it is important to keep in mind that what was published in Ford service part catalogs is just that, a catalog of service parts, not necessarily a catalog of parts used in production. If your aim is restoration, the last resort source is the so-called green bible published decades after the last of a particular vehicle rolled off the the assembly line in extreme cases. Some components, such as shock absorbers, have gone through numerous revisions in the interim and while functionally as good or better than those the vehicle was built with, their appearance has changed markedly.
Despite it usefulness, it is important to keep in mind that what was published in Ford service part catalogs is just that, a catalog of service parts, not necessarily a catalog of parts used in production. If your aim is restoration, the last resort source is the so-called green bible published decades after the last of a particular vehicle rolled off the the assembly line in extreme cases. Some components, such as shock absorbers, have gone through numerous revisions in the interim and while functionally as good or better than those the vehicle was built with, their appearance has changed markedly.
Model51
Well-known member
I will add just a bit to the great information already provided on Ford chassis part numbers. In general, the syntax is "Model Number-Base Part Number-Suffix". The model number designation is assigned when the part is first introduced and represents the model for which it was designed. A part used by later models still is identified by the original model number, so a part originally designed and released for a Model A with a "B-" model number prefix which fits later vehicles will still have the 1932 model number prefix. When a part got re-designed in a significant way, the prefix model number was changed to the latest model. The suffix for parts was, again in general, used to designate minor differences such as finish, or a minor variation.
deuce5wndw
Well-known member
Lots of great information from the experts in this thread. To expand some on the basic number the 7113 cluster gear number you asked about is the same for model A or a new super duty truck just the prefix and suffix change the year and application. Like the others have said just because the parts book says it fits doesn't mean it is correct for your restoration. Proper research from books like Kube's on the 1940 and DavidG's on the 1932 will help make it correct!