Need help with serial numbers

J

JRPatton

Junior Member
I am trying to figure out the serial numbers on a couple of Ford 2 ton (I think) trucks. Supposedly they are a 1938 and 1939. I have located the serial numbers on top of the frame rail, behind the LH front tire. Part of the numbers are clear to read and some not. The truck that I think is a '38 has a serial number of *BB18-4275039* OR it is *BBI8-4275039*. I can't tell if the 3rd digit is a 1 or an I. The '39 truck serial numbers are *99T-101256* OR it's *991-I0I256*. Once again it's hard to tell if they are an 1 or an I. Do all of the serial numbers of that era have letters in a certain position of the serial number? Also one truck has Ford 85 on the hood badge and the other has Ford 95. Are the 85 and 95 designations for the tonnage rating of the trucks? Any help would be greatly appreciated because there are no titles for the trucks and I need the correct serial numbers for the bills of sale.
 

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While the 1938 and 1939 Ford Truck Grilles look similar, there are slight differences.
Above is a closeup shot of both models. Hope that this helps.
 
Ford used I in place of 1(one),
BB was the designation for big trucks (133 or 157 inch wheel base)
 
So the '38 serial is all numbers and no letters other than the BB (BB18-4275039). Would that make the '39 serial 991-101256? No letters in it either? Thanks again.
 
I understand that the 95 hp [Mercury eng] used the 99 prefix. My '40 BB 95 hp does. Newc
 
I'll answer my own question. Looks like the T in the prefix stands for 1 ton or bigger. 99T in the prefix would relate to a 1 ton or bigger with a 95hp engine. Thanks for all of the help!
 
The number or letter you are asking about is a ONE 1 not an I eye. The number is 18 which represents Fords first V8 engine car and truck in 1932 known as the Model 18. The 4 cylinder Ford cars were known as the Model B and the trucks BB in 1932. Regards, Kevin.
 
Welcome to the barn, nice looking projects, if you plan on getting them running keep the pictures coming, also post what part of the country your in, it will help with future questions.
 
That 39 looks a lot different now. Also last time I looked that 38 is still for sale.
 

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