vin number

R

Ray Parson

Well-known member
ok guys i just bought my 2nd 34 panel delivery the man i got it from has 5 frames what nead to know is what numbers to look for what numbers tell me its a panel i know they all start with 18 can you help thanks for your time
 
Information about body style is not encoded in the serial number. All passenger cars and 1/2 ton pickups and panels that were built on a passenger car chassis are all in the same serial number series. The serial number actually belonged to the engine/transmission unit and was stamped on the bell of the trans above the clutch inspection window. When that engine/trans unit got bolted into a chassis, the serial number on the transmission was copied onto the frame. All the serial number tells you is whether it's within the range of numbers for the model year and how early or late in the model run the original engine and trans was built.
 
Early Ford Serial Numbers
For Cars and Trucks Manufactured for the USA Market from 1932 to 1953​

Model YearMake and EnginePassenger Car Model (note a)First Serial Number
(See note B below)1932V81818- 001 to 18- 203,126
1933V84018- 203,127 to 18- 457,477
1934V84018- 457,478 to 18-1,234,356
1935V84818-1,234,357 to 18-2,207,110
1936V86818-2,207,111 to 18-3,331,856
1937V8 - 60hp
V8 - 85hp74
7854- 6,602 to 54- 358,334
18-3,331,857 to 18-4,186,446
1938V8 - 60hp
V8 - 85hp82A
81A54- 358,335
18-4,186,447 to 18-4,661,000 (f)
Other: From 1932 through 1948 vehicles, Ford Motor Company stamped the serial number into the top of the driver's side frame rail in three locations.
This same number was also stamped into the top of the transmission-to-engine housing portion of the transmission. This location was visible when the
floorboard and transmission cover plate were removed (click here for a picture example). Of the frame-stamped serial numbers, only the forward-most
stamping was visible when looking down into the engine compartment (located between the front crossmember and the dash (firewall). The two other frame
locations are visible only when the body is removed from the frame. The serial numbers were metal stamped with numbers/letters approximately 1/4" in height.
The number (including the prefixes shown) was always preceded by (and followed by) a stamped "star" similar to an asterisk. It is believed that this was
done to prevent someone from fraudulently adding a digit to the beginning or ending of a serial number in order to alter its identification. From the
Ford Service Bulletins there is a bulletin dated April 15, 1938 that refers to "Engine Numbers". The subject covers the use of the correct stamps when
reconditioned cylinder assemblies are stamped by dealers. The bulletin goes on to say that the dealers should use the K.R. Wilson number A404B stamp
set. The 1940 K.R. Wilson tool catalog shows the A404B stamp set of 11 stamps (numbers 0 thru 9 plus the "star"). The same catalog shows a new
number A404 stamp set of three (just the 6 stamp, the 9 stamp, and the I stamp). The K.R. Wilson catalog states that "The design of engine numbers
has been changed to lessen the possibility of outside individuals attempting to change engine numbers. The figures I-6-9 have been changed.
Dealers should immediately provide themselves with the new figures - One-Six-Nine. See Ford Service Bulletin, Subject No. 6000 (Engine) Page 22."
ford-vinstamp-fonts.jpg

Lamar is correct, but note that is for V8 models, they start with *18-. The 4 cylinder starts with *A or *AB and is located on the frame, but also on a casting BETWEEN the engine and transmission. See the Van Pelt website for more.
 
You can tell a commercial frame from passenger by the locations of many holes, so if only one is commercial you have an answer. Richard EV8 has posted this info recently, I hope, as older posts aren't searchable yet. There might be body details that would mark body as early or late 1934, but that would require someone with a LOT of '34 commercial experience. Last possible clue might be number of spring leaves if rear spring is still there on the frame.
 
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