The Data Plate is a metal tag affixed to the F-100’s door jamb area, usually on the driver’s side. It contains coded information about how the truck was originally built at the factory, including paint color code, body style, trim level, transmission type, axle ratio, district sales office, and other option codes. The specific information and format varies by generation.
For restorers, the Data Plate is an invaluable reference document. It tells you exactly what the truck should look like and what components it should have if you are pursuing a factory-correct restoration. Paint codes can be cross-referenced to determine the original color, and axle codes reveal the rear gear ratio. This information is essential for concours-level restorations where every detail must match factory specifications.
When purchasing an F-100, inspect the Data Plate for signs of tampering, replacement, or re-riveting. A missing Data Plate is not uncommon on trucks with multiple previous owners, but it makes verifying original configuration more difficult. Online resources and Ford reference guides provide decoding charts for all F-100 model years. Photographing the Data Plate should be one of the first things you do when evaluating a truck for purchase.