Ford F100 VIN Decoder

What Is a VIN and Why It Matters

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the unique serial code assigned to your truck at the factory. For Ford F100 buyers, sellers, and restorers, the VIN is the single most important piece of documentation on the vehicle. It tells you the model year, where the truck was assembled, what engine it left the factory with, and its position in the production sequence. When you are evaluating a truck for purchase, the VIN is how you confirm that the seller's claims about year, originality, and equipment are accurate.

Ford's identification system evolved significantly across the F100's production run from 1948 to 1983. Early trucks used short serial numbers that conveyed little more than a plant code and sequence number. By the late 1960s, Ford had expanded the format to 11 characters, encoding model year, assembly plant, body series, and engine type. Then in 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated a standardized 17-digit VIN for all vehicles sold in the United States, which is the format still in use today. The last two model years of the F100 -- 1981 through 1983 -- carry this modern 17-digit VIN.

Where you physically find the VIN on your truck also depends on its generation. On the earliest F-Series trucks, the number was stamped into the frame rail. Later models moved it to a plate on the door pillar, and from 1969 onward Ford began placing a VIN plate on the dashboard visible through the windshield. Knowing where to look -- and what format to expect -- is the first step in decoding your truck.

VIN Location by Generation

The table below shows where to find the VIN or serial number on each generation of the Ford F100. On older trucks, corrosion and body work can obscure these locations, so check all listed spots.

Generation	Years	VIN Location
1st	1948–1952	Left frame rail near the front of the truck
2nd	1953–1956	Left door pillar (hinge side) or left frame rail
3rd	1957–1960	Left door pillar (hinge side)
4th	1961–1966	Left door pillar; warranty plate on driver's door
5th	1967–1972	Door data plate; also dashboard visible through windshield (from 1969)
6th	1973–1979	Dashboard visible through windshield (driver's side); door data plate
7th	1980–1983	Dashboard visible through windshield (standardized 17-digit from 1981)

Pre-1953: 1st Generation (1948–1952)

The first-generation F-Series trucks used the simplest identification format. The serial number was stamped directly into the left frame rail near the front of the vehicle. The format consisted of a plant code followed by a model designation and a sequential production number.

The general format was:

[Plant Code][Model Designation][Sequential Number]

For example, a serial number like 98RC100001 breaks down as follows:

• 98R -- Dearborn assembly plant, 1948 model year (the "98" prefix identified the year, with "R" for the plant)
• C -- Conventional cab
• 100001 -- Sequential production number (starting from 100001)

These early serial numbers were not standardized across all Ford plants, and the format shifted slightly between 1948 and 1952 as Ford refined its record-keeping. The key piece of information to extract is the model year prefix and the plant code. Cross-referencing these with Ford's production records can help verify the year and origin of your truck.

1953–1966: 2nd Through 4th Generation

Starting with the 1953 model year -- when the F-100 designation was first introduced -- Ford adopted a more structured VIN format. This system remained broadly consistent through the 4th generation (1966), though minor variations appeared over the years.

The general format was:

[Model Year Code][Assembly Plant][Body/Series Code][Sequential Number]

Here is what each section represents:

• Model Year Code: A letter indicating the model year. For example, S = 1953, T = 1954, U = 1955, V = 1956, W = 1957, X = 1958, Y = 1959, Z = 1960. From 1961 onward Ford used numeric codes: 1 = 1961, 2 = 1962, and so on through 6 = 1966.
• Assembly Plant: A single letter identifying the factory. Common codes include A (Atlanta), B (Oakville, Ontario), C (Chester, PA, for some years), D (Dallas), F (Dearborn), G (Chicago), H (Lorain, OH), K (Kansas City), N (Norfolk), R (San Jose), S (Allen Park pilot plant), and W (Wayne, MI).
• Body/Series Code: A two-character code identifying the truck model. F1 or 10 typically denoted the F-100 half-ton series. On some years this expanded to include the body style (e.g., Styleside vs. Flareside bed).
• Sequential Number: A six-digit production sequence number, typically starting at 100001 for each plant and model year.

As an example, the VIN SF10100001 decodes as: S = 1953, F = Dearborn, 10 = F-100 series, 100001 = first truck in the production sequence.

During the 4th generation (1961--1966), Ford also added a warranty plate to the driver's door with additional data such as body color, trim, transmission type, axle ratio, and district sales code. This plate is valuable for restoration purposes even though the VIN itself remained relatively compact.

1967–1979: 5th and 6th Generation

The 5th generation "Bumpside" (1967--1972) and 6th generation "Dentside" (1973--1979) trucks shared a common 11-character VIN format. This was a significant expansion from earlier formats and is the system most F100 restorers encounter, since these generations account for a large share of surviving trucks. Starting in 1969, Ford began placing a VIN plate on the dashboard visible through the windshield in addition to the door data plate.

The 11-character format breaks down as follows:

Position	Meaning	Example
1	Model year	F = 1975
2	Assembly plant	K = Kansas City
3–4	Body series and model	F1 = F-100 (various sub-codes for body style)
5	Engine code	V = 302 V8
6–11	Sequential production number	100001

Model year codes for this era: 7 = 1967, 8 = 1968, 9 = 1969, 0 = 1970, 1 = 1971, 2 = 1972, 3 = 1973, 4 = 1974, 5 = 1975, 6 = 1976, 7 = 1977, 8 = 1978, 9 = 1979.

Body series codes for F-100 trucks varied slightly across years. Common codes include F10 or F1 for the standard F-100 half-ton. The 3rd and 4th positions together identified whether the truck was a Custom, Ranger, or other trim level in some years.

Engine Codes (1967–1979)

Position 5 of the VIN identifies the engine the truck was originally equipped with at the factory. This is critical for verifying numbers-matching trucks. Common engine codes for the F-100 include:

Code	Engine	Notes
E	223 I6 (3.7L)	Base six-cylinder (1967 only)
U	240 I6 (3.9L)	Standard six-cylinder
L	250 I6 (4.1L)	Replaced the 240 in some years
G	300 I6 (4.9L)	Heavy-duty six-cylinder; introduced 1965
F	302 V8 (5.0L) 2V	Two-barrel carburetor
H	351W V8 (5.8L) 2V	Windsor block, two-barrel
M	351M V8 (5.8L) 2V	Modified block (1975+)
S	390 V8 (6.4L) 2V	FE-series big block
Y	390 V8 (6.4L) 4V	FE-series, four-barrel (performance option)
A	360 V8 (5.9L) 2V	FE-series; replaced 352 in 1968
J	400 V8 (6.6L) 2V	Cleveland-based big block (1971+)

Note that engine codes shifted across model years. A given letter could represent different displacements depending on the year. Always cross-reference the model year (position 1) with the engine code (position 5) when decoding.

Assembly Plant Codes

Position 2 identifies the assembly plant. The most common plant codes for F-100 trucks are:

Code	Plant Location
A	Atlanta, GA
B	Oakville, Ontario, Canada
D	Dallas, TX (1965 only)
E	Mahwah, NJ
F	Dearborn, MI
G	Chicago, IL
H	Lorain, OH
K	Kansas City, MO
N	Norfolk, VA
P	Twin Cities, MN
R	San Jose, CA
S	Allen Park, MI (pilot plant)
T	Edison, NJ
U	Louisville, KY
W	Wayne, MI

1980–1983: 7th Generation

The 7th and final generation of the F-100 spans 1980 through 1983. The 1980 model year still used the older 11-character VIN format described above. Starting with the 1981 model year, Ford adopted the NHTSA-mandated 17-digit VIN format that remains the standard today. This makes 1981--1983 F-100 trucks significantly easier to decode, since the format is universal across all manufacturers.

17-Digit VIN Breakdown

Every position in the 17-digit VIN carries specific meaning:

Position	Meaning	F-100 Values
1	Country of origin	1 = United States, 2 = Canada
2	Manufacturer	F = Ford Motor Company
3	Vehicle type	T = Truck
4	GVWR / Brake type	Varies; indicates gross vehicle weight rating class and brake system
5–7	Model / Body style	F10 = F-100 series; sub-codes for cab/bed configuration
8	Engine code	Same letter-based system (e.g., G = 300 I6, F = 302 V8)
9	Check digit	Computed value used to validate the VIN; not decoded manually
10	Model year	B = 1981, C = 1982, D = 1983
11	Assembly plant	Same plant code letters as earlier generations
12–17	Sequential production number	Six-digit sequence unique to the plant and model year

For example, a VIN of 1FTCF10G3BKA00001 decodes as: 1 = USA, F = Ford, T = Truck, C = GVWR class, F10 = F-100 series, G = 300 I6 engine, 3 = check digit, B = 1981 model year, K = Kansas City plant, A00001 = production sequence.

The 9th-position check digit is calculated using a weighted formula applied to the other 16 characters. It exists to detect transcription errors and VIN fraud. If someone has altered a VIN, the check digit will not validate. While you can verify this manually, most online VIN decoders will flag a mismatched check digit automatically.

How to Use Your VIN

Verifying authenticity and matching numbers. On any F-100 built from the mid-1960s onward, a "numbers-matching" truck -- one with its original engine, transmission, and other major components -- is worth significantly more than one with swapped parts. The engine code in the VIN should correspond to the casting numbers on the block. If the VIN says your truck left the factory with a 302 V8 but the block is cast as a 351, you know the engine has been replaced. For pre-1967 trucks where the VIN carries less detail, the door data plate (when present) and factory build sheets are the best sources for verifying original equipment.

Determining original equipment. Beyond the engine, the door data plate on 4th-generation and later trucks encodes the original axle ratio, transmission type, paint color, trim level, and the sales district the truck was shipped to. Combined with the VIN, this data lets you build a complete picture of how the truck was originally configured. This is invaluable for correct restorations and for sourcing the right parts.

Title and registration considerations. When buying an F-100, always compare the VIN on the truck to the VIN on the title. On older trucks, previous owners may have inadvertently transposed digits when filling out paperwork, which can create issues at the DMV. If the VIN on the frame or data plate does not match the title, you will need to get the discrepancy resolved before the vehicle can be registered -- a process that varies by state and can be time-consuming. For trucks old enough to lack a dashboard VIN plate, some states may require a physical inspection to verify the VIN stamped on the frame rail. It is always better to catch these issues before you hand over money.

Data Plate Code Reference

Beyond the VIN, Ford F-100 trucks from the mid-1960s onward carried a door data plate with additional factory-build codes. These codes identify the original paint color, interior trim, transmission, rear axle ratio, body style, and the sales district that ordered the truck. For an interactive decoder, use the Data Plate Decoder tool.

Exterior Paint Color Codes

Ford used single-character codes on the data plate to identify the exterior paint color. These codes changed every model year. A few colors -- Raven Black (code A), Wimbledon White (code M), Chrome Yellow (code G), and Candyapple Red (code T) -- persisted across many years. Below is a representative sample for the 1967-1972 "Bumpside" era. For a complete year-by-year lookup, use the Data Plate Decoder.

Code	Color Name	Years Available
A	Raven Black	1967–1979
C	Pure White	1967–1974
G	Chrome Yellow	1967–1978
M	Wimbledon White	1967–1979
T	Candyapple Red	1969–1979
S	Dark Blue Metallic	1973–1979
J	Silver Metallic	1976–1979

Two-tone paint was common on F-100 trucks. The data plate may show two color codes, with the first representing the upper body and the second the lower body.

Transmission Codes

The data plate transmission code identifies the factory-installed gearbox. The most common codes for F-100 trucks:

Code	Transmission	Type	Years
A	New Process 435	4-speed manual	1967–1979
B	Warner T-85/T-86 Overdrive	3-speed manual OD	1967–1972
C	Ford Light Duty (column shift)	3-speed manual	1967–1979
F	Warner T-18 Synchronized	4-speed manual	1967–1983
G	Cruise-O-Matic / C6	3-speed automatic	1967–1979
P	Warner T-19 Synchronized	4-speed manual	1968–1983
T	AOD (Automatic Overdrive)	4-speed automatic	1981–1983

Rear Axle Codes

Rear axle codes on the data plate identify the axle manufacturer, gear ratio, and whether the axle has a locking (Traction-Lok) differential. Letter codes indicate locking differentials; numeric codes indicate standard non-locking axles.

Code	Ratio	Manufacturer	Locking	Capacity
02	3.00	Ford	No	3,300 lb
08	3.50	Ford	No	3,300 lb
H2	3.50	Ford	Yes	3,750 lb
H3	4.11	Ford	Yes	3,750 lb
C7	3.54	Dana 60	Yes	5,200 lb
C8	3.73	Dana 60	Yes	5,200 lb
B4	4.10	Dana 60	Yes	5,200 lb
D6	3.73	Dana 70	Yes	7,400 lb

This is a representative sample. Ford used over 50 different axle codes across the F-100 production run. Use the Data Plate Decoder to look up your specific code.

Body Style Codes

The body style code on the data plate identifies the cab and bed configuration:

Code	Body Style	Years
4 / 99	Styleside Pickup	1970–1983
3 / 83	Flareside Pickup	1970–1983
8	Chassis Cab	1970–1983
81	Conventional Cab	1967–1969
5 / 80	Platform / Platform Stake	1970–1979

DSO District Codes

The DSO (District Special Order) code identifies which Ford sales district originally ordered the truck. This can help determine the truck's original market and may explain regional options. Common codes include:

Code	District	Region
11	Boston	US
13	New York	US
33	Detroit	US
41	Chicago	US
53	Kansas City	US
61	Dallas	US
71	Los Angeles	US
74	Seattle	US
83	Government	Special
B1	Central	Canada
B7	Pacific	Canada

Production Numbers

The following F-100 production figures are from verified sources. Production data for some model years is not publicly available and has been omitted rather than estimated.

Year	F-100 Production	Notes
1953	116,437
1954	130,593
1955	124,842
1956	163,398
1973	429,664	Final year before F-150 introduced
1974	441,313	SuperCab introduced
1975	228,064	F-150 introduced alongside F-100
1976	225,154
1977	197,822
1978	158,591
1979	225,893

The sharp drop in F-100 production from 1975 onward reflects the introduction of the F-150, which gradually absorbed most of the F-100's market. By 1977, F-150 production exceeded F-100 production, and the F-100 was discontinued entirely after the 1983 model year.