ford f1 firewall stamp.. how to read?
 

have a 1950 F1.. on the firewall are these letters/numbers stamped into it... MPC 81 A 3 H200

How do I figure out what this means?

Thanks,
Marko

Re: ford f1 firewall stamp.. how to read?
 

MP could be the Memphis assembly plant, C is conventional wheel base pickup( F-1), not sure about the 81(could be the 81st pickup off the assembly line for a particular week), the A is probably the color which should be black, the 3 is for 3 speed transmission , the H should be for the 226 cubic inch 6 cylinder motor and I'm not sure about the 200 although it may have something to do with the motor. Firewall stampings are not the most accurate way to check the build history. The most accurate is the plate on the inside of the glove box door. The info I have supplied comes from my interpretation of the codes used in the 48-52 Ford Truck Chassis Parts Catalog.

Re: ford f1 firewall stamp.. how to read?
 

I would say that is pretty close. MT Flat can usually decipher the unknown bits like the "81". This was a good discussion about the firewall codes over on another forum: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/42...ut-off-47.html

Re: ford f1 firewall stamp.. how to read?
 

81 is the actual body style, like a conv. is a 76. It's in the front of the parts books.

Re: ford f1 firewall stamp.. how to read?
 

Is this truck from Canada?

Re: ford f1 firewall stamp.. how to read?
 

Mt no, i don't think so.

this is what I have on the fire wall....MPC 81 A 3 H200

inside the glove box on the tag it reads..4700 LBS....98RC429918... 9RC

Re: ford f1 firewall stamp.. how to read?
 

The Ford patent plate on the firewall should read like *98RC *429918* then two letters which would tell you what plant made the truck 9 is 49-50 8 for V-8 R for V-8 and C for 1/2/ton. This is what is on the data plates on the F-1s tha I have.

Re: ford f1 firewall stamp.. how to read?
 

Could these be the numbers actually stamped in the sheet metal itself? Sure sounds like it.

Re: ford f1 firewall stamp.. how to read?
 

Barry
yes these numbers/letters are stamped into the sheet metal itself. I wished I said that the 1st time i posted this question.

Re: ford f1 firewall stamp.. how to read?
 

After giving this a second look, here's some ideas that seem to hold up from the available data.

In late 50, all the plants started to vary the pattern for Serial numbers. MP was one of the first. I have 3 similar numbers and comparing your serial number with others, this is my best guess:

Memphis assembly plant - MP
Half-ton standard cab - C81
Exterior color Black - A
Assembly date August 3 - 3H
Vehicle down the line - 200

Enjoy your truck!

Re: ford f1 firewall stamp.. how to read?
 

Thanks MT. Nice to know this info... and the trucks Birthday too.