Need help with serial numbers
 

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.

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

These 2 links should be of help to you.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...ialnumbers.htm

http://www.wnyrg.org/canvins.html

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1612229976
1938 Ford Truck.

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

85 and 95 are Fords horsepower ratings.

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1612229976
1939 Ford Truck.

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1612231487
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.

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

Ford used I in place of 1(one),
BB was the designation for big trucks (133 or 157 inch wheel base)

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

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.

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

I understand that the 95 hp [Mercury eng] used the 99 prefix. My '40 BB 95 hp does. Newc

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

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!

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

I see that. Thanks JP

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

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.

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

Got it. Thanks!

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

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.

Re: Need help with serial numbers
 

.

If your SIXES (6) and NINES (9) have a straight tail, then those ONES (1) are actually a letter "I" in place of a "1". Ford made these changes to help deter thefts. Example compliments of Mac VanPelt....click on the link below. DD


http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...tamp-fonts.jpg