How do I decode my serial #?

In this post will look at the 1969, 1970-1971, 1972-1973 and 1974-1977 serial # breakdowns. *1969 through 1971 and 1974 to 1977 are completed, 1972 to 1973 will be soon*

1969

1969 consisted of a 10 character serial #.

Example 1161872000

  • Model Code – 11
  • No. of Cylinders – 6
  • Assembly Plant – 1
  • Sequence Number 872000

The information below relates to the engine but does not provided data for anything larger than a 1 ton truck:

  • 6 – Denotes six-cylinder engine. This could be a 251 L-head six or a 170,198 or 225 Slant Six. Conventional pickups and A-series compacts came with the Slant Six while the WM-300’s came with the L-head sixes.
  • 8 – Denotes V8 engine. This could be the LA-273, A-318, LA-318 (’67 and up), B-361 or the B-383.

1970-1971

1970 consisted of a 13 character serial #.

Example A13AA0U100001

  • Model Code – A1
  • Body – 3
  • GVW – A
  • Engine – A
  • Model Year – 0
  • Assembly Plant – U
  • Sequence Number – 100001

Model Year would be 0 for 1970 or 1 for 1971

1972-1973

1972-1973 consisted of a 13 character serial #.

Example R91HW3T000001

  • Model Code – R9
  • Body – 1
  • GVW – H
  • Engine – W
  • Model Year – 3
  • Assembly Plant – T
  • Sequence Number – 000001

Model Year would be 2 for 1972 or 3 for 1973

1974-1977

1974-1977 consisted of a 13 character serial #.

Example R91HW5T000001

  • Model Code – R9
  • Body – 1
  • GVW – H
  • Engine – W
  • Model Year – 5
  • Assembly Plant – T
  • Sequence Number – 000001

Model Year would be 4 for 1974, 5 for 1975, 6 for 1976 and 7 for 1977

1974-75 Plant assembly sequential number. All plants will commence model.

1976-77 year production with 000001.

Over the years there were noticeable changes to the Vehicle Identification Plates in the trucks.

1974-1977 Truck Vehicle Plates

From ’72 and up, this sticker became more of a common item found on the trucks. The Equipment Identification Plate. It could have been mounted on the interior of the fenders or interior of the cab door sill area on the larger trucks. It would provide the production items or special equipment codes and description as to how the truck was equipped.