--- title: "Ford F-100 Data Plate Decoder: Paint, Trim, Axle & DSO Codes (1961-1983) | fordf100s.com" description: "Free decoder for supported Ford F-100 data plate codes — paint color, trim, transmission, rear axle, DSO district, and more. Covers 1961–1983 models." canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/data-plate-decoder/" last_updated: "2026-08-09" --- 1. [ Home ](/) 2. / Data Plate Decoder Free Tool # Ford F-100 Data Plate Decoder: Paint, Trim, Axle & DSO Codes (1961-1983) Free decoder for supported Ford F-100 data plate codes — paint color, trim, transmission, rear axle, DSO district, and more. Covers 1961–1983 models. fordf100s.com · Updated August 9, 2026 Next useful step ## Pair these codes with the VIN The data plate adds configuration details; the VIN helps verify the series, original engine application, assembly plant, and model year when the format encodes it. [ Open the VIN decoder → ](/vin-decoder/) [ Prepare for an inspection ](/buyers-guides/) Sources & Editorial ReviewSource reviewed Reviewed by the [FordF100s.com editorial team](/about/#editorial-standards) on July 17, 2026. Supported paint, trim, transmission, axle, DSO, body, and wheelbase rows were checked against the local source-backed tables and year-specific references. Ambiguous rows are intentionally withheld instead of being guessed; scheduled build/date codes remain outside the current decoder scope. References used 1. [Ford Heritage Vault](https://fordheritagevault.com/) — Ford Motor Company · Factory literature 2. [Ford truck literature library](https://www.fordification.com/library/) — Fordification.com · Specialist reference 3. [Ford F-100 parts and identification catalogs](https://www.lmctruck.com/ford-truck) — LMC Truck · Specialist reference A data plate records how a truck was configured when built, not necessarily what is installed today. Plates can be missing, moved with replacement doors, damaged, or reproduced. Use the result with the VIN, physical inspection, casting numbers, labels, and documentation; the tool does not authenticate a plate. Found a conflict in factory literature or have a better source? See our [corrections process](/about/#corrections). ## How It Works 1. **Select your year** — Choose your truck's model year to load the correct code tables. 2. **Enter your codes** — Type the codes from your data plate into the matching fields. 3. **Get results** — See source-backed color, trim, transmission, axle ratio, and DSO results. ## Understanding Your Data Plate Ford F-100s from 1961 through 1983 left the factory with a warranty plate or certification label containing coded information about how each truck was built. Understanding these codes helps you verify originality, source correct replacement parts, and determine your truck's factory configuration. This decoder only returns fields currently backed by source tables; trim decoding is enabled for audited 1964-1983 rows, while duplicate/context-dependent source rows remain fail-closed instead of guessed. Scheduled build/date codes are not decoded yet because the date-code references still need a complete year-by-year audit. For Bullnose BODY codes, it decodes the source-backed final body-equipment character and supported F100/350 regular-cab trim prefixes rather than guessing unsupported rows. ## Data Plate Fields Explained The codes on your data plate vary by model year, but most plates include these key fields: | Field | What It Tells You | Example | | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | **Color Code** | Original exterior paint color | "A" = Raven Black (1966) | | **Trim Code** | Interior material, color, and trim level | "4" = Medium beige standard cab bench seat (1967) | | **Date Code** | Scheduled build date; not currently decoded by this tool | "30M" = source-visible format, pending audit | | **Trans Code** | Transmission type and ratios | "A" = New Process 435 4-speed manual (1966) | | **Axle Code** | Rear axle ratio and manufacturer | "08" = 3.50:1 Ford axle (1969) | | **DSO Code** | District Sales Office that ordered the truck | "41" = Chicago district | | **Body Code** | Body/cab configuration, often combined with trim; 1980-1983 codes also include seat/interior information | "E81" = 1964 Conventional Cab with red Custom cab trim | | **Wheelbase Code** | Short- or long-wheelbase chassis | "115" = Short wheelbase (1969) | ## Where to Find the Data Plate The plate location changed across generations: - **1961-1966 (4th gen):** Warranty plate on the driver-side door jamb or door hinge pillar - **1967-1972 ([Bumpside](/generations/1967-1972/)):** Riveted to the driver-side door jamb, usually near the door latch - **1973-1979 ([Dentside](/generations/1973-1979/)):** Same location as Bumpsides, riveted to the driver-side door jamb - **1980-1983 ([7th gen](/generations/1980-1983/)):** Certification label on the driver-side door or door pillar ## Why Your Data Plate Matters For [restoration](/restoration/) projects, the data plate is a primary document for verifying factory specifications. Source-backed fields can tell you the correct paint color, supported interior trim, and drivetrain components — information that is essential for a period-correct build and directly affects resale value. When buying a truck, compare the data plate codes to the actual truck to check for modifications, repaints, or drivetrain swaps. Mismatches are not necessarily problems, but they tell you the truck's full story. The data plate also complements your [VIN](/vin-decoder/), which identifies the truck itself but does not include detailed option codes. For 1961-1972 and 1980 trucks, the data plate and title are also important because the VIN does not directly encode model year. Together, the VIN and data plate provide a more complete factory build record. ## Related Tools - [VIN Decoder](/vin-decoder/) — Decode your VIN to identify series, engine, plant, year when encoded, and production sequence. - [VIN Location Guide](/vin-decoder/#vin-location) — Find the serial number, frame stamp, or dash plate location by generation. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is a Ford data plate? A Ford data plate (also called a warranty plate or certification label) is a metal tag attached to your truck at the factory. Depending on model year, it may include codes for original paint, interior trim, transmission type, rear axle ratio, body configuration, ordering district, and more. On 1967-1979 trucks, it is typically found on the driver-side door jamb. On 1980-1983 trucks, it is a certification label on the driver-side door. ### Where is the data plate on a Ford F-100? On 1961-1966 trucks, look for a warranty plate on the driver-side door. On 1967-1979 trucks, the data plate is riveted to the driver-side door jamb or the door itself. On 1980-1983 trucks, a certification label is affixed to the driver-side door or door pillar. ### What is the difference between a VIN and a data plate? The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique serial number that identifies your specific truck. Depending on the year, it may encode the series, engine, assembly plant, model year, and production sequence. Some 1961-1972 and 1980 Ford truck VINs do not directly encode model year, so the data plate, title, and factory references matter. The data plate contains additional factory-build information not in the VIN: paint color, interior trim, transmission, rear axle ratio, body style, and the sales district that ordered the truck. ### What do the codes on my Ford data plate mean? Each code on the data plate represents a specific factory option or ordering detail. The color code identifies the original exterior paint. Supported trim codes identify interior material and color. The transmission code tells you what gearbox was installed. The axle code reveals the rear axle ratio and manufacturer. The DSO code shows which Ford sales district ordered the truck. Use our decoder above to look up source-backed fields for your specific model year. ### Can I decode a Ford data plate online? Yes. Our Ford F-100 Data Plate Decoder above covers supported 1961-1983 model codes. Select your model year, enter the codes from your data plate, and the tool will decode the fields currently backed by source tables. Trim decoding is enabled for audited 1964-1983 source rows, with ambiguous or context-dependent rows intentionally left fail-closed. Scheduled build/date codes are not decoded yet. On this page - [How It Works](#how-it-works) - [Understanding Your Data Plate](#understanding-your-data-plate) - [Data Plate Fields Explained](#data-plate-fields) - [Where to Find the Data Plate](#where-to-find-the-data-plate) - [Why Your Data Plate Matters](#why-your-data-plate-matters) - [Related Tools](#related-tools) - [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq) On this page - [How It Works](#how-it-works) - [Understanding Your Data Plate](#understanding-your-data-plate) - [Data Plate Fields Explained](#data-plate-fields) - [Where to Find the Data Plate](#where-to-find-the-data-plate) - [Why Your Data Plate Matters](#why-your-data-plate-matters) - [Related Tools](#related-tools) - [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq) VIN Decoder Decode supported F-100 VIN formats to verify series, engine, plant, year when encoded, and production sequence. [Decode a VIN → ](/vin-decoder/) ## Browse by Generation [ 1948–1952 1st Gen ](/generations/1948-1952/)[ 1953–1956 2nd Gen ](/generations/1953-1956/)[ 1957–1960 3rd Gen ](/generations/1957-1960/)[ 1961–1966 4th Gen ](/generations/1961-1966/)[ 1967–1972 5th Gen "Bumpside" ](/generations/1967-1972/)[ 1973–1979 6th Gen "Dentside" ](/generations/1973-1979/)[ 1980–1983 7th Gen ](/generations/1980-1983/)