Decode Your Data Plate
Select your model year and enter codes from your Ford F-100 data plate to decode paint colors, transmission, axle, trim, and more.
How It Works
Select Your Year
Choose your truck's model year to load the correct code tables.
Enter Your Codes
Type the codes from your data plate into the matching fields.
Get Results
See source-backed color, trim, transmission, axle ratio, and DSO results.
Related Tools
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): Riveted to the driver-side door jamb, usually near the door latch
- 1973-1979 (Dentside): Same location as Bumpsides, riveted to the driver-side door jamb
- 1980-1983 (7th gen): Certification label on the driver-side door or door pillar
Why Your Data Plate Matters
For 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, 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.
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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.