---
title: "Data Plate — Ford F100 Glossary | fordf100s.com"
description: "An F-100 door-jamb plate listing factory build specs such as paint code, trim, axle ratio, transmission, and option codes."
canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/glossary/data-plate/"
last_updated: "2026-09-16"
---

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Glossary Term

#  Data Plate — Ford F100 Glossary 

An F-100 door-jamb plate listing factory build specs such as paint code, trim, axle ratio, transmission, and option codes.

fordf100s.com · Updated September 16, 2026 

Definition

An information plate typically found on the door jamb of an F-100, listing original factory build specifications including paint code, trim, axle ratio, transmission, and other options.

The Data Plate is a metal tag affixed to the F-100’s door jamb area, usually on the driver’s side. It contains coded information about how the truck was originally built at the factory, including paint color code, body style, trim level, transmission type, axle ratio, district sales office, and other option codes. The specific information and format varies by generation.

For restorers, the Data Plate is an invaluable reference document. It tells you exactly what the truck should look like and what components it should have if you are pursuing a factory-correct restoration. Paint codes can be cross-referenced to determine the original color, and axle codes reveal the rear gear ratio. This information is essential for concours-level restorations where every detail must match factory specifications.

When purchasing an F-100, inspect the Data Plate for signs of tampering, replacement, or re-riveting. A missing Data Plate is not uncommon on trucks with multiple previous owners, but it makes verifying original configuration more difficult. Online resources and Ford reference guides provide decoding charts for all F-100 model years. Photographing the Data Plate should be one of the first things you do when evaluating a truck for purchase.

Related Terms

[ VIN Plate ](/glossary/vin-plate/)[ Cowl Tag ](/glossary/cowl-tag/)[ Concours ](/glossary/concours/) 

## Keep Exploring

[RestorationYour First F-100 Project Truck: Beginner's GuideBuying your first F-100 project truck? Learn which generation to choose, what to inspect, budget planning, tools, and mistakes to avoid.](/restoration/first-project-truck-guide/)[GenerationsAll GenerationsBrowse every F100 generation](/generations/)[ToolVIN DecoderDecode supported Ford F100 VIN formats](/vin-decoder/)

VIN Decoder

 Decode supported F-100 VIN formats, or use the 1961-1983 data plate decoder for source-backed paint, trim, axle, and transmission codes. 

[Decode a VIN → ](/vin-decoder/) [1961-1983 Data Plate Decoder → ](/data-plate-decoder/)