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Old 12-22-2021, 04:12 PM   #1
Ford Freak
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Default 1951 Ford decoded?

Hey Guys! I know there are some '51 Ford guys around here. Can you please decode this: 72B-E-E-18K-191 Thanks! - Bernie
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Old 12-22-2021, 05:42 PM   #2
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Default Re: 1951 Ford decoded?

I'm not sure where you are reading these numbers from, but on the data plate a 72C is a business coupe, and a 72 is a club coupe. There was no 72B that I'm aware of. I don't know what the other numbers you posted represent.

Sal
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Old 12-22-2021, 10:21 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scicala View Post
I'm not sure where you are reading these numbers from, but on the data plate a 72C is a business coupe, and a 72 is a club coupe. There was no 72B that I'm aware of. I don't know what the other numbers you posted represent.

Sal
Sal - well I know that it is a club coupe, V8, automatic trans, and is dk green.
I just wondered if any of these #s matched up w/that.
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Old 12-23-2021, 12:29 AM   #4
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Default Re: 1951 Ford decoded?

Let's try this:

72B-E-E-18K-191

72B - Body code - Custom Club Coupe (1951)
E - Body paint color code - ? (what was Ford's Dark Green for '51?)
E - Interior trim code - ? (probably a green cloth/vinyl combination?)
18K - Final assembly schedule date of 18 October 1950 (assuming it's a '51)
191 - Production code for 191st car built on October 18, 1950

Paint and interior trim letter codes - I haven't been able to find a listing for them yet, and I suspect the Early Ford V8 Club has printed something for these within the past few decades after they expanded from 1948 to 1953 for coverage. I have their flash drive of magazines handy but I'm too busy with work to search it right now.

https://paintref.com/cgi-bin/chipcre...ke=Ford&model= paint chart only has a letter code for the 'J' Hawaiian Bronze.

Sadly, my literature collection doesn't have shop manuals or annual parts books for '49, '50 or '51s. I do have a '49-'54 Chassis Parts Catalog but it only shows codes from 1952-up. The '49-'59 'Blue Bible' doesn't list them for '51, either. A person with a copy of the Early Ford V8 Club's 1949-1951 book (I assume they have one) might be able to see if it has the body color and interior trim firewall codes listed for '51. Otherwise, look through the paint chart to find your body color and guess that it's firewall code is 'E'.
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Old 12-23-2021, 12:50 AM   #5
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Default Re: 1951 Ford decoded?

Thanks Alan!
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Old 12-23-2021, 12:57 AM   #6
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Do '51s have a cowl code like the '50s have? It is stamped on the cowl and not on a data plate. My '50 has a cowl code that contains the info I think you are looking for.
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Old 12-23-2021, 01:17 AM   #7
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Default Re: 1951 Ford decoded?

My '51, which was built on July 2, 1951, has a data plate and nothing stamped on the cowl. I believe the change from stamped cowl codes to the data plate was made for the 1951 model year.
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Old 12-23-2021, 06:14 AM   #8
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Default Re: 1951 Ford decoded?

My ‘51 Tudor has both. I can grab a pic tonite…….Mark
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Old 12-23-2021, 09:48 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tubman View Post
My '51, which was built on July 2, 1951, has a data plate and nothing stamped on the cowl. I believe the change from stamped cowl codes to the data plate was made for the 1951 model year.
This car (1951) has a data plate rivited to the cowl. That is where these code numbers/letters are from.This is a car I am considering to purchase.
What rear end gear ratio(s) were available in '51 w/automatic trans?
What would a typical interstate cruising speed be, (w/stock size tires) without buzzing the engine over 3000 rpm? Thanks to all! Bernie
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Old 12-23-2021, 10:12 AM   #10
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Default Re: 1951 Ford decoded?

I believe that the automatic-equipped cars came with either 3.55's or 3.31's. I have 3.55's in my standard (no OD yet) shift car. The car has a modified '51 Merc engine (heads, carburetor, headers, and a Mallory dual point). I have slightly larger than stock rear tires (225/75R15), and the car cruises nicely at 65 mph at 2700 RPM. It will turn 3000 and up easily, allowing speeds in the 75-80 range, but it just doesn't feel "happy" to me It seems to have a "sweet spot" between 2300 and 2700 rpm.
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Old 12-23-2021, 11:05 AM   #11
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From the Early Ford V-8 Club's 1949-50-51 Ford Book:

The cowl code was used from beginning of 1949 production through May 1951. In the latter part of May the patent plate was enlarged to include information that had been on the cowl code. The first E indicates Hawthorne Green Metallic, the second Custom Broadcloth Green Stair Check, part number M-16104-B.

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Old 12-23-2021, 11:34 AM   #12
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All great info guys, thanks again to all!
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Old 12-23-2021, 03:02 PM   #13
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Default Re: 1951 Ford decoded?

I too appreciate the info on the cowl/data. Learn something everyday on this site!!
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