I put my 1914 Touring on sale on Craigslist and this is what someone wrote back - this all there was in his e-mail: .....and we ALL know ford never put # on front seat.
Is that true and if so, what does the number mean on the front of the body - not on the cushion - etched in a metal plate on top front left side, on the wood, on top. Or is he misinterpreting 'seat' for cushion?
Thanks for your helP. Bob
Not exactly sure where you see the number, but the two I know of are:
- On the Patent Plate on the driver side of the firewall. On early cars that was the same (?) as the engine number.
- On the body rails under the front floor boards was where the body maker would put the body number and their maker identification. Hap Tucker's posts will provide a lot more information on these numbers - and where else they might be found.
Some body makers also put the body number on the seat frame, right under the cushion.
Thanks Guys, it is right where Mike said some body makers put it.
In 1913 - 1914 the body number was only placed on the wood under the front seat, and in no other place.
The number typically has the date of body manufacture preceding the body maker's serial number - in this case 3 14 (March 14, 1914)
Bob,
You can refer them to the posting at: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/40322.html which discusses where to look for the body numbers (as Royce said, for the 1913 & 1914 they are normally stamped on the wooden seat frame in front of the gas tank. Note some but not all 1913 open bodies also had the same number on the wood at the bottom of the doors.) Beaudett, Wilson, and Fisher bodies often have a date code with the body number, while some of the other body makers may or may not have a date code in that number.
And we are always looking for additional body numbers -- so if anyone has some -- please send them my way. You can click on my name at the beginning of this post and it brings up my profile. My e-mail address is the third line done.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Hap, are you a collector of 'numbers' for certain parts of the model T? My engine has a number but no one seems to know what year it represents. I don't care, I would like to help you our if you would like my body number - if you don't have it already. Bob if you want it, email me. I always forget to check my threads! lol
Check here Bob. http://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/sernos.htm
It's not uncommon to have one or more of the numbers obscured by rust, paint or even a light stamp. A clear photo (not cell phone) of the area should help determine the number.