Early U13 vin decoding and advice.

[Ossian Panama]

Gents,

I live in Panama and recently bought a first gen Bronco with a buddy. It’s a project car, but Panamá sold in 1967 and we are 4th owner. Body has cut wheel arches and poorly welded on door hinge (With doors). Otherwise original body we think. Never crashed and not rusty. Motor is an old 351 from -73. Chassi modified.

After removing rust coating we yesterday found the VIN On the frame. It indicates an early roadster we think. Original paint was most likely red.

VIN is: U13FL769472

Questions:
1. What information can be decoded from the VIN?
2. All good restoration advice appreciated. Should we rebuild it to a roadster?

Ossian & Allan
Will upload pics tomorrow.

 

[Scoop]

Looks like an October '65 build. Yes, it's roadster VIN. With you living in Panama, I would recommend returning it to roadster form. Eyebrow grille?

Good Luck with the build.

 

[green61bug]

I would suggest taking it back to its original roadster form. Would be a fun ride to cruise around Panama.

 

[okie4570]

Looks like it was taken there at some point and not exported there by Ford or it would have a U136L vin instead of a U13FL there. The 6 was for a low compression 6cyl engine for export purposes. South America is where most of the export 66' and 67' u13 broncos turn up when found.

 

[misterluna]

Hi fellow bronco owners, has anyone ever encountered a serial number that goes by U136L?

 

[okie4570]

Hi fellow bronco owners, has anyone ever encountered a serial number that goes by U136L?

Yes the 6 represents a low compression 170 6cyl engine built for export. Most went to South America.

 

[misterluna]

Yes the 6 represents a low compression 170 6cyl engine built for export. Most went to South America.

Thanks! I purchased it in South America and already have the full serial number along with the production year and month. Do you happen to know where I could find records showing the original color and body details?

 

[okie4570]

Thanks! I purchased it in South America and already have the full serial number along with the production year and month. Do you happen to know where I could find records showing the original color and body details?

It would only be found on the warranty plate on the driver kick plate next to the emergency brake, or on the original window sticker.

 

[misterluna]

It would only be found on the warranty plate on the driver kick plate next to the emergency brake, or on the original window sticker.

I wish, all that stuff is gone.

 

[turbotim2]

If you have the VIN, you can get a Marti report which will tell you all of that information.

 

[ared77]

Marti only for '67 and newer.

 

[turbotim2]

Oh, right.

 

[misterluna]

On the frame, I found an engraving that reads ‘JK - 2F.’ The last character is a bit unclear, but I believe it’s an F. Does anyone know what it stands for?