How to decode a 1986 Ford E-350 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1986 Ford E-350 VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-character sequences that identify the manufacturer of a specific vehicle. For vehicles such as the 1986 Ford E-350, the WMI is “1FT,” denoting that it is manufactured by Ford Motor Company in the United States. Specifically, this code indicates that the vehicle belongs to the truck category and was produced in Dearborn, Michigan. The WMI is the initial segment of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which provides crucial information about the vehicle’s manufacturer, attributes, and production details. Such identifiers are essential in tracking, registration, and the recall processes of vehicles globally.
List of WMI Codes for a 1986 Ford E-350
WMI: 1FT
- Model Years Covered: 1982, 1986, 1988, 1990-2014
- Example VIN: 1FTHS34L8GHC36720
- Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
- Vehicle Type: Truck
- City: Dearborn
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1986 Ford E-350 VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1986 Ford E-350:
| Known VDS for a 1986 Ford E-350 |
|---|
| HS34L |
Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.
Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1986 Ford E-350 VIN.
Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.
10th Character in the 1986 Ford E-350 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| G | 1986 |
11th Character in the 1986 Ford E-350 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1986 Ford E-350 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | Lorain | Ohio | United States | 1FTHS34L8GHC36720 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1986 Ford E-350
The final 6 characters in a 1986 Ford E-350’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a 1986 Ford E-350’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1986 Ford E-350 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Ford E-350, specifically from the outside through the windshield at the corner where it meets the hood.
- Examine the driver’s side door frame on your Ford E-350. The VIN can usually be found on the door pillar or edge where the door latches when closed.
- Check under the hood of the Ford E-350 for a metal plate or sticker that may contain the VIN, often located on the front engine block or on the firewall.
- Inspect the frame of your Ford E-350, which could have the VIN stamped on it; this might require looking underneath the vehicle.
- Look at your Ford E-350’s vehicle registration or insurance documents, as these will always list the VIN along with other important vehicle details.
What info can a 1986 Ford E-350 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting that the vehicle is from around the year 1986, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: The VIN provides basic Ford E-350 model information and specific engine details such as a 7.5L displacement and V-shaped engine configuration, which are encoded within the VIN, offering critical information about the vehicle’s design and power.
- Fuel Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle uses gasoline as its primary fuel source, which is an important specification for those concerned with fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Drive Type and Body Class: It specifies the drive type as 4x2 and identifies the vehicle as a Cargo Van, providing insight into its intended use and capabilities, potentially enhancing the understanding of the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
- Engine Performance: The VIN provides details such as the engine’s brake horsepower starting from 100 and an engine with eight cylinders, giving an idea about the vehicle’s power and performance.
- Safety Features: The type of seat belt (manual) is mentioned, offering a glimpse into the safety features available for the vehicle, potentially influencing the perception of the vehicle’s safety standards.
- Manufacturing Location: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in Lorain, Ohio, United States, informing about its production origin, providing insights into the vehicle’s manufacturing history.
Don’t have your 1986 Ford E-350’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1986 Ford E-350
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Cargo Van |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Displacement (CC) | 7538.049440 |
| Displacement (CI) | 460 |
| Displacement (L) | 7.5 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 100 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Ford |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 2G: 8,001 - 9,000 lb (3,629 - 4,082 kg) |
| Model | E-350 |
| Model Year | 1986 |
| Plant City | Lorain |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Ohio |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | Econoline |
| Trim | Super Cargo Van |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1FTHS34L*GH |
| Vehicle Type | Truck |
| Sample_VIN | 1FTHS34L8GHC36720 |
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today