build sheet interpretation
When these trucks went down the assembly line there was a sheet that went with it which specified what parts were to go in or on the truck. These sheets are called "build sheets", and frequently they were placed somewhere in the truck as it left the line. I found the one for Dad's truck between the seat springs and the seat foam. Others have found it above the glove box or below the carpet.
So, let's say you've found the build sheet for your truck. Now you want to know what it says. But, that isn't easy as there is currently no decoder ring for it, unlike the Certification Label. Given that, I'm trying to decode the one for Big Blue. And, I'm hoping that others will join in this effort so that, eventually, we can figure out what all of the codes on the build sheets mean.
First, here's a scan of the original build sheet for Big Blue. It is in remarkable shape, and while I don't know where it was found, it wasn't spindled, folded, or multilated.
So, let's say you've found the build sheet for your truck. Now you want to know what it says. But, that isn't easy as there is currently no decoder ring for it, unlike the Certification Label. Given that, I'm trying to decode the one for Big Blue. And, I'm hoping that others will join in this effort so that, eventually, we can figure out what all of the codes on the build sheets mean.
First, here's a scan of the original build sheet for Big Blue. It is in remarkable shape, and while I don't know where it was found, it wasn't spindled, folded, or multilated.
Now that you can see what a build sheet looks like, you can probably understand some of the issues that I've run into. First, I have another build sheet for a 1981 truck, and it is a 1980 form and there are differences between the sheets. So, in the document I'm creating I've added a column for both the 1980 form and the 1984 form that they used on Big Blue. In reality there's not much of a problem, but I needed to point out why there are two title columns.
Anyway, here's what I've done so far. What's shown below is the info off of the only two build sheets I have handy - a 1981 F250 extended cab, and Big Blue, which is a 1985 F250HD regular cab. I've made some stabs at decoding things, and I've learned a bit about the thinking of those that designed the build sheet. However, there is so very much more to learn that it will take time and a lot more examples to get this figured out. So, hopefully more people will join in this effort and we can solve the puzzle.
Anyway, here's what I've done so far. What's shown below is the info off of the only two build sheets I have handy - a 1981 F250 extended cab, and Big Blue, which is a 1985 F250HD regular cab. I've made some stabs at decoding things, and I've learned a bit about the thinking of those that designed the build sheet. However, there is so very much more to learn that it will take time and a lot more examples to get this figured out. So, hopefully more people will join in this effort and we can solve the puzzle.