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1966–1977 Ford Bronco VIN Identification Guide
Decode your Classic Bronco’s history — one number at a time.
If you’re restoring, buying, or verifying an early Bronco, the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) tells the story. From factory body style to engine code, production plant, and year — understanding the Bronco’s serial structure is key to confirming originality and proper title documentation.
At Rust Belt Offroad, we’ve put together this quick, accurate breakdown of how to identify any 1966–1977 Bronco.
|
Section |
Example |
Description |
|
1st Digit |
U |
Assembly plant (U = Michigan Truck) |
|
2nd–3rd Digits |
15 |
Body code (15 = Wagon, 14 = Half-Cab, 13 = Roadster) |
|
4th Digit |
G |
Engine code |
|
5th Digit |
L |
Assembly plant code (L = Michigan Truck) |
|
6th–11th Digits |
A12345 |
Sequential production number |
🚙 Body Style Codes
|
Code |
Description |
|
U13 |
Roadster (1966–68 only) |
|
U14 |
Half-Cab Pickup |
|
U15 |
Wagon (Full Hardtop) |
⚙️ Engine Codes by Year
|
Year Range |
Code |
Engine |
Notes |
|
1966–1968 |
A |
170 CID Inline-6 |
105 HP |
|
1969–1972 |
G |
302 CID V8 |
First V8 Bronco |
|
1973–1977 |
N |
302 CID V8 |
Common late model engine |
|
1973–1977 |
P |
200 CID Inline-6 |
Base engine (rare) |
🏭 Assembly Plant Codes
|
Code |
Plant |
Location |
|
L |
Michigan Truck Plant |
Wayne, Michigan |
|
H |
Lorain Assembly |
Lorain, Ohio (rare) |
📅 Year Identification by Serial Range
|
Model Year |
Sequential Serial Range |
Notes |
|
1966 |
100001–199999 |
First production year (Roadster) |
|
1967 |
200000–299999 |
Minor updates |
|
1968 |
300000–399999 |
Side markers added mid-year |
|
1969 |
G-prefix |
302 V8 debut |
|
1970 |
H-prefix |
Steering/suspension upgrades |
|
1971 |
J-prefix |
Dana 44 replaces Dana 30 |
|
1972 |
K-prefix |
Trim/electrical changes |
|
1973 |
L-prefix |
Power steering/disc brakes optional |
|
1974 |
M-prefix |
Emission upgrades |
|
1975 |
N-prefix |
Catalytic converter added |
|
1976 |
P-prefix |
Power steering/disc brakes standard |
|
1977 |
Q-prefix |
Final production year |
📋 Data Plate Codes (1968–1977)
On later Broncos, the kick-panel plate includes:
|
Code |
Meaning |
|
BODY |
Body Type (U15 = Wagon) |
|
COLOR |
Paint code (ex: J = Boxwood Green) |
|
TRIM |
Interior trim code |
|
AXLE |
Axle ratio (ex: 09 = 3.50:1) |
|
TRANS |
Transmission (G = 3-speed manual, U = auto) |
|
DSO |
District Sales Office region |
🛠 Why Rust Belt Broncos Is the Best Source for 1966–1977 Classic Bronco Bodies
When it comes to rebuilding or restoring a first-generation 1966-1977 Ford Bronco, Rust Belt Broncos stands apart as the trusted American source for premium-quality reproduction bodies. Unlike overseas reproductions, every Bronco tub we build is engineered, spot-welded, and fixture-aligned in the U.S.A. to match original Ford specifications—often with more spot welds than OEM. Each body is assembled on precision jigs to guarantee panel fitment, alignment, and door gaps right out of the crate. Our tubs are shipped on all-steel rolling pallets with casters for easy handling.
Whether you’re building a concourse-level restoration or a modern restomod, Rust Belt Broncos delivers the strongest, straightest, and most accurate 1966–1977 Bronco bodies available—crafted by enthusiasts who know these trucks inside and out.