Factory Paint Markings

[Busted81]

I’ve got an 81 Ranger F150 that has 37 in yellow paint pen on the firewall. What does it mean? Thanks

[ArdWrknTrk]

What does it say, or is it just a check or something?

These are usually just for assembly, so someone farther down the line can tell at a glance rather than trying to read a buck tag with the body shell in motion.

[Busted81]

It’s just says 37. It’s dead center of the firewall and measures 5”x5”.

[essmaker]

I have found random markings throughout mine as I have torn it down. Gas tanks, axle, firewall, etc.

I assumed it was what Jim said, just markings along the assembly line to communicate to the next stop.

[ratdude747]

Can't speak for Ford, but at least with Toyota (who my employer supplies) they'd often ask for new project trial parts with QC measurements written on the parts in permanent marker (so they could see what the parts did dimensionally when welding into assembly and to be able to audit our QC reporting on said parts). I'd hear stories of people finding said marks on early production (pre-production?) Toyota vehicles when pulling interior panels.

Any more, the requirement (for body components that will be washed and painted/coated later by the/a customer) is that everything be in water soluble ink... we mark parts for reasons (can't say what/why- trade secret) and our suppliers do too, but Toyota doesn't generally care as long as it goes away by the time everything is washed. However, some parts don't get washed (such as the exhaust assemblies the other part of the company makes)... send a part with stuff written on it (especially things like "BAD") and they formally complain (DAMHIK).