If you’re buying, selling, owning, or just obsessed with Ford vehicles, the definitive way to verify how they left the factory is with a build sheet. This is Ford’s own production record of a vehicle’s original configuration — trim and option content, exterior color and interior codes, engine and transmission, axle and gear ratios, plus the internal production codes that governed how it was built.
Every automaker handles access to this information differently. Some brands make build records or original window stickers easy to view or print, while Ford access varies by model year and the back-end systems that store the data. To cut through that complexity, we provide a Ford Build Sheet by VIN lookup tool: enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and, whenever manufacturer data is available, you receive the official factory configuration for that specific vehicle.
If a complimentary Ford build sheet can’t be returned, the system automatically checks for a free OEM window sticker as a backup source. When neither record is directly available, we partner with a vetted data provider that can reconstruct the build sheet or window sticker from official VIN-tied records so the information remains complete and accurate.
The FAQ below walks through where Ford build data comes from, what these documents show you, and how they help confirm a vehicle’s true factory specification.
A Ford build sheet is the factory’s internal record of how a specific vehicle was configured when it left the assembly line. It’s tied to a single VIN and captures the car or truck’s exact combination of drivetrain, colors, options, and other production details.
Additional terms you’ll also hear include “broadcast sheet” or “vehicle order image” for classic paper records, and “build data” or Marti Report for data pulled from Ford’s production database on later cars. All of these refer to essentially the same information. Modern online “build sheets” accessible with the VIN are usually formatted reproductions of underlying factory data, not the original paper slip.
Inside the plant, a build sheet is essentially an instruction set. It tells factory assembly workers what to install on that specific body shell or chassis: which engine and transmission, which springs, which axle ratio, what interior trim, what color paint to apply, and so on.
Outside the plant, the same information is used later for:
Verifying original specs and options
Supporting restorations and concours judging
Documenting a vehicle for appraisals and insurance
Helping buyers confirm that a used vehicle matches what it claims to be
If you think of the window sticker as the sales brochure for one specific car, the build sheet is the engineering blueprint behind it and provides more comprehensive proof of equipment details.
On classic Fords, the build sheet (often called a broadcast sheet) was a paper form printed in multiple copies. Each copy followed the car down the line or was attached to a subassembly (i.e. the brake or suspension systems). It encoded every major choice: engine, axle, suspension, trim, paint, and more, usually as short numeric or alphanumeric codes arranged in rows and columns.
After the car was built, workers were supposed to discard these sheets. In reality, some ended up buried inside the car—accidentally or because it was convenient.
Common build sheet hiding spots on U.S.-market 1960s–1980s Fords include:
Under the rear seat cushion (often stuffed between the springs and padding)
Under the front seat upholstery
Taped to the top of the fuel tank
Behind door panels
Behind the instrument cluster or under the dash pad
Inside the headliner or behind interior quarter trim
Condition is usually poor: brittle paper from age, moisture damage, mouse nests, or pieces missing. For many cars the sheet disintegrated decades ago or were never left in the car to begin with. If you don’t find one, that’s normal—though a previous owner might have already removed it
The change wasn’t a single flip of a switch. Roughly:
1960s–1970s: Paper broadcast sheets are the primary working document. Vehicle order data is also punched into Ford’s mainframe systems, but owners never see that.
1980s–1990s: Plants increasingly rely on computer terminals, barcodes, and printed line tickets that are less likely to be left inside the car. Build information is stored centrally.
2000s onward: Build data lives in Ford’s internal databases, and can feed systems such as dealer service tools, Ford Pro fleet portals, and various OEM/third‑party VIN services.
By the time you reach the modern F‑150 or Explorer, you typically won’t find a classic “broadcast sheet” hidden in the car. What you get instead is a digital build record that can be reproduced as a printout or PDF.
For most U.S. cars and light trucks built 1967 through 2021, Ford has formally licensed its production database to Marti Auto Works. Ford’s own support site explicitly directs owners to Marti for build sheets (Marti Reports) and notes that these reports list factory options, door data plate info, engine, paint, axle, and more.
Typical process:
Get your full, correct VIN (and door data plate codes if available).
Go to Marti Auto Works and select the appropriate report level.
Pay the fee; they email you a PDF, with optional printed copies.
You’re not buying the original paper broadcast sheet; you’re buying a report generated from Ford’s original production data. For many cars this is more legible and complete than any surviving piece of paper.
Ford treats 1946–1966 differently:
Ford offers a VIN Decode Letter for these years; their own support pages tell you to call the Customer Relationship Center and request it, using your VIN and door tag codes.
The letter gives a decoded description—model, body style, engine, paint, trim—rather than a full, line‑by‑line broadcast sheet.
For earlier pre‑war or Model T/Model A Fords, the situation is even more fragmented; you’re largely dealing with historical archives, build ledgers, and club research rather than standardized build sheets.
For modern Fords you have a few paths:
Ford owner account / FordPass / online support
Ford’s own support docs describe build sheets (or Marti Reports) as a way to get complete spec info, and also note that the window sticker and VIN decode are valid sources for configuration data.
For newer vehicles, a duplicate window sticker can often be purchased online based on a car’s VIN (Ford points to an official window‑sticker service for 2007‑current model years).
Dealer service department
Some U.S. Ford dealers will print a build report from their service systems if you provide a VIN and proof of ownership. Owners often describe these as 5–15‑page printouts listing factory options and codes.
Policies vary wildly: some dealers are helpful, others refuse or charge a fee.
Third‑party VIN/build‑sheet providers
Sites like iSeeCars’ VIN Check and other VIN‑report services can generate a “build sheet” or spec report using OEM and industry databases. They often describe build sheets as a factory blueprint detailing exact options and configuration.
Note that these are not official Ford documents, so treat them as useful tools, not gospel.
There is no universal, free, official Ford website where any member of the public can download a full build sheet for any VIN on demand. That’s a common misconception.
That’s normal. Most broadcast sheets were never meant to survive:
If you can’t find one during a careful interior teardown, assume it no longer exists.
For 1967–2021, a Marti Report is usually the best substitute. It’s based on Ford’s internal records, not on what you find in the car.
For 1946–1966, use the VIN Decode Letter plus period literature and club decode guides.
Don’t fall into the trap of over‑paying for a car just because the seller dangles an original, fragile broadcast sheet in front of you. It’s nice documentation, but it’s not a sacred artifact.
Ford used to offer a “999 History Report”—a letter generated by VIN describing original build details. Many owners used these before Marti Auto Works had full coverage. Some resources still reference them, but the program is largely deprecated; Ford now routes most build‑sheet requests to Marti for 1967‑2021 vehicles. If you’re chasing one of these old letters, treat it as a historical curiosity, not a current service you can rely on.
The exact layout changes by era, but a reasonably complete Ford build sheet or Marti‑type report will usually include:
Identification
Full VIN, including check digit and production sequence
Model year and model line (e.g., Mustang, F‑100, Crown Victoria)
Assembly plant code and build date
Body & trim
Body style (coupe, fastback, sedan, wagon, pickup configuration)
Interior trim code (material, color, seat type)
Exterior color code and sometimes two‑tone or stripe codes
Drivetrain
Engine code and description (displacement, configuration, naturally aspirated vs turbo)
Transmission type and code
Axle code, ratio, and sometimes differential type (open/limited‑slip)
Options & packages
Equipment groups (e.g., decor groups, towing packages, handling packages)
Individual options (A/C, power windows, radios, roof types, seats, lighting)
Sales and destination data
District Sales Office (DSO) or region code
Sometimes the ordering dealer code or special‑order/fleet flags
Miscellaneous
Suspension springs and shocks
Wheel and tire codes
Emissions package and certification region
Notes for special paint, fleet orders, and export prep
Ford’s own support pages describe build sheets (Marti Reports) as listing factory options, door‑tag data, paint codes, production date, axle and ratio, and related details; that’s a good shorthand for what you should expect.
Code formats and grouping change over time, so a 1969 Mustang sheet will look nothing like a 2019 F‑150 dealer build printout.
No. This is where many owners get it wrong.
Things that are generally not fully captured:
Dealer‑installed accessories (underdash A/C kits, certain wheels, pinstripes)
Port‑installed or distributor add‑ons that weren’t coded as factory options
Warranty repairs or post‑production modifications
Over‑the‑counter performance parts
The build sheet tells you how Ford intended to build the car at the plant, not every nut and bolt that ever touched it.
Start by matching:
Full VIN on the build sheet or report
VIN stamped on the dash tag, door tag, and (for older cars) inner fender or frame
If the VIN or sequence number doesn’t match, you’re decoding someone else’s car. This happens surprisingly often when loose broadcast sheets turn up in junkyard seats.
On most Ford documents:
The model year is encoded in the VIN (10th character on modern 17‑digit VINs; various positions on older cars).
The assembly plant is a specific letter or number in the VIN and often repeated in the build data.
The build date usually appears as a two‑part code (month/day or day/shift) and can be cross‑referenced with factory decoding charts or Marti documentation.
Use a reliable Ford VIN decoding reference or, ideally, the explanation pages that often accompany Marti Reports.
Next, tackle the mechanical backbone:
Body code – tells you if it’s a fastback vs hardtop Mustang, regular cab vs SuperCrew F‑150, sedan vs wagon, etc.
Engine code – maps to displacement, fuel system, and sometimes emissions calibration
Transmission code – manual vs automatic, overdrive, heavy‑duty variants
Axle code – ratio and whether it’s open or locking/limited‑slip
Cross‑reference these codes with:
Factory shop manuals and sales literature
Period decoding charts from enthusiast clubs and forums
For 1967–2021, the code explanations that come with Marti Reports
If your car’s hardware doesn’t match what the build sheet says, that’s a strong clue someone swapped components.
These focus on how the car looked when it left the plant:
Exterior paint code – base color; sometimes separate entries for stripes, roofs, or two‑tone schemes
Interior trim code – seat style (bench vs bucket), material (vinyl, cloth, leather), and color
Appearance packages – decor groups, blackout packages, chrome deletes, sport stripes
You’ll usually need a paint/trim chart for your specific model year. Marti and various restoration books publish these; Ford’s own heritage vault and period dealer brochures help back‑check unusual codes.
This is the fun—and sometimes maddening—part:
Identify option groups first (e.g., “GT Equipment Group,” “Trailer Tow Package,” “Luxury Package”).
Work through individual codes for comfort, convenience, audio, safety, and performance items.
Pay attention to region or DSO codes that might indicate a fleet, police, or special‑service build.
Targets and gotchas:
Some options are standard within a package and therefore not listed separately.
Certain codes may look mysterious but simply reference internal scheduling or quality‑check instructions.
Expect discrepancies between marketing names (“Sport Handling Package”) and internal abbreviations on the sheet.
When in doubt, compare to a reliable decode source for the same year and model, not to random internet code lists with no sourcing.
Finally, walk the car:
Do paint, interior, and trim match the codes?
Does the engine casting and tag match the specified engine and date range?
Does the axle tag agree with the axle code?
Are rare options (e.g., specific performance packages or colors) actually present, or only on paper?
Don’t be surprised if some things don’t line up after 40–60 years of repairs. The goal is to distinguish normal wear and common upgrades from misrepresentation on valuable features.
A window sticker—formally a Monroney label—is the federally mandated label required on new cars at the point of sale. Ford’s own documentation describes it as listing MSRP, model info, standard and optional equipment, pricing, and EPA fuel‑economy and safety ratings. In plain terms: it tells the buyer what they’re paying for, how much it costs, and how the car is rated for fuel economy and safety.
Key differences:
Audience and purpose
Build sheet: internal production record; directs the manufacturing process and encodes technical configuration
Window sticker: customer‑facing sales document required by law; presents pricing and regulatory info
Content focus
Build sheet: detailed technical codes, component choices, and sometimes obscure internal fields
Window sticker: consumer-friendly descriptions for features, options, prices, fuel efficiency figures, and safety ratings
Availability
Build data may exist in Ford’s systems and via licensees even when the original window sticker is gone.
Duplicate window stickers can typically be generated only for more recent model years and depend on the manufacturer’s and third‑party services’ data retention.
The build sheet tells you exactly how Ford built the vehicle; the window sticker tells you exactly how Ford marketed and priced that same vehicle.
Because it sells. Some VIN‑report companies market their reproduction window sticker or spec sheet as a “build sheet” and even describe it as such.
From Ford’s perspective, though, that’s sloppy:
A recreated sticker may accurately describe what was on the car when new, but it is still a sales document, not the assembly line blueprint.
When you’re being precise—especially in a restoration or appraisal context—you should treat the build sheet and window sticker as separate, complementary documents.
If you see a seller waving a “build sheet” that’s obviously just a window‑sticker PDF from a VIN‑lookup service, adjust your expectations accordingly.
For a used‑car or truck purchase, a build sheet or quality build report helps you:
Verify the engine, transmission, and axle are what the seller claims.
Confirm that “loaded” or “fully optioned” actually means something; you can see exactly which packages were factory‑installed.
Spot trim level shenanigans—badges and wheels swapped onto a lower‑spec model.
Check whether rare or desirable options (performance packages, special colors, tow packages) are genuine or added later.
It doesn’t replace an inspection or a proper history report, but it’s one of the few documents that reflects how the factory equipped a vehicle.
Serious restorers treat build‑sheet data as the target spec:
Matching paint and stripe codes when repainting
Sourcing period‑correct interior trim and hardware
Rebuilding suspensions to original spring and shock specs for concours judging
Verifying that the engine, trans, carburetor, and axle are date‑correct and code‑correct
A Marti Report or original broadcast sheet is often required for top‑tier judged events because it proves the car actually left the line in that configuration.
Yes, within limits:
Build data can show that a car is one of a small number built with a certain color, drivetrain, or option combo. Marti’s higher‑level reports, for example, can include production statistics by configuration.
For mainstream vehicles, the value bump is modest; for niche performance models, accurate documentation can be a big deal.
Insurers and appraisers like documentation, but they’ll still weigh overall condition, provenance, and market demand.
A build sheet by itself doesn’t turn a rough car into a gem — it just proves what it should be.
That’s extremely common, and it’s not a crisis:
Most classic cars lost their physical broadcast sheets decades ago.
For many model years, you’ll never find a sheet in the car no matter how hard you look.
Your best substitutes are:
For 1967–2021 U.S. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury: Marti Report (or equivalent licensed data product)
For 1946–1966: Ford VIN Decode Letter plus period documentation
If a seller insists that a car without a sheet is “unverifiable,” they’re exaggerating; you have other tools.
Yes, especially in the classic‑car world:
Fabricated broadcast sheets: Some people create convincing‑looking paper “build sheets” using blank forms or scans, then type in whatever options make the car sound exotic.
Over‑interpreted reports: Owners sometimes misread or embellish what a Marti or other report actually says, stretching “one of X with this paint/engine/roof combination built that day” into “one of one ever made.”
Safeguards:
Compare any paper sheet to known originals for that year and model—fonts, alignment, paper type, and code structure.
Read the fine print on commercial reports; many clearly state they are reconstructions based on database data, not original paper.
Use common sense: if the documentation conveniently transforms a mediocre car into a unicorn, dig deeper.
Yes, especially for late‑model vehicles:
Dealers and Ford customer service may only release detailed build data to the current owner and may require proof of ownership.
Third‑party services are limited to what their data providers allow them to show; they’re not supposed to expose prior owners’ personal details, service invoices, or finance info.
If someone hands you a build‑sheet‑type report that includes another person’s name, address, or finance details, that’s a red flag—they’re either using data they shouldn’t have, or they’ve cobbled together documents in ways that violate privacy rules.
If you have any issues or questions, feel free to reach out to our support team via info at buildsheetbyvin dot com.