Actually josh, this lineset is really nice compared to many!
Those were originally compiled on microfilm (and before that inna simple filing system!). Then later were archived on microfiche when that format was developed. So the method of reproduction today will vary and the quality of the document you receive varies by the current quality of the original format.
For decoding, I'll "help" you with your homework assignment. Go to this page found on the super Scout specialist website (yes...we are "friendly" business associates and also competitors!), and print off this "line ticket code reference" which the glancys have compiled:
vehicle lineticket code reference
That is by far not a complete compilation but is the best we have to work with. It does take care of the vast majority of the line items on your lineset! So study that and you can then go down your lineset and decode for yourself and learn how this stuff works!
Looking at your lineset (after I enhanced the images), that vehicles was most likely delivered by rail to a "port of entry" (railhead in lubbock, tx). Looking at the shipping code, I believe that was the santa fe line but I don't recognize the trucking company code that did the cross-ship. From there it was transported to the International Harvester factory branch in el paso. A "factory branch" is a dealership of sorts that was owned and operated by International Harvester corp, not an independent local business person. These locations served as parts distribution warehouses, factory service and overhaul centers, and as a base of operation for the regional field sales/fleet/service/warranty/parts force employed by corporate.
Every vehicle off the assembly line was built to an individual "order", IH did not produce "pool" vehicles for IH dealers to order from.
At the bottom, you see the designation "prototype 4x4". That means the base vehicle as it was spec'd for all vehicles to be "copied" from and that the line items selections were added to or deleted from. Today, we refer to that "sample" vehicle as "2pp" or second production prototype which has actually been "tested" down the assembly line in a run of 100 units. That run is used to train the assembly personnel/inspectors, sort at the parts delivery protocol to each assembly station, adjust the tooling as needed, and in general work out the bugs of the assembly process....and that process is a major clusterfook that can take days/weeks to sort out and fine tune!! Those 2pp rigs are then bashed in some offline durability/performance/emissions tests, and are then either torn apart for quality inspection, made into training aids, or destroyed by crushing. They cannot be sold as they do not carry any form of "legal" vin or documentation, only a production id for a control number for the computer to sort the options.
The fourth column from the left is the important one. That contains the IH code designation for that particular item/assembly. That number in turn refers to the IH "model" designation such as seen in some of those line listings, t-14, fa 14, tc 144, etc. And those are the numbers you see thrown around here on the forum sometimes like we know what we are talking about in some kinda lingo!!
The model and code numbers can then be crossed over on the lineset reference into the actual component supplier's model number for the part or assembly. Such as "fa14", is a code 2014, which is a spicer (Dana) steering/drive axle with a 2000# load capacity.
When you use the ihc-produced parts lists and service manuals, those numbers are important so that you can use the proper sections to look up part numbers and correct service procedures for what you are dealing with, not someone else with a completely different variation of the base vehicle!
Some interesting point about this rig that I could see right quick...it had turn signals (turn signals were an option on all vehicles back then!), a heater, the larger radiator (that radiator would have a top tank that is parallel to the top of it's core support and is about 15% greater heat exchange capacity than the "prototype" radiator), and 16" wheel/tire combo (with a spare!).
And in the IH "order/production" scenario, everyone of those line items could be deleted if the ordering entity (dealer, fleet, factory branch) had a reason to do so based upon intended end-user desires.
The other page is a "line-off" inspection record. However, that one does not to have been really completed "by the book"! This was part of a quality control/quality assurance process and also the place to record the serial number of the actual components if they carried one. The radiator is serialized, the axles, the transmission, etc. At least they did enter the frame number and the engine number on this rig. Keep in mind, all this was a manual process done by human beings back then, in today's production environment, much of this is processed and controlled by computers and robots with all line items rigidly accounted for unless someone scruus up, then the house of cards falls down and the production line stops!
So see whatcha can do with this and git back to us if ya have questions or need clarification. This is a wonderful lesson in ihc history and by starting this thread you will be helping many folks around here
thanks!
