What do the numbers all mean ? Really !

[87BlazeLS]

So here is a knowledge based question to which you can add a whole variety of vehicles into the mix.
For one most of us know that the trucks like, C10, Silverado1500, F150, Ram 2500 and so on
for those the numbers mean stock carrying capacity.
for the C10 it was 1000 lbs , silverado 1500 lbs, F150 = 1500 lbs Ram 2500 lbs.
Ok so for guys like us who drive older cars what did the numbers all mean ?
Like :
Electra 225, Olds 442, Galaxy 500, chevy 210, just to name a very few.

I was told a long time ago that the 442 olds mean't 4 bbl, 4 speed, positraction.
Although many were made with automatics, 2 bbl, open diffs.
Do not include vehicles that post the engine size in the model numbers because most all of us know
what those mean. and a 442 was not 442 cu in.

Take a chance and share your story....

 

[pontiacgp]

I don't know where you came up the those numbers, the F150 is a 1/2 ton capacity but it can carry far heavier loads and the 442 was a 4 bbl, 4 speed and duel exhaust. According to google when the Electra came out in 1959 it was 225 inches long,

 

[jeremyandthemonte]

Ram was the only one that used the bed load as a model ie ram 1500 could carry 1500 pounds in the bed but really it can carry more

 

[lilbowtie]

Pontiacgp hit the 442 - Electra 225 had to do with wheel base - 210 was named after the 2100 production series - Galaxy 500 ?????

 

[565bbchevy]

I knew a guy that had a 69'-71' 442 and he told me his stood for 400 cid, 4 barrel carb and dual exhaust but heard earlier years where 4 barrel, 4 speed, dual exhaust.
Heck, I am still trying to figure out what the 565 on my Monte's dash is supposed to mean.

 

[pontiacgp]

Pontiacgp hit the 442 - Electra 225 had to do with wheel base - 210 was named after the 2100 production series - Galaxy 500 ?????

I think you are incorrect with the 225 being the wheelbase, that would mean the 225 wheelbase would be over twice what the wheelbase of G body.. And a Ram 1500 has variable payloads depending on the truck.

http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2014/docs/ram/rammlup1500.pdf

 

[pontiacgp]

What is utmost important to know is what the Ford Probe really meant

 

[87BlazeLS]

All trucks will hold and tow more than rated. A safe load carrying factor was the rating. IE: 1000, 1500, 2500, ect.
Most if not all trucks will tow way more than rated and at the bed hauling figure 1 1/2 to 2 times the safe load limits.
This takes stock tires and suspension and brakes into full consideration. So you have to know
what your referring too. Look it up. I've seen old ford pick ups 1/2 ton carry a full bed of rocks
and still run down the road. Safe ! No way.....

 

[87BlazeLS]

Probe is not a number

 

[pontiacgp]

All trucks will hold and tow more than rated. A safe load carrying factor was the rating. IE: 1000, 1500, 2500, ect.
Most if not all trucks will tow way more than rated and at the bed hauling figure 1/1/2 to 2 times the safe load limits.
This takes stock tires and suspension and brakes into full consideration. So you have to know
what your referring too. Look it up.

your question was what for the model numbers mean and pointed out the F150 payload was 1,500 lbs but is is a 1/2 ton truck so the 150 is just the model number. The F250 is a 3/4 ton truck so that is 1,500 lbs payload