This reference identifies body components and the material descriptions associated with them in an archived Ford workshop document. It is useful for finding the correct drawing and terminology before asking a vehicle-specific construction question.

Identify the source and configuration

The PDF is titled Vehicle Specific Body Construction, headed 2023 Transit, and belongs to section 501-26, Body Repairs Vehicle Specific Information and Tolerance Checks. Its revision is printed 05/7/2014. The opening text also points to section 501-25 for body-repair specifications; those separate specifications are not reproduced here.

View PDF: Vehicle Specific Body Construction Description and Operation 501 26 Body Repairs Vehicle Specific Information and Tolerance Checks

Find an area in the 52-page document

  • Pages 1–6: opening legend and front panels, chassis members and floor-pan sections.
  • Pages 7–19: body-side inner-panel sections for different body, wheelbase and side-door configurations.
  • Pages 20–26: body-side outer-panel sections, followed by the start of the rear chassis material.
  • Pages 26–46: rear chassis sections, including separate van, wagon and chassis-cab/cutaway configurations.
  • Pages 46–51: roof-panel sections and the front/hinged side-door material near the end.

Record the drawing as well as the part name

First match the section heading to the actual vehicle's body type, wheelbase, roof height and door arrangement. Then record the page, drawing heading and numbered item beside the component name. The same broad word, such as reinforcement or rail, can appear in several configurations, so a name alone is a weak reference.

A material label identifies what the source says about a component. It does not by itself establish a permissible drill location, attachment capacity, welding method or conversion modification. Keep those questions separate and obtain the applicable vehicle and installation documentation before deciding on a change.

Use the body-dimension reference for its separate measurement sections. Record the exact source and any unresolved mounting or modification question in the decision log. The PDF remains the full archived reference.

Reference guide expanded October 20, 2026. Original publication date and archived references retained.