henry51, the "8" means it was built in Atlanta, Ga, "JP" means that it is a 1951 series 3100 (1/2 ton), "L" means it was built in December, and the last 4 digits are the sequence number. As far as the color is concerned, look at certain areas if you decide to take the truck apart for clues as to its original color. Removing the hood emblem might show the dull, but original paint color, taking a headlight rim and bucket off might show the original paint, removing the center piece of the hood might show the original paint. If you remove a runningboard, the bottom portion of the rear fender might show you what the original paint color was. hope this helps.