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Non-Mustang Ford & Mercury Models => Cougar 1967-73 => Topic started by: 68NordicCat on April 17, 2016, 11:52:39 AM

Title: 68 rear license plate bracket
Post by: 68NordicCat on April 17, 2016, 11:52:39 AM
Dec 1967 SJ built 68 J Code Cougar - rear license plate bracket is in good original (based on review here) galvanized condition. Coded 7 21 D2 which I thought was a '70s production code, but also looking here seems like that may be a Dearborn plant production stamp. Any thoughts on whether this is an original rear bracket for this car?
Title: Re: 68 rear license plate bracket
Post by: somethingspecial on April 17, 2016, 12:12:49 PM
Never seen one of those on a 67'-68'. Should look like this 68'. This is a 68' SJ built S code. April 5 build date. The one you show looks to be a fold down bracket. Don't know what Cougars had.  Is the fuel filler neck behind the License Plate?  Mike
Title: Re: 68 rear license plate bracket
Post by: 68NordicCat on April 17, 2016, 12:17:37 PM
Very nice ride! May be the difference between the Mustang and Cougar. My car is definitely set up for the fold down over the standard vented cap and between the tail lights.
Title: Re: 68 rear license plate bracket
Post by: J_Speegle on April 17, 2016, 05:49:18 PM
Dec 1967 SJ built 68 J Code Cougar - rear license plate bracket is in good original (based on review here) galvanized condition. Coded 7 21 D2 which I thought was a '70s production code, but also looking here seems like that may be a Dearborn plant production stamp. Any thoughts on whether this is an original rear bracket for this car?

The stamped date codes on sheet metal do not include the year (check out the article in the library about date codes ;)

Yours decodes to July 21st 2nd shift at Dearborn stamping plant - not Dearborn assembly plant

The only way to get in idea if the date is "in the range" for your car would be to compare other cars built around the same time as your Cougar that were built at San Jose also.  Not sure if they were building enough Cougars to continually stamp these items or they were stamped in batches instead.

Looks like the face is still nicely galvanized but since the license plate will cover that its the inside that is likely more important for a finished car.

Date will be covered also. I would install and use it (if the condition matches what your going for)  while you look at others to get an idea of the dates. Easy enough to change out later and keeps you moving forward in the mean time
Title: Re: 68 rear license plate bracket
Post by: 68NordicCat on April 17, 2016, 06:15:21 PM
Thanks Jeff.