Author Topic: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory  (Read 5579 times)

Offline JohnZee

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64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« on: November 04, 2010, 12:38:15 AM »
I have a 64 1/2 Mustang coupe (260 V8 with generator from Dearborn).. which I am now restoring from local show to concourse level.

I noticed a concourse car at a recent show that had fairly large white letters that seem to be part of the Vin #. These letters faced outward on the passenger front rad support behind the grille. Anyone have more information on this and other factory markings ?  For example, the correct colour markings on the springs and driveshaft ?

Thanks !

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #1 on: November 04, 2010, 02:05:46 AM »
Usually any markings on the radiator support were painted over or blacked out later on the assembly line.  Contrary to popular belief, Ford actually did mind to aesthetic appearances when looking at the car from the front.  Big white lettering normally would not be acceptable.  Sometimes a rotation number can be found in white marker or chalk, but it's usually low so it won't show through the grille.

On the drive shaft, believe there are some that have researched this.  I would offer to concentrate on the "big" stuff first and then apply paint marks and such later on.
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
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Offline J_Speegle

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2010, 12:29:22 AM »
Agree with Charles - start with making sure the basic building blocks are there (things like the uni-body prep, seam sealers, oversprays, sound deadener...) are right. The lack of paint marks and such will not cost you any points - the lack of detail elsewhere will ;)

Just a thought - why don't you post a few pictures of the car and let others help you catch (we all overlook some things) items you might have overlooked
Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline 5F09CNot4Sale

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2010, 10:26:46 PM »
JohnZee

Here are the marks on my late June 260 coupe. Hope this helps for comparison.



5F09C3031XX Sept 28 64 Dearborn
5F07F1838XX June 29 64 Dearborn

Offline JohnZee

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #4 on: November 06, 2010, 01:52:31 AM »
Thanks Charles and Jeff .. I thought that the white letters at radiator front were really distracking ... I have a guide on the correct paint schemes and will pay attention to the overspray, seam sealers and overspray.

Good idea to post some pictures as we get into it !  Thanks again.

Offline Brant

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #5 on: November 06, 2010, 11:07:08 AM »
Here are the markings from my car after being painted over as Charles describes:


Offline svo2scj

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #6 on: November 06, 2010, 11:55:49 AM »


After learning (WRONG) from prior "Stripping" procedures (read in too much of a hurry)

Pointers here (Jeff and others) said to "hand strip", document , replicate exactly and finish properly (like Brant's photo).

You really have to look for some of the marks (40 years old) and NOT DESIGNED to be seen (after build).  You are lucky , in that is sounds like yours are VERY clear.
Some don't even have a support , have had it replaced or rust left it so bad "sandblasting" was the only logical step.

Mark
1969 R Code , Sportsroof (non Mach) W Axle
AB , Standard Interior  San Jose built 4/22/1969

Offline 5F09CNot4Sale

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #7 on: November 06, 2010, 04:42:38 PM »
svo2scj , I see RM did the car have remote mirriors?
5F09C3031XX Sept 28 64 Dearborn
5F07F1838XX June 29 64 Dearborn

Offline svo2scj

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #8 on: November 06, 2010, 06:47:51 PM »
I think RM is talked about as accepted as Remote Mirrors  (But can't say).  Just what is on other early sites.

I can't use this car (to confirm to as assembled) as it was changed many times after it's time in the 60's.

Mark
1969 R Code , Sportsroof (non Mach) W Axle
AB , Standard Interior  San Jose built 4/22/1969

Offline 5F09CNot4Sale

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #9 on: November 06, 2010, 07:35:03 PM »
Mark,
Thanks that is what I though and also read. I know there is a lot still to be learned. Like in my bottom photo you can see F AIR. I have seen 3 photos of this and seens to mean facory air. My car defently had factory air.
5F09C3031XX Sept 28 64 Dearborn
5F07F1838XX June 29 64 Dearborn

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #10 on: November 06, 2010, 11:36:14 PM »
RM on a '65 is usually for Rocker Moldings.
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
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Offline 5F09CNot4Sale

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #11 on: November 07, 2010, 12:08:08 AM »
Charles thanks for the correction.
5F09C3031XX Sept 28 64 Dearborn
5F07F1838XX June 29 64 Dearborn

Offline Pete Bush

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #12 on: November 07, 2010, 06:56:22 AM »
Metuchen began building 65's on 2/1/65. RM on a Metuchen car is likely to mean Remote Mirror, as this was the same meaning they used on their buck tags (Metuchen was the first plant to use buck tags). In 67 when Dearborn began using buck tags, RM still meant Rocker Moulding at that plant. [pgs 152-3 of Marti's Tag Book]
'66 6-cylinder Sprint Convertible
Metuchen - Scheduled May 10th; Built June 21st

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #13 on: November 07, 2010, 10:27:39 AM »
We're not talking about buck tags here, we're talking about radiator support markings.
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
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Offline Pete Bush

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Re: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory
« Reply #14 on: November 07, 2010, 11:34:27 AM »
I realize that. But if a buck tag is a "helper" plate that called out options (as radiator support markings do), it seems rather curious that 65 and 66 Metuchen cars would use RM on radiator support markings to denote Rocker Mouldings, while RM on buck tags meant remote mirror. It would have been rather confusing to line workers.

Now in Dearborn, it could have well been that RM meant rocker mouldings, as they used that same code when they began using buck tags in 67. ???

Isn't this just another case of differences between plants?
'66 6-cylinder Sprint Convertible
Metuchen - Scheduled May 10th; Built June 21st