Non-matching VIN numbers

[Krubba]

So, my understanding is that if vin numbers on some body parts don't match, there was probably a repair/panel replacement. That the three vin numbers (on 1965 tbird found to passenger side of hood latch, passenger side cowl perpendicular to windshield, and just in front of that just under the hood.

So I check my numbers (no idea why I waited this long), and the weird thing is, front vin matches cowl vin, but the number close to cowl doesn't match. But that last mismatched number is stamped into the same metal piece as the cowl number! What am I missing here?

Also, door data plate has a diff number again, though similar format. Is this supposed to match?

Thanks for any insights!

[tbird]

Krubba

First please refer to the first thread in this heading of the forum which covers decoding of your data or warranty or data plate on the door the model numbers on this plate are different than the body I.D. stamped into the metal of the body, the consecutive numbers should match. First stamped number is on the right side of the upper radiator support, second is just behind the lip of the pinch weld on the cowl to firewall panels on right side just above the heater motor location, third is under the cowl panel on right side it has to be removed to see it.

[Krubba]

So turns out the door number matches the number above the heater: 5Y87Z130483

The rad support number matches cowl number: 5Y83Z121199

Like i said, particularly strange since cowl and above-heater numbers are stamped on the same piece of metal.

The 83 indicates hardtop, the 87 indicates landau, so i guess i just need to figure out if mine's a landau or not. There's no vinyl on the roof, but maybe it's been removed? it has the posts for attaching wheel covers on the back. Any other identifying features to tell if it's a landau or not?

[Krubba]

Oh, the trim and paint specified on data plate on door do match the car, so more evidence in favour of it being the landau...

[redstangbob]

A landau will have wood grain interior

[Krubba]

Doh!! no wood grain, now I'm just confused again :(

So i guess the next question is, if i try to register the car, which vin should i use? Do a background check on both and pick the one with cleaner record? ;)

[tbird]

Krubba
Did you buy this car locally?

I documented I believe 65 in Portland at the International in 2011 that was similar to this will have to find the info on it, we picked it up on judging as the door and rad support numbers did not match.

[redstangbob]

it has the posts for attaching wheel covers on the back

Do you mean pins for the fender skirts? They were an option for all models, that won't tell you anything.

[Krubba]

Yes, I meant the skirt pins. Sounding more like it wasn't a landau then...

I bought it locally, but it came from BC where i believe it was last registered. And it was probably last driving in about 2002/2003. Data plate indicates dealer as Ford of Canada.

[60fore]

Some photos would sure come in handy right about now!

[john6t6]

Have to agree with you Gary. Krubba can you post some pictures of your bird?

[60fore]

As Bob mentioned above, a Landau will have woodgrain accents in the interior. Here is a pic showing the woodgrain console trim, door trim and steering wheel:

[Krubba]

Here's what i could find that might help. First two are from before the teardown...

delivery!


posing :)


dash pulled


data plate


rusty roof channel (trying to figure out how to restore this)

[tbird]

Krubba
That is not the car that I looked at it was a 63A.

[Krubba]

That's why this is such a mystery, the data plate says 63B indicating landau, but on rad support the vin says 5Y83 indicating hardtop.

And while i have no wood trim on doors or dash, i do have the fake wood steering wheel. The console had been visibly gutted, so who knows what this car had originally...