ConcoursMustang Forums
1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1966 Mustang => Topic started by: Jondors on June 27, 2023, 07:47:43 PM
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I have a GT that I know has had previous front end damage. The left front inner fender well has been replaced as well as both right inner fenders. The right panels have no VIN.
The left rear inner fender still has the original VIN but the VIN appears to be stamped at an angle not square to the inner panel. Could be due to the previous front end damage.
Is a "non-squared up" VIN something that has been seen before. I'm reluctant to square it up because I don't want it to appear that it has been altered or added to the car.
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A couple of things going on here. First, as you pointed out, its apparent or pictures suggest that the drivers side inner fender panel has been replaced since it as a visible, stenciled part number on it. Also the date stamp on the drivers side fender suggests that it has been replaced supporting the idea that there was an accident and additional parts and panels were replaced. IMHO good chance the hood also.
So we have that and the fact that the VIN on that side is not where it typically would be located. Guess you have already looked at the bottom side to see if its been cut off the original panel and location and grafted in to area over the shock tower as shown. No reason, since the original panel would have been in place, for the operator not to stamp the forward and rear VIN on that side where always had and did
Have you checked for the other two VINs (6T07A161171) stamped in the inner fender panels? . Both behind the shock towers on the rear inner fender panel upper lip as you likely already know
Looking at other cars around the same 66 production period at NJ I found no others with a factory VIN located where this car currently has one but you knew that and that is why you asked :)
Interesting but have seen similar things owners and repair shops have done in the past
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Thanks for the response.
No VINs in the other locations, including the door tag.
I'm hopeful that once it's disassembled I can massage that panel to put that VIN back into to correct orientation.
I still feel fortunate to have the one on the drivers side, plus the buck tag and the build sheet to confirm this is a GT.
Not a good candidate for a concours rebuild but would make a excellent driver once completed.
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I still feel fortunate to have the one on the drivers side, plus the buck tag and the build sheet to confirm this is a GT.
A GT in that VIN range will have crush tubes in the rear frame rails. See -
https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=25899.msg160148#msg160148
And a few pictures.
Jim
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jwc66k - Thanks for the additional information.
The car has all of the "usual" GT indicators, including the crush tubes.
The buck tag and the build sheet just document and reinforce the fact that this is a factory GT.
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It looks to me like someone cut the fender to expose the drivers side hidden VIN. Drivers side hidden VIN on my NJ car is not squared to the edge of the apron