Topic: Missing Warranty Plate - Need Build Date

[gcdunlap]

Hi all:

I am starting to pull all the parts together to restore a 1965 fastback. The Warranty Plate was removed at some point in the past and I am looking for a rough build date. The last six digits of the VIN are 668080... Can anyone help me?

Thanks! 

[jwc66k]

First, welcome to the forum. Your question is not unique but in the future it would be to your advantage to use the entire VIN, there were three assembly plants and numbers may have been repeated in different model years. If your car is a 65, it most likely was built in Dearborn on the 19 of March, 1965. That would be date code 19Q. There are other quirks in the data plate you are trying to figure out, axle ratios depend on the engine type for example. Don't hesitate to ask more.
Jin

[gcdunlap]

Thanks Jim! It is a Dearborn car (5F09C668080) with the deluxe interior. As you noted, my next task was going to be looking at engine/transmission/rear end combinations. I believe I have the original 289 (2v) that came with the car, not sure about the axle, and know the previous owner picked up the 3-speed transmission that came with the car at a swap meet. Since I need to get a replacement data plate anyway, I was planning on putting a 4-speed in the car, and was beginning to look at which limited-slip axle would be best for a daily driver.

[rocket289k]

Regarding limited slip differentials for a daily driver I personally didn't find an acceptable solution. The Auburn posi units I tried clunk badly when turning (annoyingly so).  I haven't  tried a Torsen Helical differential which is supposed to solve that issue in a lighter car like an early Mustang. The Toren is in the modern incarnation of the Boss 302 as an option. http://www.torsen.com/files/Ford%20Mustang%20Boss%20302%20Torsen.pdf

I'd highly recommend sticking with the stock or OEM Ford rear end gears too. I've found that aftermarket ring and pinons produce completely unacceptable levels of rear end whine.

Regards,

Ron.

[gcdunlap]

Ron:

Thanks for the response! I appreciate the information.

Regards,
Gene