Topic: Is this how to decode sheet metal?

[MustangAndFairlane1867]

After researching the "trick" to decoding the alpha/numeric symbols stamped in the sheet metal of my 1965 Mustang, I prepared this memo to myself.  I would appreciate  comments, corrections and additions from all the knowledgeable and experienced folks on this great forum:


Note:  The codes do not denote the year, so it’s generally assumed that the year is the same as the year of the car the sheet metal is on.
 
Here’s how to decode a typical date stamp on a 1965 Mustang’s sheet metal:
 
4   15    B2
 
The 4 is the month (April is this sample)
 
The 15 is the day of the month (15th in this sample)
 
The B is the plant where the piece was made (Buffalo, N.Y. in this sample)
 
The 2 is the shift that produced it (In this case it was the second shift)
 
Here are the codes for the various plants where sheet metal was produced:
 
A=Chicago, Ill.
B=Buffalo, N.Y.
C=Cleveland, Ohio
D=Dearborn, Michigan
M=Monroe, Michigan
W=Woodhaven, Michigan

[carlite65]

i think you have it down perfect. sometimes though there is no shift code. not sure why.

[jwc66k]

i think you have it down perfect. sometimes though there is no shift code. not sure why.

A single shift per day would not have a shift code.
Jim

[jwc66k]

After researching the "trick" to decoding the alpha/numeric symbols stamped in the sheet metal of my 1965 Mustang, I prepared this memo to myself.  I would appreciate  comments, corrections and additions from all the knowledgeable and experienced folks on this great forum:


Note:  The codes do not denote the year, so it’s generally assumed that the year is the same as the year of the car the sheet metal is on.
 
Here’s how to decode a typical date stamp on a 1965 Mustang’s sheet metal:
 
4   15    B2
 
The 4 is the month (April is this sample)
 
The 15 is the day of the month (15th in this sample)
 
The B is the plant where the piece was made (Buffalo, N.Y. in this sample)
 
The 2 is the shift that produced it (In this case it was the second shift)
 
Here are the codes for the various plants where sheet metal was produced:
 
A=Chicago, Ill.
B=Buffalo, N.Y.
C=Cleveland, Ohio
D=Dearborn, Michigan
M=Monroe, Michigan
W=Woodhaven, Michigan

You might try the Library under specific years for a topic "Date Codes - Decoding Date Codes" by someone on the forum.
Jim

[J_Speegle]

As Jim mentioned I think you'll find the Article posted in the Library helpful - that's why it was written an posted.   

46 pages, with sixty two part types decoded, with lots of pictures and illustrations to help Takes a whil;e to load given the size but worth the wait

[Tiny]

Hi all, I have a 66 GT Coupe with body stamps indicating the metal was made/stamped at Dearborn. My car's VIN said it was made in San Jose.  Is it the case that the manufacture of various body parts from the different locations would be distributed to other assembly locations?

thanks

[carlite65]

yes you are correct. there were at least 6 stamping plants. chicago, buffalo, cleveland, dearborn, monroe mi. and woodhaven ohio.

[Tiny]

great thank you

[J_Speegle]

Hi all, I have a 66 GT Coupe with body stamps indicating the metal was made/stamped at Dearborn. My car's VIN said it was made in San Jose.  Is it the case that the manufacture of various body parts from the different locations would be distributed to other assembly locations?

thanks

Certain stamping plants were set up to stamp or preassemble sub assembles each was assigned to be the supplier to certain Ford, Lincoln and Mercury plants  (lot more than just the three that made Mustangs) and then overflow or as needed to other plants. Because of this you can see patterns of where certain body panels came from for San Jose (for example) during different parts of the production year - establishing a pattern or trend

[67gta289]

yes you are correct. there were at least 6 stamping plants. chicago, buffalo, cleveland, dearborn, monroe mi. and woodhaven ohio.

The last one listed is Woodhaven Michigan, not Ohio.  The Woodhaven and Dearborn stamping is still in production, but Monroe closed about 10 years ago.

[evantugby]

Is it appropriate to assume sheet metal dates should precede the car's build date by apprx 2 months? 

[CharlesTurner]

Is it appropriate to assume sheet metal dates should precede the car's build date by apprx 2 months?

Normally 'up to' 2 months would be a better assumption.  Some pieces could precede farther back.  There's no hard rule. 

[J_Speegle]

Normally 'up to' 2 months would be a better assumption.  Some pieces could precede farther back.  There's no hard rule.

+1 

When it comes to panels its best to look at other original unrepaired cars from the same plant and time period for examples of what was in supply at that point when you can.  Trends show up all the time some are pretty narrow while others are wider in dates but it does help