Topic: 64 1/2 Vin # markings from factory

[JohnZee]

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 !

[CharlesTurner]

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.

[J_Speegle]

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

[5F09CNot4Sale]

JohnZee

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

[JohnZee]

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.

[Brant]

Here are the markings from my car after being painted over as Charles describes:

[svo2scj]

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

[5F09CNot4Sale]

svo2scj , I see RM did the car have remote mirriors?

[svo2scj]

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

[5F09CNot4Sale]

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.

[CharlesTurner]

RM on a '65 is usually for Rocker Moldings.

[5F09CNot4Sale]

Charles thanks for the correction.

[Pete Bush]

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]

[CharlesTurner]

We're not talking about buck tags here, we're talking about radiator support markings.

[Pete Bush]

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?