Topic: 11/1964 San Jose Build Date vs. Engine Dates

[6T6mustang]

I recently acquired a 1965 San Jose K code coupe with a scheduled build date of 03L (11/3/1964).  The engine is the original, numbers matching (VIN stamped) with a date code and engine tag in September. The intake and carb tags are dated July. I haven't been able to see what date codes are on the exhaust manifolds or fan yet. The glass is all original with exception of the windshield and is dated August as well.

Looking at the fenders and other date coded sheet metal, I'm seeing dates in October (which is what I thought most of the engine pieces would be).

I am curious about what others have seen as far as engine dates for similarly built cars as there seems to be a larger spread than what I thought there would be.

Also, secondly there is a small gold tag affixed to the dash beneath the radio that reads "This car made especially for _____." Does anyone have any insight on this?

[J_Speegle]

I recently acquired a 1965 San Jose K code coupe with a scheduled build date of 03L (11/3/1964).  The engine is the original, numbers matching (VIN stamped) with a date code and engine tag in September. The intake and carb tags are dated July. I haven't been able to see what date codes are on the exhaust manifolds or fan yet. The glass is all original with exception of the windshield and is dated August as well.

Looking at the fenders and other date coded sheet metal, I'm seeing dates in October (which is what I thought most of the engine pieces would be).
 
I am curious about what others have seen as far as engine dates for similarly built cars as there seems to be a larger spread than what I thought there would be.

For sheet metal dates I would focus more on welded on panels rather than bolt on.

When your mentioning the engine date code is this casting, assembly or other date (tag or machine)?

By November most/all of the supply and deliver issues seem to have been worked out (early production jitters and I'm not seeing a wide spread typically between projected dates, casting and assembly

[6T6mustang]

I haven't had time to pull the starter to see what the casting date is but the assembly date and engine tag date are both September.  The assembly date appears to be 4J18 (the last digit is slightly off the pad at the bottom). 

I looked at various welded panels and everything I looked at was in the month of October.

Any idea on the gold dash tag?

[Hipo giddyup]

  I remebering reading somewhere that these plagues were given to people special ordering new cars early-on in the Mustang production.?? (The article I read was talking about the name on the plaque was the original owners name.) Does your plaque have a name? Also, there is a similar NOS dash plaque currently on eBAY where the seller states it was given to the new car owners when their car was on backorder??? Very interesting and unique none the less.

[6T6mustang]

Yes, there is a name on the gold dash tag. I left out the name for privacy reasons.  I've tried searching the internet for the name in New Mexico as the car was sold at Sanco Ford in Santa Fe but don't have any solid leads yet.

[J_Speegle]

Believe the plaques were reproduced at one point at least.