[mach2liquid]

Besides the data plate on a 65 66 fastback what is the best way to identify 65 or 66? does anyone know how to decode the serial number under the hood?

[68pony]

here is a site that tells you how to decode your serial number.


http://www.greatoldcars.com/mustang%20decode.htm

[Horseshoeing]

Just of of the top of my head..........

The grill
dash
gas cap
really fake side vents

[2manystangs]

The first digit of the vin is the model year, i.e 5 is for '65, 6 is for '66, 7 is for '67 etc....

So lets say your vin is..... 5R09Kxxxxxx

broken down this car would be

(5) 1965 model year
(R)built at San Jose CA.plant
(09) fastback body code
(K) engine code (271 hp 289)

if your 2nd digit is not "R" then it will be..(F)Dearborn michigan (T) Metuchen,N.J.

Body code for hardtop is(07) and convertible is(08)

if your engine code is not "K" then it will be a "A" (4 barrel 289), "C" (2 barrel 289) or "T" (200 ci 6 cylinder)

you will find these #'s on the left front fender apron and under the right front fender on the apron.
Hope this helps.

Damon

[Horseshoeing]

Thanks, it don't help me, but I did learn something.

[mach2liquid]

well all good answers unfortunately the first 2 digits are just not there.
Can I get the year off of the motor transmission so on if so please point me in the right direction.

thanks for all your answers.
the help is appreciated

[Horseshoeing]

Lets see it and we will tell you. A 65 and 66 are the same car all but a few small things.

[OldSchool]

Unfortunatly the running gear on a car that old may have been changed over the years. The casting numbers may help, but are no guarntee.

I would look for indicators in things that didn't usually get changed.
The dash pad was different on the 2 cars. The dash gauges are hardly ever changed.
The 66 steering box is different from the 65, and usually stay with the car.
Send a photo of the steering box.
The grill was different. Other styling cues.
I'm sure others can think of a few items that almost always stay with the car.

[mach2liquid]

here it is

[mach2liquid]

will try this again

[orangeRcode]

Looks like 4 lug wheels from the pic. If so, it was originally a 6 cylinder car. The grill is gone so that is of no help and on pics of the interior.

[mach2liquid]

yep it is a 6 cylinder and the interior was in bad shape I didnt even take a photo. Now the car is a frame up to the hood. I will get some pics of steering for now here is the engine. From the vin I can tell it was originally a i6 from the T but the year is missing i can make out an F for dearborn I am trying to remove the paint to see if it is a light stamp hiding underneath.
what do you know I think the steering box is visible in this one.

[Horseshoeing]

Did you look for the vin on the fender or the title?

[OldSchool]

The steering box is a 64 or 65 because the steering shaft goes right into the box and is one long piece.
Starting in 66 the steering shaft is separate and there is a flex joint visible between the steering shaft and the actual box.

That engine compartment looks unmolested.

Note the orange background on the ford logo on the valve cover. Early 60's ford 6 bangers were Chevy orange!

Now shoot the same photo except include the top of the grille to the headlight. There is a cast aluminum piece on the edge of the grille with 3 vertical indentations in it. If the top edge is beveled it is a 64 1/2. If it is flat it is a 65 or someone replaced the front of the car. In the first photo looks like the left side is dammaged so shoot the drivers side.

If you can't decide what year the car is I will trade you for a known 65 coupe.

[mach2liquid]

driver side grill as requested I wish it was a 64 1/2 but everything I have found in my research suggests 65 or 66 the casting numbers on the engine are 66 as well.

[OldSchool]

Yep, you are right, it is not a 64 1/2.
I still think the dash gauges are the best way to tell.

I double check the mustang restoration guide a it clearly states that the 66-67 steering box was different from the 65.
Looks like a 65 so far.

[mach2liquid]

the dash is the 5 guage cluster. I am pulling the fenders off tomorrow someone stated i might find the vin on or under the passenger side fender? I can say this is the most I have read in years and I learn more every day.

[OldSchool]

If the speedo is the long gauge going to 120 mph it is a 65.
If it is round and goes to 140 mph you got a rally pac dash.
If it is round and goes to 120 mph it is a stock 66.

Also check the differential tag if it is there. Usually a car that looks stock as yours has a stock rear end.

[mach2liquid]

It is a 66
thanks for all the help
inder the passenger side fender was the complete vin#
didnt buy a chop shop special GOOD NEWS!

[Horseshoeing]

Happy to hear it.