Numbers Matching Versus Date Code

[69Ford]

I was reading another post and doing some thinking. Jump in if I'm wrong. Numbers matching on GM vehicles means the part can be tracked to a specific vehicle. On fords the parts were just date coded as to the date the part was manufactured. If you do some research there were strikes and work slowdowns at the ford factory's and supply problems from vendors all the time. Some parts were made in batches at certain times and shipped when needed. So if there was a work slowdown or a supply problem you could easily get date coded parts well before the vehicle build date. A good car inspector would have to know what was going on at the factory at the time of the vehicle build date to know if a part is date coded correctly. Just my

[HIO Silver]

Concur... 'period correct' is more accurate when referring to Fords. I believe the terms 'numbers matching' is misapplied to Fords since only with few exceptions did Ford stamp or cast VINs on parts... one example are K-code Mustangs.

'Matching' implies that numbers are identical when comparing parts. In general they will not be identical'due to as you stated, batch-making.

[radioactivelarry]

I have a 64 T-Bird and I know the entire history of the car as I have owned it for 44 years. I recently pulled the pumpkin and it is coded C2** for 62 vintage. I did the engine years ago and the big parts were period correct for 64 (C4).
Check out the Econoline's most were made in 61 and they had leftovers for years that they sold as current models until they got rid of them and went to the other body style.

[69Ford]

I have a 64 T-Bird and I know the entire history of the car as I have owned it for 44 years. I recently pulled the pumpkin and it is coded C2** for 62 vintage. I did the engine years ago and the big parts were period correct for 64 (C4).
Check out the Econoline's most were made in 61 and they had leftovers for years that they sold as current models until they got rid of them and went to the other body style.

If I'm right there is a part number and a date code on parts. Part numbers can go back several years if the part did not change. A part could have a C1 (1961) on a 1969 vehicle but be date coded May 1st 1969. I'm not sure if all parts were date coded. Also something I have noticed in Ford NOS parts or parts for dealerships which where made much later than the vehicle and Ford restamped the FOMOCO markings with Autolite or Motorcraft.

[radioactivelarry]

Ford did tons of revisions on part numbers. Pick up a Ford parts manual on a CD and it will drive you crazy!

[69Ford]

Just putting this back as active topic because to many people advertise these ford trucks a numbers matching. As soon as I see or hear numbers matching I quit looking.

[DuckRyder]

There are casting numbers and date codes on most parts. For instance a "C8XX" head was not necessarily made in 1968, it might have a 1971 date code.

[FLASH 1]

I am with 69Ford if the ad says numbers matching, I just walk away,, Mustangs have seen with the K-Cars BUT Trucks, unless its a very original truck unmolested and can see that valve cover decal looks like it was like it came from the Factory, data plate on door still has the factory rivots , vin # matches frame rail and few other hidden paces you can still tell if it's a original truck BUT Far and fewer are to be found now....