I have a 1965 convertible that has non matching ID numbers. The number on the inside of the hood compartment is 5R08A...... This is also the number on the registration. The number on the ID tad on the drivers side door is 5R08C...... So one shows the car as having a A code engine and one shows a C code engine. Everything I can see indicates a C code. It has a 2 barrel carb which appears to be original and the rear axel ratio is for a C code. Has anyone seen anything like this before? Maybe just a tired autoworker picking up the wrong stamp? As for collectibility does this make the car more or less desireable?
Mis-Matched Numbers
- Thread starter SealBeachStang
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Yes all the numbers were the same except for the C and the A.
What else can I look for to be sure?
In that case I would think that one or the other was mis-stamped check the one on the passenger side as the tie breaker. It is harder to get to as it is under the fender but that will give you confirmation. Also you can look for a build sheet under the carpet or tied to the under dash wiring harness the build sheet is a long shot but worth a try. you can also look for a body buck tag but I do not know where these where located on the early cars.
That happened a lot on the assembly line. If all the numbers, except the engine code match then most likely a worker on the line mis-stamped the door tag or body VINs. From your description I bet the body VIN was mis-stamped. Jester67 is right, check out the hidden VINs under both fenders. Loosen the bolts of the driver side fender and you should see the VIN (its to the right of the visible VIN) and see what it has. Do the same with the passenger side. If all the body VINs show an A code, and you are sure you have a C code rear axel (2.80), then it looks like the factory decided to change your car to a C code at the last minute, or a worker caught the engine mis-match and just changed the door tag. Mistakes like these were actually very common and MCCA judges know what to look for in those cases. As for adding value, it really doesn't and some people get very leery about buying cars with mis-matching numbers so value can actually go down. True Mustang collectors would realize this though and they may actually consider that a plus. It's all up to the individual. If it was me and I was concerned about originality I would keep it as is. But if I wasn't I'd swap in an original 4BBL and intake and have fun with it. I'd keep the original intake and carb though and leave the door tag as is in case I decided to sell it later, and I'd tell the prospective buyer the true history of the car.
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