Vin Decoder for Classic Mustangs - The Key to Finding the Right Mustang Parts

Why the VIN Matters

The VIN is a unique code that reveals a wealth of information about your Mustang, including its original color, trim style, manufacturing date, and more. This is particularly important for first-generation Mustangs (1965-1973), as each model year has specific variations.

Locating the VIN

Early Models (1965-1967)

• 1965-1966: The VIN is located under the hood on the edge of the driver-side fender.
• 1967: The VIN is displayed at the base of the front windshield on the passenger side.

Later Models (1968-1973)

• 1968: The VIN is at the base of the front windshield where it meets the dash on the passenger side.
• 1969-1973: The VIN is on the driver side.

Additionally, look for the data plate riveted to the jamb of the driver-side door. This plate may not always be present due to door replacements or loss over the years.

Decoding the VIN

The VIN follows a standard format, revealing the model year, assembly plant, body style, engine code, and consecutive unit number. Here's a detailed breakdown for each model year:

Key

• cu: Cubic Inch Displacement
• 2B or 4B: 2 or 4 Barrel Carburetor

1965 (1964½ to enthusiasts, but no official 1964½ model year)

• 5: Last digit of Model Year (1965)
• F: Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen)
• 08: Body Code (07-hardtop, 08-convertible, 09-fastback)
• U: Engine Code (early 1965: U-170cu V6, F-260cu V8, D-289cu V8; late 1965: A-289cu V8 4B, C-289cu V8 2B, K-289cu V8 4B HP, T-200cu V6)
• 100005: Consecutive unit number

1966

• 6: Last digit of Model Year (1966)
• F: Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen)
• 08: Body Code (07-hardtop, 08-convertible, 09-fastback)
• A: Engine Code (A-289cu V8 4B, C-289cu V8 2B, K-289cu 4B HP, T-200cu V6)
• 100005: Consecutive unit number

1967

• 7: Last digit of Model Year (1967)
• F: Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen)
• 01: Body Code (01-hardtop, 02-fastback, 03-convertible)
• C: Engine Code (A-289cu V8 4B, C-289 cu V8 2B, K-289cu 4B HP, S-390cu V8 4B Big Block, T-200cu V6)
• 100005: Consecutive unit number

1968

• 8: Last digit of Model Year (1968)
• F: Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen)
• 01: Body Code (01-hardtop, 02-fastback, 03-convertible)
• C: Engine Code (C-289 cu V8 2B, F-302cu V8 2B, J-302cu V8 4B, S-390cu V8 4B Big Block, R-428cu V8 4B Cobra Big Block, W-427cu V8 4B Big Block, T-200cu V6)
• 100005: Consecutive unit number

1969

• 9: Last digit of Model Year (1969)
• F: Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen)
• 01: Body Code (01-hardtop, 02-Sportsroof, 03-convertible)
• F: Engine Code (F-302cu V8 2B, G-302cu V8 4B Boss, H-351cu V8 2B, L-250cu V6, M-351cu V8 4B, Q-428cu V8 4B Cobra Jet Big Block, R-428cu V8 4B Cobra Jet Big Block Ram Air, T-200cu V6, Z-429cu V8 4B Boss)
• 100005: Consecutive unit number

1970

• 0: Last digit of Model Year (1970)
• F: Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen)
• 01: Body Code (01-hardtop, 02-Sportsroof, 03-convertible, 04-Grande, 05-Mach 1)
• F: Engine Code (F-302cu V8 2B, G-302cu V8 2B Boss, H-351cu V8 2B, L-250cu V6, M-351cu V8 2B, Q-428cu V8 2B Cobra Jet Big Block, R-428cu V8 2B Cobra Jet Big Block Ram Air, T-200cu V6, Z-429cu V8 2B Boss)
• 100005: Consecutive unit number

1971

• 1: Last digit of Model Year (1971)
• F: Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen)
• 01: Body Code (01-hardtop, 02-Sportsroof, 03-convertible, 04-Grande, 05-Mach 1)
• F: Engine Code (C-429cu V8 2B Cobra Jet, F-302cu V8 2B, H-351cu V8 2B, J-429cu V8 2B Cobra Jet Ram Air, L-250cu V6, M-351cu V8 2B, Q-428cu V8 2B Ram Air, R-351cu V8 2B Boss)
• 100005: Consecutive unit number

1972

• 2: Last digit of Model Year (1972)
• F: Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen)
• 01: Body Code (01-hardtop, 02-Sportsroof, 03-convertible, 04-Grande, 05-Mach 1)
• F: Engine Code (F-302cu V8 2B, H-351cu V8 2B, L-250cu V6, Q-351cu V8 2B, R-351cu V8 2B High Output)
• 100005: Consecutive unit number

1973

• 3: Last digit of Model Year (1973)
• F: Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen)
• 01: Body Code (01-hardtop, 02-Sportsroof, 03-convertible, 04-Grande, 05-Mach 1)
• F: Engine Code (F-302cu V8 2B, H-351cu V8 2B, L-250cu V6, Q-351cu V8 2B)
• 100005: Consecutive unit number

Interesting Stats

• Production Numbers: The 1965 Mustang was a massive hit, with over 559,451 units sold in its first year alone (source).
• Engine Variants: The 1969 Mustang offered a staggering 14 different engine options, ranging from a 200cu inline-six to the 429cu V8 Boss (source).
• Survival Rate: It's estimated that only about 10% of the original 1965 Mustangs are still on the road today (source).

Conclusion

Decoding your Mustang's VIN is the first step in ensuring you find the right parts for your restoration project. With this guide, you can uncover the original specifications of your classic Mustang and bring it back to its former glory. Happy hunting!

This article is designed to provide a comprehensive guide to decoding the VIN of classic Mustangs, ensuring you have all the information you need for your restoration project. For more detailed information, you can visit Hemmings and Mustang Specs.