Topic: What does numbers matching mean in a Mustang

[LilRedGT]

I am in the process of buying a 66 GT to rebuild. The sellertold me it has a numbers matching engine, trans, and rear end. I've seen somewhere that for 64 - 66 cars, Ford did not keep records like that. Best you can do is determine if th drivetrain components and the car were manufactured within the same 90 day window. Can anyone help clear this issue up for me ? How do you check this isssue ?

[Soaring]

There were no numbers matching mustangs back then.  Ford used whatever engine and transmission that was available on the assembly line, and didn't care what the numbers were available. 

[BlackShadow]

Look at the Vin number if the 5 digit is a k it will have a number matching motor. Only the K code mustangs had numbers to match both motor and body, other wise you are right LilRed only way to tell it the production dates.

[Soaring]

Look at the Vin number if the 5 digit is a k it will have a number matching motor. Only the K code mustangs had numbers to match both motor and body, other wise you are right LilRed only way to tell it the production dates.

I seriously doubt he has a K  code motor. 

[BlackShadow]

You never know I just told him the facts and he is here to learn. The GT were either a A code or K code and he says he looking at building a GT

[LilRedGT]

Is there a date range that is a "period date match" between the cars production date and the engine or trans ?
If so, how do I match the car and engine dates ?
I forgot to mention I have a A code car.

[LilRedGT]

Where do I find the production date codes and how do you translate the codes to determine dates ?

[66GTKFB]

I think I answered most of your questions via PM, but to fill in your last, the car's scheduled assembly date is on the door data tag. It may be up to a week off in either direction. If the door data tag is missing, an approximate date can be determined by the VIN.
Jim

[BlackShadow]

 I would suggest going to the  Classic Mustang FAQ which Soaring  posted .. lots of great info  and you will learn alot  there he did a great job organizing all the websites.  Here is a quick and dirty site which will get you started in the right direction.

http://www.classicmustang.com/decoding_part_numbers.htm

Is there a date range that is a "period date match" between the cars production date and the engine or trans ?
If so, how do I match the car and engine dates ?
I forgot to mention I have a A code car.

The production time could run a few days to a couple months  before your cars final production day, just kind of depends on the part. Does the Car your looking at have a Door Tag? Also there should be vin number under the hood on the driver side top of the inner fender in a outer fender cutout about half between the shock tower and the  radiator support. If you can get the number of either it would help alot