'55 data plate decode

[40cpe]

I've researched these numbers a lot on line, but there are some irregularities that I hope someone can explain to me. This is the way the bottom line reads:

60B MES ATD1 11BSU3948C

I understand the body code. Does the paint code indicate a three-tone car? The trim code is std I think, but the last series of numbers is just like I listed them, all run together with no spaces. The printing above these stamping is faded/washed out and I cant read what it says. Explanation is appreciated.
Thanks, Gene

 

[dmsfrr]

Here are a few links to some info for you. If you open each in a new Tab it's easier to look between them. (or print them)

This one shows the the two types of data plates used between '55 & '57.
Use the one that matches yours the closest. For '55 it's most likely the one at the top.
https://www.ctci.org/decoder.php

These charts shows the various Body Type & Style code numbers...
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialnumber-patentplate_49-59partB.htm

These charts have the codes for engines, transmissions and rear axles...
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialnumber-patentplate_49-59partA.htm

Color codes for 1955...
http://paintref.com/cgi-bin/colorcodedisplay.cgi?year=1955&manuf=Ford
The letter "S" in a color code stands for 'special', and is usually another color available that model year but not normally one available on that particular model, or some other special treatment. It would be noted in the factory Build Sheet/other paperwork for construction of the car.
As normally used, on a two-tone car the first letter is the lower color, second letter is the upper color.

60B MES ATD1 11BSU3948C
...the last series of numbers is just like I listed them, all run together with no spaces.

All run together is fairly normal. The letter at the end may(?) be for some variation from 'normal' production. Possibly a 'special order' car???
.

 

[40cpe]

Thank you for the information and links. My data plate looks like the first one on the T-bird site except for the long series of numbers and letters with no break in them. It makes sense that the "S" was for "special" since I don't see any paint color with an "S" designation. The two letters after the production date is the dealer code, then. That leaves the 4 digit production number with the "C" after it to be decoded. Attached is a picture of the weathered Arizona car before refurbishment. Does the lower/top color look like regency purple?

 

[40cpe]

And while I am full of questions , is the vin stamped on the frame anywhere as it is on the early V8 cars?

 

[paul2748]

The VIN may be stamped on the right side of the frame to the rear of the upper A arm. You may have to do some cleaning and sandpaper to get to see it.

And while I am full of questions , is the vin stamped on the frame anywhere as it is on the early V8 cars?

 

[Hot Rod Reverend]

Thank you for the information and links. My data plate looks like the first one on the T-bird site except for the long series of numbers and letters with no break in them. It makes sense that the "S" was for "special" since I don't see any paint color with an "S" designation. The two letters after the production date is the dealer code, then. That leaves the 4 digit production number with the "C" after it to be decoded. Attached is a picture of the weathered Arizona car before refurbishment. Does the lower/top color look like regency purple?

My grandpa had a 55 Crown Victoria with original Regency Purple and Snowshoe White. The Purple was much darker than your picture shows. The picture looks like Tropical Rose and Snowshoe White to me....just my two cents

 

[scicala]

Yes, I agree. The VIN is stamped on the frame. On my '55 Ranch Wagon it was on the passengers side on the top side of the frame pretty much directly below the battery tray.

Sal

 

[dmsfrr]

And while I am full of questions , is the vin stamped on the frame anywhere as it is on the early V8 cars?

On the '55/'57 baby birds it's on top of the right side of the frame in three spots: below the heater fan motor, behind the rh muffler/under passenger seat, and possibly on the rear cross member.
Some other cars or trucks may have them on the front cross member.
The locations changed a bit depending on the model and year.

.

 

[40cpe]

My grandpa had a 55 Crown Victoria with original Regency Purple and Snowshoe White. The Purple was much darker than your picture shows. The picture looks like Tropical Rose and Snowshoe White to me....just my two cents

Not to belabor the point, but these pictures are taken from photographs. Here is another angle that shows some hint of the darker purple

 

[alt63bird]

I suspect that the 'S' is for the Styletone combination (color for roof/lower body 1st character, middle color 2nd character). I have a two-tone Vicky built late January '55 that was coded AE, i.e. black body/white roof. If you dig in Ford's literature from the period, you may find that the Victoria was originally limited to more-traditional two-tone of body one color and roof another, and that the Styletone was limited to Crowns and possibly some other body styles; this probably changed some time during production due to customer demand as the Styletone combination looked much better on a Fairlane, regardless if a two-/four-door, Victoria hardtop, wagon, Sunliner or Crown Victoria.

 

[Daves55Sedan]

60B = Fairlane; Victoria

ME = Regency purple (lower color), Snowshoe White (upper color)

S = ? My guess is that this designates special paint pattern due to the top of the car having the same color as the middle of the car, which was a bit unusual for a two-tone of that era. I believe that a designation of ME without the S would be the usual pattern consisting of purple on top and bottom with white in the middle.