1941 super deluxe production number
- Thread starter 41?
- Start date
JSeery
Member Emeritus
Are you aware of all the information available at VanPelts site? http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialnumbers.htm
Looks like a 41 Mercury serial number to me, but I'm no expert, just reading the chart.
Looks like a 41 Mercury serial number to me, but I'm no expert, just reading the chart.
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corvette8n
Well-known member
It would help us to know your location, for instance NY doesn’t issue titles for any vehicle before 1973. 99A does look like a Mercury#. I once looked at a car from another state that had a cutout from another frame obviously brazed on the frame rail. Needless to say I passed on that car.
V8COOPMAN
Well-known member
I believe his site shows correct info with regard to these number groups by year, except that his later numbers, including 1941 serials, show a figure "1", for which I took it upon myself to substitute the actual change to the letter "I" in lieu of a figure "1". I BELIEVE the actual change took place sometime in '38. Is that what you were referencing, J? DD
V8COOPMAN
Well-known member
DUHHHH.............! I'm a little slow sometimes. Now I see, and you're correct. That is a '41 Merc number. And there is a four inch difference in wheelbase lengths between Ford and Merc. Hmmm!
So, Mr. 41 ? ......what makes you think you have a Ford? Sure it ain't a Merc? Do you have any pictures? If you have pics but don't know how to post them here, are you capable of e-mailing some pics to either myself or JSeery? We can likely post them for you. DD
V8COOPMAN
Well-known member
Ya know, these cars were "given" their serial numbers when an "already-numbered" engine/trans assembly was dropped into the chassis at the assembly plant. I suppose it's humanly POSSIBLE that a Mercury unit was shipped out to an assembly plant in error, or maybe during time of shortage of available engine/trans units. I've seen more than one "weird", human error, documented serial number 'mistake' on early Corvettes, and have read about several more. Stuff happens sometimes! DD
V8COOPMAN
Well-known member
Gotta be, 'cuz the frame number always originates with what is stamped on the trans/(engine) combination. DD
V8COOPMAN
Well-known member
FWIW, just a little bit of advice if you care to listen. I would go in there with a positive attitude. Present any necessary paperwork in a polite, yet authoritative manner, with an attitude of complete confidence. Say NO MORE than is absolutely necessary, although remain cordial and polite. ABSOLUTELY, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES, do you volunteer or mention anything about this serial number being an oddball, or anything to warrant exceptional scrutiny. IF (and it is entirely possible) the subject comes-up from the 'friendly and efficient DMV person' that the serial number on your frame either does not match acceptable '41 Ford numbers (they have lists now-a-days just like we do), with a confident face and manner, authoritatively mention that this car came equipped with the Ford-approved, optional Mercury engine.
Just so that YOU understand the Ford/Mercury engine production process, as I said before....when Ford assembled a new engine back then, it was mated to a transmission which was common to both Fords and Mercurys...SAME transmission! At that time, a serial number from an allotted sequence was stamped on that top, blank pad on the transmission's clutch housing....see picture below! If it was the 90 HP Ford engine, the transmission was stamped with a "Ford" serial number. If it was a 95 HP Mercury engine, the trans pad was stamped with a "Mercury" serial number.
These engine/trans assemblies usually went into short-term stockpiles awaiting shipment to an automobile assembly plant. After arrival at assembly plant and installation into a chassis, that number stamped into the trans pad was hand-stamped into the passenger car chassis in three locations on the driver side frame rail, becoming the car's official serial number. The stock Ford engine in '41 was 221 cu. in. and was rated at 90 HP. The "OPTIONAL" Mercury engine was 239 cu. in. and was rated at 95 HP. The important info here is that cars were initially "serial-numbered" by the serial number originally stamped into the trans pad. Mercs had their own dedicated numbering sequence. Have this info fully-understood in your head so that you can rattle it off to the DMV clerk with authority! Good luck, and report back!
IF your car happens to have the original transmission in it (with that "99A-" serial number stamped into it), I would take a picture of that with you to help back-up your documentation. DD
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Thanks for the info. I have the hood and fenders off so a picture won't help. It doesn't have the original engine or trans. It had a late model Ford engine and trans which I removed. The serial number had both stars and looks to have been hand stamped so I agree that the Merc engine would make sense.