Newbie from the Netherlands

Last edited:
Check your vin tag ~ the W should be a V.

Checked the vintag again and it clearly says "W"

This is curious. The chart I'm looking at (on the internet so you know how that goes...) says that code W calls out Mainline Ranch Wagon for years 1953, 54 and 55. In 1956 code W is for a Crown Victoria. For 1957, 58, 59 a code W calls out a retractable hardtop/convertible. Your photos clearly show a 1955 CV not a 1956 so something is off...either the internet source I'm looking at is wrong or someone stamped the wrong code on your tag at the factory.

My internet source (scroll to the bottom):
https://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialnumber-patentplate_49-59partB.htm
 
Can you post a photo of your VIN PLATE? Something is not quite right with the info are are posting.

PATENT PLATE​

SERIAL NO - U5SW116473#

U= V8 272 CI OHV - 2V Carb. (162hp)

5=1955

S=Pilot Plant

W= Stationwagon???

Body: 64A (Fairlane Crown Victoria, steeltop)

Color: GE (Conventional two-tone Sea sprite green(lower)- Snowshoe white(upper)

Trim: M (not sure, maybe white with medium turquoise (green) vinyl)

PRODUCTION CODE: 29M39X

December 29, 1954

built for the Houston, Texas sales district

The PATENT PLATE ILLUSTRATION is from the 1949-1959 FORD CAR MPC TXT and shows a 1957 MODEL YEAR as an ILLUSTRATION -
 

Attachments

  • 0VIN PLATE.jpg
    0VIN PLATE.jpg
    17.9 KB · Views: 6
  • 0VIN PLATE2.jpg
    0VIN PLATE2.jpg
    23.6 KB · Views: 8
  • 0VIN PLATE23.jpg
    0VIN PLATE23.jpg
    20.1 KB · Views: 16
- 1955 FORD CROWN VIN PLATE INFO -​

If you go to this site (PAGE 2), it will give an earlier interpretation (rather than the 1949-1959 FORD CAR MPC - FORM FD 9463 1964) of the 1955 FORD VIN PLATE decoding.

The TEXT is faded and hard to read.

EDIT - REFERRING URL ADDY CORRECTED


The 1955 BODY TYPE decode calls for –

F = CROWN VICTORIA - TRANSPARENT TOP

W = CROWN VICTORIA – SOLID TOP

V = FAIRLANE VICTORIA HDTP

The VAN PELT site is showing the decode CHART from the 1964 FINAL ISSUE of the MPC.

There are also FRAME STAMPINGS if one desires to fully authenticate the car.

As for EXPORT the plate shows as a US build and the car was most likely bought here and shipped.

I have an original 1955 FORD/BIRD WSM (paper) and when I dig it out will verify

ALSO –

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somerville_Assembly

This explains why S gives PILOT PLANT rather that SOMERVILLE in the later decode chart -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Pilot_Plant

EDIT AGAIN - The YEAR sequence in the above listings seem to be reversed.

HOLD OFF UNTIL I FIND MY 1955 WSM.​
 
Last edited:
Thnx for all the input, it's a great help.
Here is a picture of the tags:
vin tag.jpg

The post of Kultulz makes it all clear: W is CV with solid top :)

grtz,
 
Don't know about the Netherlands but in the States removing the "VIN" plate can cause serious registration woes depending on how picky an inspector is. Hopefully it's already registered so the correct attachment rivets won't be an issue until they are.
 
Dutch Vickie said:
Thnx for all the input, it's a great help.

Here is a picture of the tags:

View attachment 590004​

The post of Kultulz makes it all clear: W is CV with solid top :)

grtz,
Click to expand...

Naturally, I am on PBJ (Probation Before Judgement) _ and I cannot open the attachment.

Listen the analysis on the BODY STYLE CODE is not final until I find my 1955 WSM. There is a discrepancy in the interpretation I showed.

As for the plate itself, you can have one produced (incl correct rivets). As I understand it, as long as the actual VIN is not changed it is legal. You can have other details changed as I have read where it is common practice when being gone through or restored to change certain codes like exterior color or soft trim.

Of course, the ENGINE and BODY STYLE CODE(s) are within the actual VIN.

Give me a few days to find the manual before making a final decision.
 
51504bat said:
Don't know about the Netherlands but in the States removing the "VIN" plate can cause serious registration woes depending on how picky an inspector is. Hopefully it's already registered so the correct attachment rivets won't be an issue until they are.
Click to expand...

Yes, it's also a problem overhere.
And the car has a french regitstration....
When I bought the car the plate was already removed.
I saw rivets for sale on Ebay.

grtz,
 
KULTULZ said:
:confused:​

Maybe consider not putting any more money in it until I find my WSM and verify the VIN PLATE ...
Click to expand...
I have the French registration papers with it and even the licenseplates.
It is no problem for a car already registered in the EU.
And thnx for the link for the rivets!!

grtz,
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top