Hi,
I have a 66 Hardtop that I need to find some information on. The data plate seems to be missing, and I would like some information that should be on it (gear ratios, etc). Does anyone know of a way to get this info. I was thinking that I could look up the VIN somewhere, but I haven't been able to find anything. I went to a couple of dealers, but no help there either.
Any info is appreciated- thanks
Chris

For the gear ratio and color/interior codes and such, I'm not sure if there is any other way to get that other than off the data plate. To decode the vin, surf around here:

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird1966selections.shtml

Good luck!

1966 Town Hardtop - project car
1986 Mustang GT - original owner - daily driver

maybe this link can help.

http://www.tbird.org/DataPlate/data.htm


Tim

1964 - Conv Tbird
1994 - Caprice 9c1 (cop car)
1998 - Mitsubishi Eclipse conv

Thanks for the input. I have tried these sites but they just tell me how to decode the numbers which would be on the data plate.
My problem is I don't have the data plate at all, so I have no idea what should be on it.

Don't you have your title? Your VIN should be on that.

Yes I do have the VIN. I don't have the data plate, which is located either on the back of the door, or in the centre console, or wherever. This data plate has codes, such as transmission, interior colour, exterior colour, and most importantly axle ratio.
I can't find anywhere to look up what these codes would be, based on the VIN.

Hi. Go to martiauto.com. They provide detailed reports on your car from the Vin No. and will even send you the data plate info. Click on Vin Reports.

The reports are great and will tell you how the car originally came out of the factory (including listing all the options), color, interior color, engine, etc. etc. The report will also tell you where your car was made, what day it was completed, how many were made with those options, etc.

We just picked up a 68 Tbird and found out it was built on our sons birthday and is only one of 61 tbirds built in 68 with this paint color. Pretty interesting.

Hope this helps.

it looks like they only go back as far as 1967. I got all excited there for a second

1966 Town Hardtop - project car
1986 Mustang GT - original owner - daily driver

Yeah it looks like Shemp is right. Only 67 and up. I sent him an email just to be sure.
I'll be honest here: the only part of the data plate that really concerns me too much is the rear axle ratio. I need this so I can get the speedometer working. The car is in winter storage right now, I had the guy take a quick look underneath to see if it was stamped on the diff, but he said no. I'll take a closer look once I get it out.
Does anyone know a way of finding this? I would guess that it is probalby 3 to 1, but would like to be sure.

Chris,
Isn't the VIN on your title the same number that you would find on the Data Plate. It is on my 60 Square Bird.
I went to www.tbird.org, then logged on to the Thunderbird Data Plate Decoder. Using the VIN from my title, I was able to determine which numbers stood for what.
I could be wrong, but it is worth a try.

Mike

Yes the VIN would be the same. This is not the problem. The data plate is supposed to have extra codes, such as transmission type, axle ratio, body colour, etc.
This information is what I am missing.

Have you looked under the rear seat to see if the orriginal build sheet is still there? It will have all the info you need...plus. It was usually stashed in the setas somehwre by the guys on the assembly line - it's what they used as a guide for assembly. I found mine in my old 68 Charger and my 73 charger - haven't looked in my bird -it's worth a try

I will give that a try as soon as it gets out of storage. I'll let you know. Thank you.

There should be an aluminum tag bolted to the differential approx 1/2" by 2" that will give axle ratio, ring gear size and indicate open or posi axle type. You can also obtain a copy of the original gate release which includes a lot of info on the car.

I had the guy who put it in storage for me take a look earlier in the winter. He did not find one, but maybe he didn't see it. I'll look when I get it out.
What is the original gate release and where can I get a copy? I have trouble finding official records as Ford seemed to keep records for 67 and later.

available from:
Roger E Hayman
25 Brookline Lane
Dearborn, Mi 48120-1037
Include:
Copy of title or registration
Data plate rubbing (or a good story of why not)
Check or money order for $35 US funds

I would think a picture of the vin stamp on the radiator core support or cowl area would help if the door tag was missing.

not guy how asked but helpful Thank you

thronf