parts markings

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

All CARS, came for the factory with various marking on them. Inspection paint or stamp marking, code markings (i.e. - combination of color stripes on drive shaft, springs, etc.). I am aware of a few of the places that I can go to find some of this information (The Mustang 428 Cobra Jet registry, Anghel Restoration, Mustang Detailing Guide, etc), but has anyone has anyone compiled a "master list" of all the potential places to look?  Or would anyone care to add to the places listed above.  I know that i would appreciate the added sources.  Thanks

[Coralsnake]

The problem here is you are asking for general information on a very specific topic. Ford built hundreds of thousands of cars in 1969 and every car was unique. The markings that amateur restorers are fixated on are very specific to a cars build date, options and features. Many people dont share this information because the people using it dont apply it correctly.

Having these markings is not a substitute for attention to detail or quality workmanship. You can build an excellent car without them. If you dont find them on your car, you dont need them.

I respectfully suggest getting the bigger details correct before you venture into "uber" detailing.

Not trying to be a jerk, but if the shocks are the wrong colors, the marks on them are not important. Just sharing my experiences of being a judge for three decades.

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

Pete, I so TOTALLY, TOTALLY agree with you on this.  I may have mis-communicated what I was asking.  I am not "directly" seeking what color to use, but more of sites for references. Something similar to your own site on suspensions (http://www.thecoralsnake.com/SUSPENSION.HTML).  This page provides information covering front and rear springs, and driveshafts markings.  And I am aware that it is SPECIFIC to the 68 Shelby. I would never use this information for paint codes for a 64 ½ mustang.  But it is a chart and provides insight. If anyone else had similar links or reference books, whether it be 65 mustang, a 70 cougar, or ??, I would find it beneficial to know what sources for this type of information does exist.  Pete, your knowledge is indispensable and greatly appreciated, especially by me.  I don't know if this brings any new clarity, but either way, thank you.

[J_Speegle]

Some years and plants have it easier (for the basic markings) that others so it can be a challenge. Later cars have more information printed on buildsheets (one main source used for these markings) and at some plants they were not regularly placed in the car after use.

Add to that the fact that markings and parts can be different through a production year. Rear leaf springs can be difficult since its better IMHO that you match the coding to the engineering numbers on the springs to assure that you have a match.

In your response to your question on the CMF/ConcoursMustangForum there is an article on basic paint marks. Pretty much an introduction to what is often found marked, colors typically used and so on, plus there are hundreds of threads discussion original marks found, requests for information and details related to the subject for different cars, models and body styles.

Be careful about your sources as there are many details out there taken from IMHO sources that do not match what is found on real cars but instead from later books and resources. We've learned allot over the years and using the most recent will likely only service you better in the long run.

[CharlesTurner]

The problem here is you are asking for general information on a very specific topic. Ford built hundreds of thousands of cars in 1969 and every car was unique. The markings that amateur restorers are fixated on are very specific to a cars build date, options and features. Many people dont share this information because the people using it dont apply it correctly.

Having these markings is not a substitute for attention to detail or quality workmanship. You can build an excellent car without them. If you dont find them on your car, you dont need them.

I respectfully suggest getting the bigger details correct before you venture into "uber" detailing.

Not trying to be a jerk, but if the shocks are the wrong colors, the marks on them are not important. Just sharing my experiences of being a judge for three decades.

Great reply Pete!

[polyglas]

Pete, I agree with you and Charles. Where do you draw the line though? Should cars with no orange peel in the paint have Paint OK inspection stamps or stickers? Should obvious reproduction parts even have replicated engineering numbers such as belts, hoses, cables or color color codes applied to reproduction parts. Can of worms for 95% of all restorations.

[Rukiddin]

I believe each person that has tried to find the answer to this should find a level of quality they are content with. Let's face it, out of the thousands of  cars ( Mustangs for the sake of this conversation) produced there are possibly less than 10 that are TRULY original. They are original ONCE, after that it is a percentage of originality that makes the final product. I am talking about some time capsule,unknown car that got put away on day one and never touched. I see parts listed as "good to restore a survivor" or other  description that makes me wonder how many "survivor" cars are authentic. Not many. Cars that are rebuilt or "restored" using the best possible parts can never be ORIGINAL. Just because some owners take great care to try and duplicate the orange peel as factory appearance others like the GM shine with no texture. Same with a car that has some replacement parts ,NOS or otherwise, it boils down to a repair. So,a car with many,many repairs is actually farther from being original than a well maintained original.  Most of my cars use the original parts and rebuilt,re-plated,cleaned, etc. ,to retain that era and memories. If cars could talk I would love to listen! My cars have the "battle scars" that have a story. Next project for me is to freshen up my first new car from 1967. Each scratch,burn mark,stain will remain and the pile of replaced parts will be very small. Please accept this as my opinion(s) and encourage others to find the level they can afford and live with. Like women....there are no perfect ones. Mine is close,or so she tells me

[corbins]

And also, as pretty much ALL of these stamps, markings, paint dubs , stickers, etc were applied by people, even two identical cars made the exact same day, in the same plant, may or may not have actually received the same treatment, by the people.