1963 trim tag ECL

[Robert M.]

I went to look at a 63 coupe today. The trim tag was dated K2 with trim code 490L. The interior is red vinyl and has the U69, and no a/c. Does this code make sense or since there was many revisions should it be 490Q?

[Sydney G.]

Re: 1963 trim tag ECL

Hi Keith,
As far as I know code 490L refers to red vinyl interior for a coupe.
490Q would indicate the same.
The code makes sense.
Syd

[John P.]

Re: 1963 trim tag ECL

490L would be correct for coupes with red vinyl built between 2/07/63 and 2/22/63 with U69. 490Q would indicate a red vinyl base car built between 2/22/63 and 4/26/63, as I understand the new "Authentication Library Vol.1" now available thru NCRS. Great Publication, you can order it now and check it out for yourself.

[David D.]

K2 is July/1963, 2nd week *NM*

[Sydney G.]

1963 trim tags

Wow, is that interesting!
So does this mean that the build date code K2 (second week of July, 1963) trimtag inspected by Keith raises suspicion as it does not coincide with the 490L code?

The judging manual only gives a generalization as to the trim tags indicating the possibility of AC. In some cases, it says that certain tags or codes mean that the vehicle is SUPPOSSED to be equipped with AC but it does not go further. There is no mention of radio options although I did see one '63 for sale about 1 year ago or so that was claiming to have a trimtag code that proved it had a U69 and some interior color that I now forget.
There must have been many inconsistencies to the '63 tags?

Syd

[Robert M.]

Re: 1963 trim tags

Well I checked the tag with a 25X hand held scope, and most of the idiosyncrasies as discussed in the Authentication Library vol 1 with the letters "R,D,CH,L and T do exist. The vin of the car is 30837S119443. The only options with the car are a 4 speed trans. and an am/fm radio. The late vin# does correspond with the K2 date and also the engine pad #, F070IRC date is consistent with know original discussed in Dobbins book.

[John P.]

Re: 1963 trim tag ECL PS

The Authentication Library Vol.1 indicates that since this is the first year for vin tags "1963 saw wide discrepancies between projected revision dates of code schedules and practical application in production. Therefore, keep an open mind when interpreting date windows in the tables"

[Mike Cobine]

And what is the price?

Sometimes we forget just what we are looking at when we do these in-depth analysis on every little part.

If they are selling it as a clean, everyday car for $25,000, then why worry if the tag might be a bit strange.

If they are selling it for $45,000 as fully restored, you need a bit of concern.

If they are selling for $80,000 as a perfect, unrestored vehicle, etc. etc., then you need to be really sure.

And you need to remember your goals with the car. If you want to drive it and have for a club car, then a few items along the way aren't a problem if the price is right.

If you want it for judging purposes only, you need to be checking at the 25x level.