63 trim tag question

[Joe T.]

my 63 blue vinyl interior A/C car has a trim number 490XE. Can someone tell me exactly the XE stands for. would there be any specific trim code for a 63 ordered without a radio? I can't seem to find this in the judging manual or Dobbins. Thank you, JOe

[Wayne M.]

Re: 63 trim tag question

According to NCRS Trim Tag Authentication Library, page 25, Revision #3 (effective 01/22/63 to 04/26/63) Trim code XE means a coupe with 490 Blue vinyl interior; includes C60, excludes U69.

Same applies to XE code from 04/26/63 through end of production (next page, revision #4).

[Joe T.]

Re: 63 trim tag question

this is a late 63 car, excludes U69 means excludes am/fm radio, could that also include any radio?

[Loren L.]

Re: 63 trim tag question

That would have been the only radio available at that time.

[Joe T.]

Re: 63 trim tag question

I thought that there was a U65 signal seeking radio available. if that was not available that would make this a no radio car.

[Loren L.]

Re: 63 trim tag question

Not after about VIN 12,000 or so - strictly AM-FM. #14128 was ordered as a Wonderbar, but came AM-FM.

[Mike L.]

Re: 63 trim tag question

Just came back from Regional and I judged a 63 A/C coupe with the same XE on the tag, vin was around 159--, blue vinyl interior.

[Joe T.]

Re: 63 trim tag question

that was my car Mike, thank you for your hard work judging, you guys work your butts off. I'm trying to verify that it makes sense that my car is a no radio car. it has become a very interesting car to me.

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 trim tag question

that was my car Mike, thank you for your hard work judging, you guys work your butts off. I'm trying to verify that it makes sense that my car is a no radio car. it has become a very interesting car to me.

Joe,

I wouldn't get too excited about ECL's that are not accurate. There are a lot of very original cars that have trim tag ECL's showing options/build combinations that are not correct. It seems that the assembly plant was almost always a month or two late when changing to the latest codes.

[Joe R.]

Re: 63 trim tag question

Loren,

Looking at the old Brooks Report more than 10 cars were reported with a WB radio above 12,000 SN including 4 above the 19,000 SN range.
Think maybe the line was just delivering if available otherwise they got the AM/FM?

JR

[Loren L.]

Re: 63 trim tag question

JR, if you look, #14128 was one of those cars "reported" with a WB; order for this car was placed in October 1962; dealer signed off on the deal that the sale was cancelled if no A/C or any other change in the order occurred. Came with an AM-FM and the dealer tossed in the radio free. lst shipment of AM-FMs by Delco to St Louis came in the last week of February. Every thing I've seen indicates the WBars were used up - Armand Filer's (CA) 13000+ car came delivered with a line through the WB and an Am-FM installed. AM-FMs got a different top shield and grounds, etc. All of that changed at once, once the WBs were gone.