Fender Tag Decoding
1966 Models: The fender tags for 1962–1966 B-Bodies are laid out in a linear, easy-to-read fashion. The scheduled build date is found below left of the “SO Number.” The number under “BDY” marks the chassis designation, which happens to be the same as the first three letters of the VIN. The number below “TRM” is the interior trim code. The exterior trim codes are found under “PNT.” Some examples may have these numbers transposed.
The uppercase letters (fourth line from the bottom) are the option categories; a number under any of these letters designates an option in that letter’s category. The row of lowercase letters at the top of the tag is another row of option categories. A number below any of these letters represents an option in that letter’s category.
1967–1968 Models: For 1967 and 1968 the fender tag arrangement was modified, with the bottom three lines changed. The bottom left began with two letters and two numbers identifying the car line and model, the same as the first four characters in the VIN. Following these is a two-digit engine code, a one-digit transmission code, and a three-digit tire code. Next is a three-digit build date and order number. The third line from the bottom, numbers 1 through 8, denote categories. To the right is an “AX” or axle designation, with “TRM” and “PNT” marking interior trim and exterior colors, respectively. Continuing, the letters “UBS” stand for upper interior door color, buffed paint, and stripe or accent color. Option categories are listed on the fifth row and the top of the tag.
1969–1974 (except Lynch Road Plant): The fender tags were restyled for 1969 and survived this way until 1974 (that is for all cars not produced in the Lynch Road Plant). The bottom line, at the left, is a three-digit code for the engine and a three-digit code for the transmission followed by the VIN. The second line starts with a two- or three-digit paint code and three- or four-digit interior upper door color or type code (two for 1969, three for 1970 and later). A three-digit build date and vehicle order number follows. All codes above these are order option codes. Characters “END,” “EN1,” or “EN2” appear if the code listing ends, and if the factory ran out of room on the tag, a “CTD” may appear, noting that a second fender tag may appear.
1969–1970 Lynch Road Plant: During production at the Lynch Road Plant in 1969, fender tags were unlike other tags. The bottom row begins with a four-digit car line and model code (same as the four digits in the VIN), followed by a three-digit engine code, a two-digit transmission code, a three-digit build date, and a vehicle order number. The second line starts with the exterior color (two-digit code), a three-digit interior code, and a two-character upper interior door color code. Above these are usually abbreviated actual option codes. Lynch Road tags typically list very few options regardless of how heavily optioned the car was.
After some practice you can look at a fender tag and decode the whole car in a couple of seconds. This car was delivered in Q5 Seafoam Turquoise Metallic with the A14 Plymouth Spring Special. The V21 Performance Hood paint and V6R Red Longitude Stripe were standard in the Plymouth Spring Special package. (Michelle Kiffmeyer Photo)
Many ads state: “This car is numbers matching.” Just what exactly does that mean and why is it so important? Opinions vary regarding how much of the car has to be original to make it “numbers matching.” When a car comes off the assembly line it is truly numbers matching. Or is it really? Chrysler, especially, built these cars with many parts that do not fall into logical expected date ranges or correct part numbers.
There is always room for “exceptions to the rule,” but, to be accepted, these exceptions must be documented and proven. The majority of the cars came with all of their numbers matching. That includes VIN, data plate, build sheet, Monroney label (window sticker), date codes, part numbers, bolt markings, correct finishes, and plating. The closer a car is to having all of its “original” as-delivered parts, the more valuable it is. That is why an original 5,600-mile 1969½ Super Bee is worth something in the six-figure range.
The title of the car includes the complete VIN, and must match the car you are purchasing. It is attached with two special black rosette rivets. These rivets are available today if you need replacements. The dry Chrysler corporation logo found on the plate is also available.
It is a federal offense to transfer the VIN from one car to another, so don’t do it. Some say that it is an offense to remove the plate from the dash for restoration purposes.
Decoding a VIN plate
One of the most common questions is “How do I decode my VIN?” It’s actually very simple to do. You only have two versions to consider: 1966–1967 and 1968–1974.
1966–1967 Mopar VINs
1st Digit: Car Make
B = Barracuda (1967)
L = Dart
R = Belvedere/Satellite
V = Valiant
W = Coronet
X = Charger
2nd Digit: Series
E = Belvedere Fleet, Coronet Fleet
L = Valiant 100, Dart 170, Belvedere I, Coronet Deluxe
H = Valiant 200 (1966), Valiant Signet, Dart 270, Belvedere II, Coronet 440, Barracuda (1967)
K = Belvedere Police, Coronet Police Belvedere II Super Stock (1967), Coronet 440 Super Stock (1967)
P = Barracuda (1966), Dart GT, Satellite, Coronet 500, Charger
S = Belvedere GTX (1967), Coronet R/T (1967)
T = Belvedere Taxi, Coronet Taxi
3rd and 4th Digits: Body Style
21 = 2-door sedan
23 = 2-door coupe
27 = 2-door convertible
29 = 2-door sports coupe
41 = 4-door sedan
45 = 4-door station wagon (6-passenger)
46 = 4-door station wagon (9-passenger)
5th Digit: Engine
A = 170-ci 101-hp (1966), or 115-hp (1967) 1-barrel slant-6
B = 225-ci 145-hp 1-barrel slant-6
C = Special order slant-6
D = 273-ci 180-hp (19xx) 2-barrel V-8
D = 273-ci 235-hp or 275-hp (1966) 4-barrel V-8
E = 273-ci 235-hp 4-barrel V-8 (1967)
E = 318-ci 230-hp 2-barrel V-8 (1966)
F = 318-ci 230-hp 2-barrel V-8 (1967)
F = 361-ci 265-hp 2-barrel V-8 (1966)
G = 383-ci 270-hp 2-barrel V-8 (1967)
G = 383-ci 325-hp 4-barrel V-8 (1966)
H = 383-ci 325-hp 4-barrel