Category:Decoding

From Mopedia

Being able to decode a Mopar is a useful skill. If you know how to do it, you can determine how a Mopar was originally equipped from the factory and what parts are correct for repair and restoration. Maintaining originality is not essential to keep a vehicle operational but it is the best way to preserve value.

The first step is to locate and decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN generally contains information about the assembly plant that built the car and what number the car was built that year, the model and body style. Later years contain more information such as engine and restraint system. Chrysler adopted VINs in 1959. Cars built prior to that will have an engine number, a serial number, and until 1956 a body number.

Next, determine the correct equipment for the car by decoding the broadcast sheet and fender tag if they are present. These will tell you the options the car was fitted with at the factory and some of the part numbers used to build it. If these are present, they can increase the value of a rare car.

The car should closely match the VIN tag, broadcast sheet, and fender tag. The body should have the correct number stampings that match the supporting documents or the car was rebodied. The part numbers should match the numbers on the broadcast sheet or the car was modified. If these numbers all match, the car is either original or correctly restored. Some parts can only be verified by checking their casting numbers. In general, for a car to be numbers matching it needs to retain the engine and transmission installed at the factory.

It is possible to take the number matching concept to obsessive levels. Belts, hoses, glass, and other parts down to the smallest fastener can be scrutinized for adherence to factory specifications.