Originally Posted by dmsfrr (Post 1478588)

While it's true that Ford didn't put matching serial numbers on major drivetrain parts like some other manufacturers... there are specific casting numbers on many of those parts, along with date codes. These numbers and codes do allow you to determine the year the part was (first) used and in most/some cases, the date the part was made.
With the date code from the ID plate of the car, if the casting and date codes of the misc cast parts fall within a period of 30 to 60 days before the car was built, and the part was originally available on that model, those parts are generally considered to be 'matching'.

Also... most serial number/data plates have code letters & numbers for the 'as built' options in the drivetrain in addition to exterior & interior colors and maybe some other options.
If the car and it's driveline parts, options, etc. appear as listed on it's data plate the car can be said to be 'numbers matching'.

Here are several links to help determine what may be 'matching'. Most apply to the late 50's cars (found them in relation to the car I'm working on) but if you need info about newer/other cars just do an internet search for it.

http://www.fordification.com/tech/pa...s_overview.htm

http://www.fordification.com/tech/datecodes.htm

http://www.y-block.info/castings.html

http://ford-y-block.com/technical.htm

https://thecvaonline.com/howtos/DataPlateDecoder.pdf

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...INdecode-1.htm

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...49-59partA.htm

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...49-59partB.htm

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Originally Posted by willowbilly3 (Post 1479307)

... "Numbers matching" was once a term only used by the GM people, where it means something completely different. On GM you could tell if major components were the one's a car left the factory with. On a Ford you can only tell if the part number and date code are consistent with ones built within a time frame the car would have been manufactured in. So a diligent restorer of a Ford can install a different part and still have it be consistent with the numbering system. On a GM, that's not possible. So even though the term has crept out of the GM camp and over to ours, it isn't the same thing. ...

Originally Posted by scicala (Post 1488409)

I don't remember the bumper guards with the rubber inserts, but I do remember seeing the 2nd tail light lens attached to the bumper on a couple of cars way back then. Don't know if it was a factory accessory, or an aftermarket thing. Pretty sure the 2nd taillight wasn't functional.

Sal