[rotorwrench]

1949 was the first production year for the "new style" Mercury as it was delayed from its intended 1948 introduction. Ford did introduce the new bonus built trucks in 1948 but that was the only 8BA family of product that got out the door in that year. The 1950 & 51 have distinct body & patent plates in the upper right corner of the cowl but the 49 models didn't have that yet. Their plates were just right of center near the heater hose carry through and just below the upper body pinch weld of the cowl behind the engine. FoMoCo didn't have a complete code system quite set up for them yet but a good bit of information can be gleaned from the numbers on the two plates. The codes for the later 50/51 vehicles is in the Body Parts Catalog but there isn't much to be found for the 1949 there. There is some information in the Lincoln Mercury overhaul manual for 1949 through 51 in the body section.

The number should also be stamped in the frame just forward of the cowl on the right side. The numbers are shallow and hard to find but should be there.