1963 Galaxie Decode Exterior Paint

[wolfords]

I'm interested in buying a 1963 Galaxie but do not understand the paint code as a "B" or a "3" as neither are listed on the decoder. And, the VIN indicates an "S" for a 289 but it has a 260 label and painted blue. Is this correct? I appreciate any help. Thanks.

The plate reads (sorry, can't get the photo to upload):
76A B (or 3) 98A 08V 26 4 4

The VIN is:
3A65C196638

[34pickup]

I don't have a 63 decoder but in 64 a B was Peacock Green

[5851a]

http://www.galaxieclub.com/Colors.html

[rotorwrench]

This is a link to another club with VIN decoder.
http://www.so-calgalaxies.com/1963

[alt63bird]

From the '60-'68 Ford Master Parts Catalog, exterior paint code 'B' for '62-'63 was a Medium Turquoise, M# 1613. Sales name was "Peacock Blue" - was first offered midyear '62 as a Spring color and carried over for '63 on full-size Fords, Fairlanes and Falcons.

In '65-'65 the M# for code 'B' changed to 1638, meaning the formula/color changed slightly. it was called "Peacock" for Mercury, while for full-size Fords/Fairlanes/Falcons/T-birds it was called "Pagoda Green." 1638 also used on '66 Trucks and '67 Mustangs with name "Winter Park Turquoise."

That the 'B' code is not listed in the '63 shop manual may indicate it was a late addition, but the date code '08V' indicates a late production '63 scheduled for August 8, 1963 - it may be the '64 'B' color? You'll need to compare color samples from '63 and '64 paint charts for a final determination.

3A65C196638
3 - 1963 model year
C - VIN engine code 'A' is for a 289-2v V8.
65 - Galaxie convertible
A - Atlanta Assembly Plant
196638 - 96,638th car built at Atlanta Final Assembly Plant (the '1' is a place holder)

Bottom Line:
Body - 76A - Galaxie 500 convertible.
Color - B - Peacock (see above whether '63 or '64 version)
Trim - 98A - Light Gold Vachette Vinyl and Light Gold Crush Vinyl, Bench Seat
Date - 08V - August 8, 1963
DSO - 26 - Washington, DC Sales District (not listed in '60-'68 MPC as district numbers changed sometime during 1966)
Axle - 4 - 3.25:1 ratio open rear axle (i.e. no Posi),
Trans - 4 Cruise-O-Matic (probably FX small-case).

[alt63bird]

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Originally Posted by 5851a

http://www.galaxieclub.com/Colors.html

List in link is for engine colors, not exterior colors.

BTW, list is not completely accurate as there were at least two shades of gold used between '58-'65 - a more bronze-ish one called Gold Bronze - used on late '50s Mercury 383s, '60s Ford/Merc HiPo ('60 352-360hp, '61 390 hipo, 406s) and '65 289s/390s, and Castillian Gold for Z-code '63-'64 non-police/non-HiPo 390-4v's.

[wolfords]

Alan,
Thank you for all of this detailed information. I still have one question - on my reference book, "Car & Parts Magazine - Catalog of American Car ID Numbers 1960-1969", the VIN says the first digit identifies the year, the 2nd digit identifies the assembly plant (which is listed as Atlanta), and the 5th digit identifies the engine (which is an "C" and is a 289 two barrel. The pictures of the car shows the color to be a light/baby blue, but with a blue 260 label. It's supposed to be an original 76k mile car. I appreciate your help!
Sammy

[scicala]

Originally Posted by wolfords

Alan,
Thank you for all of this detailed information. I still have one question - on my reference book, "Car & Parts Magazine - Catalog of American Car ID Numbers 1960-1969", the VIN says the first digit identifies the year, the 2nd digit identifies the assembly plant (which is listed as Atlanta), and the 5th digit identifies the engine (which is an "C" and is a 289 two barrel. The pictures of the car shows the color to be a light/baby blue, but with a blue 260 label. It's supposed to be an original 76k mile car. I appreciate your help!
Sammy

That's exactly what I thought too. "A" for the assembly plant, and "C" for the engine (289 2 barrel). Also I don't believe a 260 was offered in full sized Fords in '63. Just Falcons, Comets and Fairlanes.

Sal

[alt63bird]

Yep, just realized I transposed VIN engine and assembly plant codes . A - Atlanta and C - 289-2v check out for VIN. Correction in post being made.

I owned a December '62-built Galaxie 500 HT (pre-fastback) with a 260-2v and 3-on-the-tree. 289s came online mid-year production.

[scicala]

Originally Posted by alt63bird

Yep, just realized I transposed VIN engine and assembly plant codes . A - Atlanta and C - 289-2v check out for VIN. Correction in post being made.

I owned a December '62-built Galaxie 500 HT (pre-fastback) with a 260-2v and 3-on-the-tree. 289s came online mid-year production.

Thanks. That's good to know about early '63 full size cars having a 260.

Sal