The Ford Barn

smross · 12-22-2014, 11:11 AM

How can I determine the production date of my '37 coupe based on the body number. I tried searching the archives but I couldn't find anything. The car has a later engine so that number will be of no use to me.
Thanks.

Terry,OH · 12-22-2014, 11:35 AM

Use the frame serial number (on top of the LH frame side member near the front cross member or the steering box) as the "Engine Number" and check the 37 Ford Club restoration book. Ford "Engines" did not have a serial number from the factory. The original transmission has the original frame number stamped into it. Many times the transmissions are changed.
The body numbers were placed there by the Mfg. (Not Ford) and the body may have sat for a while before assembly on the chassis on the Ford assembly line.

blucar · 12-22-2014, 11:36 AM

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It is a well know fact that the serial and/or body number on any pre '49 Ford is nothing more than a sequential production number.
The body number, which was only assigned to bodies that were out sourced by Ford, therefore it has no meaning for after production identification.
An example: My '36 Ford is a late production, Sept. 36 car, the serial number places it within the last few hundred built. It does not have a body number on the firewall, never did, therefore it is a Ford built body in lieu of being a Briggs. etc...

12-22-2014, 11:11 AM	#1
smross Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 17	Production Date based on Body number? How can I determine the production date of my '37 coupe based on the body number. I tried searching the archives but I couldn't find anything. The car has a later engine so that number will be of no use to me. Thanks.

12-22-2014, 11:35 AM	#2
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,751	Re: Production Date based on Body number? Use the frame serial number (on top of the LH frame side member near the front cross member or the steering box) as the "Engine Number" and check the 37 Ford Club restoration book. Ford "Engines" did not have a serial number from the factory. The original transmission has the original frame number stamped into it. Many times the transmissions are changed. The body numbers were placed there by the Mfg. (Not Ford) and the body may have sat for a while before assembly on the chassis on the Ford assembly line.

12-22-2014, 11:36 AM	#3
blucar Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 2,464	Re: Production Date based on Body number? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It is a well know fact that the serial and/or body number on any pre '49 Ford is nothing more than a sequential production number. The body number, which was only assigned to bodies that were out sourced by Ford, therefore it has no meaning for after production identification. An example: My '36 Ford is a late production, Sept. 36 car, the serial number places it within the last few hundred built. It does not have a body number on the firewall, never did, therefore it is a Ford built body in lieu of being a Briggs. etc... __________________ Bill.... 36 5 win cpe