After a long search, I was lucky enough to find a '63 Ranchero V8 right in my own back yard. Unlike most I looked at, this one was very clean, no rust, and hadn't been too heavily modified. The only real problem was it needed a clutch. I bought it and finally got around to having a new clutch put in.

While it was in the shop, I had them record the casting number on the engine behind the starter motor. I've looked up all the VIN decoders and so forth but am still a little confused and hoping someone here can help.

Here are all the codes:

Engine Casting: C40E-6015C
Engine Date Code: either 3C23 or 3G23 (can't read)
Door Plate: 66B-JM-56-29F-54-4-1
VIN: 3H27F240718

I know it's a 1963, but the engine appears to be an early 289. My first assumption was that it's a replacement engine, but the date codes suggest it could be original. Is it possible that my '63 Ranchero was built with one of the new 289s?

 

Welcome to FTE. Congrats on the Ranchero--cleanest, nicest one I've seen in a while.

The C4OE casting code seems to conflict with the 3C or G23 date code.

A C4 code says it was an engineering code for model year 1964. The date code says March (C) or July (G) 23, 1963. March is probably too early for the '64 model year, but July could be for the next model year of '64. Was the C4 code on the block or manifold?

As to the motor, well, you can see it's all Ford blue. That color scheme started for model year 1966. So at a minimum, this engine was removed, taken all apart and painted. (note the bolt heads and freeze plug have no paint) So it could be anything--oem, replacement, 260 or 289.

The 289 changed from a 5 bolt bell to a 6 bolt bell mid '65. I think the trans to bell changed at that time too, from square to rectangularish.

Stand by for the decode on the VIN and other info.

Hours of reading for codes:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...6-10-06-a.html

 

No 289's in Falcons until 1965. The only V8 available in 1963 1/2 & 1964 Falcons: 260 2V

3 = 1963.

H = Lorain OH Assembly Plant.

27 = Ranchero.

F = 260 2V

240718 = 1963 Numerical Sequence of Assembly.

66B = Deluxe Ranchero.

JM: J = Rangoon Red / M = Colonial White.

56 = Interior Trim Code, I cannot decode this.

29F = Assembled June (F) 29, 1963.

54 = Omaha NE Ford District Sales Office, where the dealer ordered the Ranchero from.

4 = Ford 8" Rear Axle / 3.25-1.

1 = Ford type 3.03 3 Speed Manual all Syncromesh Transmission.

Be aware that ALL Rancheros can be rust buckets, and the problem is, the rust is hidden from view, usually doesn't rear its ugly head until it's too late to fix it.

1960/71 Rancheros are unit-bodied, underneath the bed pan is the station wagon 2nd row foot and seat wells, spare tire well.

Ford spot welded the bed pan, then used paintable caulk to fill in the gaps. The caulk chips off, water seeps in...rust begins...and it's hidden from view.

Several years ago I went with a friend to look at a '62 Ranchero in Torrance, it was a rusty mess. The spare is located behind the front seat, lifting up the mat...the only thing visible was asphalt!

The floor pan was completely rusted out.

 

NumberDummy, many thanks for all the detailed information. With March '63 block date and a late June build date, I thought it might be possible. BTW, the manifold says C40E-9425 and the carb is an Autolite D1MF-FA.

I hear you about the rust. I literally bought it from a widow who didn't know anything about it's past, but I do know a P.O. covered the bed with a spray-in liner. As a result I can't open the bed hatch door, but I can see from the bottom that repairs have been made under there.

I know this because I bought new shocks only to find I can't get to the upper end of the rears.

 

Intake manifold is from a 1964 Fairlane 260/289, the D1MF-FA Auto-Lite 2100 series 2V carb is from a 1971 Galaxie/LTD/Mercury Marquis 302/351C/400.

 

I am looking at a 78-9 Ranchero as a possible builder but it is rough. Rust on both rear quarters, hood is full of rust holes and interior is bad. Probably would be free but I don't know if even that would be a good deal. Has a V8 with a 2 bbl. with the air clean missing which probably means rebuild for sure. Serial # 9H48H127548
TractormanBill

 

VIN decoded in your other post in the Large Truck forum, added the rust problem that all Ranchero's are in famous for.

 

that is one beautiful 63!
i wish mine had been cleaner, but ill get it there.
how i chose to fix the rust on my 63,
and throwin a pic up of my 62!