Originally Posted by
mach1god
I am about to start work on this car and I would like some help with the decoding. The "VIN" states a 1973 Gran Torino but the front clip is a 1974.
This 1973 VIN is in-correct for a Ranchero: 3A30H300934 30 = 1973 body style 65D Gran Torino 2 Door H/T Formal Roof.
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The following info is correct for a 1974 Ranchero GT.
DOOR PILLER: 4A48S115839 // DATE: 09/73 / BODY: 97R / COLOR: 2B / TRIM: CA / TRANS: U / AXLE: 6 / DSO: 71
If the 1973 VIN is located on the left corner of the dash, visible thru the w/shield...something smells and it ain't hay. If located on the door, the door was changed at some point, prolly due to damage.
The VIN on the dash is supposed to match the VIN on the Warranty Plate. If the dash VIN does not match, you may have a stolen vehicle. When vehicles were stolen, the dash VIN was altered.
Look for the hidden VIN, it was stamped either on the radiator support, or the left fender apron. There is another hidden VIN stamped on the frame rail.
4 = 1974.
A = Atlanta GA Assembly Plant.
48 = Ranchero GT, body style 97R.
S = 400 2V
115839 = 1974 Numerical Sequence of Assembly.
9/73 = 1974, assembled September 1973.
97R = Ranchero GT.
2B = Bright Red.
CA = Black all Vinyl.
U = C6 Cruise-O-Matic.
6 = Ford 9" Rear Axle / 3.00-1 / non Limited Slip.
71 = Los Angeles (SoCal) Ford District Sales Office, where the original selling dealer ordered the Ranchero from.