My New Toy

[MMICS]

I would like to know if this is a Cobra. VIN # 9F03F174462.

[FoxChassis]

The "Cobra" package is not a model so the VIN will not indicate if the package was ordered on the car or not. The only thing for sure is the Cobra package was available only on three-door hatchbacks that were not a Ghia model. The body code in the VIN (third and fourth characters - 03) you provided verifies that it's a three-door hatchback (non-Ghia) model. (A three-door hatchback Ghia would be 05.)

If the Body Tag (aka "buck tag") is original to the vehicle, and the vehicle was ordered with the Cobra package, the letters CBR will be stamped on it. The Body Tag is (or should have been from the factory) attached to the upper radiator core support. It is a 3½" x 1¾" piece of aluminum or tin sheet metal with a bunch of numbers and letters stamped into it. It is sometimes behind the headlights. It is usually painted body color. The Consecutive Unit Number (last six characters of the VIN) will also be stamped on the Body Tag (another way to verify authenticity).

Read the following for more information on identifying a Cobra package.

http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1461
http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2001
http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3166
http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3221

[MMICS]

I do have a Cobra but no clue as to what it looked like when it was new. The buck tag information is as follows, maybe somebody can tell me what it all means.

174462 61R FMF 0269
1GG H DF TT M
AC DRM
CBR WQM 3V
AC

[FoxChassis]

174462 = 74,462nd Mustang built in '79 model year
61R = three-door hatchback/sedan
1GG = Silver Metallic paint
AC = air conditioning
CBR = Cobra package

I've only replied with what I know. I believe one of the Fs in FMF is the engine (5.0L V8 ). There's not alot of information available on Body Tags so decoding them can be difficult.

[MMICS]

Thank you for the help. Is there a way to find out what rear-end is in this car. I know the engine is a 302, with 2 351W oerformace cam, manifold, and 4V carb by Eldonbrock (mispelled). Also has an MSD mod 6A in it with headers. Of course the tech only works if the car will not start, working on that. Radio does not work, rear speakers missing and I do not have a clue what the little car diag. display on the consule is telling me. However when I am done the car will have a new paint job, back to the orginal I hope, wing, louvers and a few other little things like all the controls working.

Also can some body tell me how to use the little smilely faces?

[FoxChassis]

Originally, the rear axle assembly was what is called a 7.5" (which is the diameter of the ring gear). If you want to know what is in there now, the easiest way is to look at the differential housing cover....


This is a 7.5":
http://www.angelfire.com/un/capri/images/ford7.5in.jpg
http://www.richmondgear.com/gfx/ford75.gif

This is an 8.8":
http://www.angelfire.com/un/capri/images/ford8.8in.jpg
http://www.richmondgear.com/gfx/ford88.gif

The heads-up display in the center console tells you if a taillight, brake light, or headlight is bad, or the fuel or the windshield washer fluid is low. Each light is labeled.

[fordguy]

174462 = 74,462nd Mustang built in '79 model year
61R = three-door hatchback/sedan
1GG = Silver Metallic paint
AC = air conditioning
CBR = Cobra package

I've only replied with what I know. I believe one of the Fs in FMF is the engine (5.0L V8 ). There's not alot of information available on Body Tags so decoding them can be difficult.

i believe the 174462 consec number is the 74462 ford built in 79 on the line as they didn't break down the consec numbers by car model.

[FoxChassis]

Consecutive Unit Number 174462 is the 74,462nd Mustang produced (in the '79 model year). Each of Ford's car models' consecutive unit number begins at 100001. Just as each of Mercury's car models' consecutive unit number begins at 600001.

[fordguy]

i won't argue but any other ford built on the same line is included in that number. unless ford changed the way they numbered the cars in the later years. consecutive unit number not mustang number.

[FoxChassis]

And what model or models, beside the Mustang, was/were produced at the Dearborn, MI assembly plant (line) in the '79 model year or any other model year?

[fordguy]

ok, guess you got me :oops:

[Hissing Cobra]

Welcome to the boards! Congratulations on your Cobra. They're hard to come by, so hold onto that badboy! Because your's was originally Silver/Black, you can see what it looked like, if you picked up the 1979 Ford Mustang sales brochure. Inside, there is a picture of a Silver/Black one with Blue decals.

Good luck in your resto! By the way, guard that bucktag with your life! It's the only way to ever tell that your car was an original Cobra. :wink:

[madmike8]

And what model or models, beside the Mustang, was/were produced at the Dearborn, MI assembly plant (line) in the '79 model year or any other model year?

Well not that it has much to do with your argument...

At least in the 60's and 70's each plant started each year with number 100,001. Mustangs have shared consecutive numbering in the 60's and 70's with Torino's, Falcon, Fairlaine's, T-Bird's, Maverick's, and Pinto's...

Before now... I've never considered what the Fox Mustangs would be numbered with if anything at all... but I'll see if I can get the question to some Ford Historians for an answer...