1948 TOWN AND COUNTRY VIN #'S / Decode

Hello,

Looking for information explaining T&C vin #'s How do I tell if it is a 48? Is there anything in the number that signifies convertible? Should it start with C39?? How many numbers should I look for and where? Is the body # different than Chassis number

Thanks

In that era the passenger vehicles from Chrysler Corporation had a serial number tag on the front driver's door hinge post. All numbers, no letters (they sometimes used a I to indicate a 1). Serial numbers were done in ranges for each assembly plant and for each engineering code. So you can tell from the number where it was built and get a rough idea of how far through the model year your car was built. Serial numbers are also what Chrysler tracked it by and you can use that number to get a copy of the build tag from Chrysler Historical which will tell you things like the paint and trim codes, accessories it was shipped with, etc. Information varies by year and for some years they can no longer decode all the information, price for the build card varies based on how much they can decode for you. I have a serial number "decoder" (actually table look up for your year) which can tell you the plant and typical specifications at http://www.ply33.com/Misc/vin

Information about getting a copy of the build card can be found at http://www.chryslergroupllc.com/company/Heritage/Pages/Build-Records.aspx

You should also have an engine number on the engine and probably stamped on the frame somewhere (location on frame varies from year to year and model to model so I don't know where it would be on your car). Many states used the engine number to track the car for registration. Engine numbers started with the engineering code for the vehicle so Chryslers started with a C (Plymouth with a P, Dodge with a D, DeSoto with an S). From your post I assume you have a C39 so your engine number probably starts with that.

Finally, there should be a body number tag on the firewall. The sequences on these seemed to vary from model to model and even on one model from one body style to the next depending on who built the body.

Send me the serial number on the passenger side door post (A pillar) and I can probably tell you what year it is.

keiser31@charter.net

Thanks for the help guys. Next time I am around the car I will look for those things.

If you have the drivers- not passenger side hinge pillar serial #(vin) I can tell you what year and possibly who has owned it last-if it is a T&C chrysler..

C39N=eight cylinder NewYorker or Town and Country car.

C39-...... is the beginning of the engine numbler which will match the same # stamped on the rear of the drivers side of the frame just forward of the bumper bracket.

The 3"X5" Firewall data plate will tell all options ect on your car and body model.

Bob

If you have the drivers- not passenger side hinge pillar serial #(vin) I can tell you what year and possibly who has owned it last-if it is a T&C chrysler..

C39N=eight cylinder NewYorker or Town and Country car.

C39-...... is the beginning of the engine numbler which will match the same # stamped on the rear of the drivers side of the frame just forward of the bumper bracket.

The 3"X5" Firewall data plate will tell all options ect on your car and body model.

Bob

Oooops...yes...the DRIVER's side. Sorry about the brain lapse.

If you have the drivers- not passenger side hinge pillar serial #(vin) I can tell you what year and possibly who has owned it last-if it is a T&C chrysler..

C39N =eight cylinder NewYorker or Town and Country car.

C39 is the beginning of the engine numbler which will match the same # stamped on the rear of the drivers side of the frame just forward of the bumper bracket.

The 3"X4" Firewall data plate will tell all options ect on your car and body model.

Post a pic of the Firewall Data plate and I will decipher it for you if you post it today-I will be gone to AZ tomorrow.

Bob

I Have a 1948 Windsor Highlander conv

And I only have one Tag on the fire wall that says Body Number 544 10642

And the VIN tag on the left door pillar 70683774

I guess I can`t use this to get color code and so on .

Tomas

2 hours ago, Tomas Noren said:

I Have a 1948 Windsor Highlander conv

And I only have one Tag on the fire wall that says Body Number 544 10642

And the VIN tag on the left door pillar 70683774

I guess I can`t use this to get color code and so on .

Tomas

No, the serial number does not contain encoded paint or trim information. This is what you can tell from it:

I don't know the current state of affairs, but you used to be able to pay the Chrysler Historical Collection to get a copy of the "build card" for your vehicle and that had a bit more information. For my 1933 it showed the paint and trim codes, the dealer the car was shipped to, etc. I think the ones from the late 1940s had a lot more information. It might be worth trying to contact the Historical Collection to see if they still exist and can provide that service. My last contact information for them was:

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Historical Services
12501 Chrysler Freeway
CIMS 410-11-21
Detroit, MI 48288 USA

Will try that, Thanks a lot for info

Good morning,

We have a Chrysler Windsor 4 dr, suicide doors, serial number left front pillar : 70711600 

Title says 1949 but it has the bubble back body shape and front grill of the 48's

Any help is greatly appreciated ?

Charles 

You have a First Series 1949 model, sold from December 1948 thru March 1949. They were identical in weight and price to 1948 models and accounted for about 15% of total 1949 production. Your car was built in Detroit, MI. 

I have a 47 Windsor does any one know where the original engine block number is stamped on the frame?  Also does anyone know where to purchase body parts from.  Thank you!

Why would the engine number be stamped on the frame?

44 minutes ago, Pcmhomes said:

I have a 47 Windsor does any one know where the original engine block number is stamped on the frame?  Also does anyone know where to purchase body parts from.  Thank you!

I believe that for that year Plymouth the engine number is stamped on the driver’s (left) side of the frame around the kick up for the rear axle. Given the way Chrysler did things it wouldn’t surprise me if thst is where you’ll find it on your car.

41 minutes ago, Matt Harwood said:

Why would the engine number be stamped on the frame?

Chrysler Corporation did that for a lot of years.

Thank you ply33 I will check tomorrow.

The engine # is on the LR frame just as ply33 says...

Do you know if it is on the outside or inside of the frame?

On the outside just down from the top curve of frame towards the rear.

4 hours ago, c49er said:

On the outside just down from the top curve of frame towards the rear.

Thank you