Decoding door tag

[mrzw70]

Can someone please help me decode my door tag. I know this isn't exactly a part question but I'm very curious about this car.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk133/mrzw70/51e3cdd2.jpg

[blueboss]

VIN= ...28T6EF....You have an 84 SVO that *should* be a quad shock car
2A=Medium Canyon Red
LA=Can't remember if LA is cloth or leather.....
42=Cleveland DSO?

61B under "Body" means 3 door hatchback
The "4" under the "R" means AM/FM radio?
The "R" under the "AX" is your axle code. 3.45:1 Locking Differental if I remember correctly.
And the "2HHMM" is your coil spring package

[mrzw70]

Seems right. Mine is a slapper bar car though. Cloth interior and AM/FM radio are in car and it is medium canyon also. Does it ID on the door plate if the car had AC or would i find that on the buck tag? This seems to be the only option on this car. I'm assuming it's not a comp prep due to the AC on the car, but I'm thinking there were no true comp preps in '84, just option delete.

[Chalky]

I don't have my book with me but there is an A/C code on the door tag. There were Comp Preps (option 41C) built in 84, I believe from what Kendal told me there were 26 built. Bear in mind that some cars had A/C added at the dealership and there is a difference in the firewall between factory A/C and non-A/C cars. When was your car built??

The only way to truly verify is to get a report from Marti Autoworks as he has a ll the production info for Mustangs.

[mrzw70]

There is nothing on the door tag about the AC, that's why I was asking. I can't decipher the buck tag either, does it have more information. When you are talking about option 41c, is that found on the build sheet? I plan to get a marti report for the car later after I get it back up and running. I do appreciate the replies and will keep looking for the build sheet. I'm assuming there's only one usually found in the car and not multiples.

[Patrick]

... will keep looking for the build sheet. I'm assuming there's only one usually found in the car and not multiples.

Au contraire. Some cars have have had several found in them.

[mrzw70]

Au contraire. Some cars have have had several found in them.

That's actually good news, I'm going to keep looking. I work in the Toyota plant here and I knew we left the build sheets in the car.

[MustangRacer18]

FYI I had a Marti report done a few mo ago and he didn't seperate my car among just SVO's but all 85's. Was a little disappointing but still has some good info on there the Ford verification doesn't have. Also it allows you to get the orginally factory-to-dealer invoice which he had of mine (priceless) and reproduction window sticker which came out amazing. Still worth the $ for the report.

[blueboss]

...I can't decipher the buck tag either, does it have more information.

Yes. The buck tag will have more information. Post up a pic and I can help with that one too. Otherwise, there's a bunch of info on buck tag decoding in the interwebs.

[mrzw70]

Buck tag...
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk133/mrzw70/9111684a.jpg

[MikeFleming]

My red car radiator tag - going through an unpainting process. Most of the markings and values are self-explanatory.

[Kendal Coker]

AC on the buck tag stands for Air. The lowest vin for a comp prep has been 17xxx. In early 84 a svo could be ordered with any combination of options.

[mrzw70]

Yeah I didn't really think it was a comp prep, you never know though. As soon as I get all the other things I need to get it back running and roadworthy I'm going to get a marti report done.
So all the comp preps should be quad shock cars, if that's the case with build numbers.

[Kendal Coker]

Yes all comp preps have quad shocks. You can see a copy of my marti report on the thread about my race car.

[oneowner88lx]

The Marti Reports are good. I just had one done on my '88 LX conv. But the statistics were not very good as far as how many were made just like it. When I asked for better statistics they said "that was research" and would cost more. But the report is still good and they sent it to me right away. The original sale date and place of purchase matched when and where I bought the car. The door sticker picture they sent matched my original door sticker but the original sticker has some extra codes on it. All the options on the report matched my original window sticker. So its good data and their service is pretty good.

A company called The Third Generation News and Beyond used to have rights to that Ford database. But they don't do reports any longer. We have a report for our SVO from them that was done years ago before we bought it. That report tells how many were built just like it. I met a guy at a car show with an '86 LX 5.0 notch and he had a report from them and it told him only 50 cars were made just like his. So why is it a problem for Marti Reports to get that info I don't know.

[mrzw70]

I still haven't pulled all the interior oh of the car but have not found a build sheet. I pulled the rear seat cushion and no joy, I did see a strange plastic bag filled with what looks to be white insulation of some sort. I also found another of these bags under the passenger side carpet. I'm pretty sure this car has been repainted at one point, at least on the outside. No paper work yet but also no rust under there, so at least there is some good news. After I get the engine back in and and the body mostly done I may pull more of the interior to try to find a build sheet.

[Gyrhead]

FYI I had a Marti report done a few mo ago and he didn't seperate my car among just SVO's but all 85's. Was a little disappointing but still has some good info on there the Ford verification doesn't have. Also it allows you to get the orginally factory-to-dealer invoice which he had of mine (priceless) and reproduction window sticker which came out amazing. Still worth the $ for the report.

I have Kevin doing a window sticker for me because the dealer tossed mine. I told Framingham Ford when I bought the car that I wanted two things. Save the window sticker and don't put a stupid dealer sticker on my car. They didn't do either. Unfortunately I had ordered an Eminger invoice and Kevin didn't have that one! Damm!

That white stuff is insulation from the exhaust. There is also one on the pass side front seat too by the trans tunnel in addition to the two in the back

[FoxChassis]

mrzw70: It appears this SVO is an "option delete". It was ordered with AC and the mid-level radio, and without power windows or power locks.

VIN
1FA = Ford vehicle manufactured in USA
B = active belts
P = passenger car
28 = Mustang hatchback
T = EFI turbocharged 2.3L engine
6 = VIN check digit
E = 1984 model year
F = Dearborn Assembly Plant (DAP)
143351 = 43,351st 1984 Mustang scheduled for production at DAP

Door Tag
Date - 12/83 = december 1983 build
F1650* = 1650 lbs front accessory reserve load
R1355* = 1355 lbs rear accessory reserve load
Exterior Paint Colors - 2A = Medium Canyon Red Metallic
DSO - 42 = Cleveland district sales office
Body - 61B = Mustang hatchback
Int Trim - LA = SVO cloth Articulated Sport seating (L), Charcoal/Grey interior color (A)
R - 4 = AM/FM stereo radio
S - = no sunroof
Ax - R = 3.45:1 axle ratio w/ Traction-Lok differential
Tr - 2 = T-5 transmission
HH = front springs
MM = rear springs

* Numbers are a factory error. They should not be that high.

[B]Buck Tag
MUSTANG = Mustang model line
143351 = 43,351st 1984 Mustang scheduled for production at DAP
61B = Mustang hatchback
T = EFI turbocharged 2.3L engine
[blank] = no sunroof
0055 = body & paint rotations #0055
2A = Medium Canyon Red Metallic exterior
DF
ST
AC = air conditioner
12 = hatchback w/ heated backlite glass and dual spoiler
HB = heated backlite (defrost)
SVO = SVO model/series/trim level
RM = rocker molding
[blank] = no power side windows (W) or power door locks (D)
MBW = manual borg Warner transmission (T-5)
05 = hood w/ function scoop
-A = Charcoal/Grey interior
EI = electronic fuel injection

[mrzw70]

Thanks very much foxchassis, that is a lot of great information. I plan on getting a marti report in the future after the car is back on the road and maybe after paint too, so it might be a while. Where there differen spring rates available for the svo's? I have seen other door tags that showed different letters where mine show (hh-mm). I can wait to get this thing running again, it's been blow apart in my garage for a while now. I really am thankful for this sight as well as turbo-ford as both have given me great info and led in the right direction. Many thanks to those that have helped me so far (both guys named Mark) and thanks to those in advance that may help in the future.
Mitchel.

[FoxChassis]

These are the spring codes I have in the database that I've been building over the past couple of years...

1984 SVO spring codes: JJLL, JJMM, HHMM
1985 SVO spring codes: HHMM
1985½ SVO spring codes: HHNN
1986 SVO spring codes: HHRR

1984 SVO Comp Prep spring codes: HHMM
1985 SVO Comp Prep spring codes: GGMM
1985½ SVO Comp Prep spring codes: (haven't seen any yet)
1986 SVO Comp Prep spring codes: GGRR

[Chalky]

Hi Fox, thanks for chiming in, glad to see you here!!!!

[FoxChassis]

Glad I can contribute something useful! :D

[TheSVOTrust]

These are the spring codes I have in the database that I've been building over the past couple of years...

1984 SVO spring codes: JJLL, JJMM, HHMM
1985 SVO spring codes: HHMM
1985½ SVO spring codes: HHNN
1986 SVO spring codes: HHRR

1984 SVO Comp Prep spring codes: HHMM
1985 SVO Comp Prep spring codes: GGMM
1985½ SVO Comp Prep spring codes: (haven't seen any yet)
1986 SVO Comp Prep spring codes: GGRR

Guess you would like to see a door tag ! GGNN for 85.5 Comp Prep.
Here is T2FF240127 7/85 Car
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/svo2scj/SVO%20Photos/100_5139.jpg

Not sure if you can use Build Sheet
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/svo2scj/SVO%20Photos/100_5169.jpg

I will get door sticker of T7FF239068 tomorrow. Tried in the dark of the garage and didn't take.

Mark
P.S. Excuse me if you didn't want this shown John!

[FoxChassis]

Build sheets are always good to see. They have a lot of info. Would be better if it were a straight on shot. :D I'm not asking too much, am I? Heh

I can make out the spring codes (Line E) ROS ROS POE POE, which translates to GGNN on the door tag.
I can also see a lack of power windows and power lock codes, which means neither were to be installed.
And it looks like the radio code might be "D" or "R"?

[TheSVOTrust]

Don't hold your breath on 239068 !! Tried twice now (about 15 photos) can't get it in the garage (with or without the flash)

When I get the cars out on return from Sturgis I will get a photo outside (without the glare of the flash)

Mark

[TheSVOTrust]

Screwed up ! Had to move 3 cars yesterday and FORGOT to take photo before burying it!

Will get out after Sturgis

Mark

[FoxChassis]

Looking again at the build sheet above, I see no speaker code which means no (rear) speakers were to have been installed, which probably also make the radio code "D" (delete).

Radio codes on '85 and '86 build sheets...
D = radio delete (door tag code Y)
R = AM/FM stereo cassette (door tag code 7)
S = AM/FM stereo (door tag code 4)
X = electronic search AM/FM stereo cassette (door tag code 6)

Speaker codes on '85 and '86 build sheets...
[blank] = no speakers (rear)
4 = four speakers without Premium sound system
Z = four speakers with Premium sound system

[8T6 SVO]

These are the spring codes I have in the database that I've been building over the past couple of years...

1984 SVO spring codes: JJLL, JJMM, HHMM
1985 SVO spring codes: HHMM
1985½ SVO spring codes: HHNN
1986 SVO spring codes: HHRR

1984 SVO Comp Prep spring codes: HHMM
1985 SVO Comp Prep spring codes: GGMM
1985½ SVO Comp Prep spring codes: (haven't seen any yet)
1986 SVO Comp Prep spring codes: GGRR


FoxChassis - Can you further discern the spring codes? Doess the HH mean front? RR mean rear? or visa-versa or something completely different?

[FoxChassis]

FoxChassis - Can you further discern the spring codes? Doess the HH mean front? RR mean rear? or visa-versa or something completely different?

HH is front and RR is rear. Springs codes are always in the following order...

Left Front - Right Front - Left Rear - Right Rear (With left being driver-side and right being passenger-side.)

[8T6 SVO]

Thanks! So, the front spring codes for the 84-86 SVO's were HH as well as the 1984 Comp prep. The Front spring codes for the 85-86 comp preps were GG. Does that mean the 85-86 Comp prep had a lighter front spring for less load than the 1984 Comp prep - i.e. G, H, I, J - Loads increasing from G to J? Same for the rears? L, M, N, O, P, Q, R - Loads increasing from L to R? or do the spring codes have nothing to do with a increasing alphabetic path as I've described.

[FoxChassis]

Here are what the Ford shop manuals (printed September of that model year) say about the SVO spring codes...

1984 "H" front spring
D9AC-5310-HA
catchword = HIP
9270 (LH/RH) = 8EN/9EN

1984 "J" front spring
D9AC-5310-JA
catchword = JOG
9270 (LH/RH) = 8EJ/9EJ

1984 "L" rear spring
D9AC-5560-LA
catchword = VIS
9270 (LH/RH) = 8TX/9TX

1984 "M" rear spring
D9AC-5560-MA
catchword = WIK
9270 (LH/RH) = 8TY/9TY

------------------------------

1985 "G" front spring (Comp Prep only)
D9AC-5310-GA
catchword = GAJ
9270 (LH/RH) = 8EH/9EH

1985 "H" front spring
D9AC-5310-HA
catchword = HIP
9270 (LH/RH) = 8EN/9EN

1985 "M" rear spring
D9AC-5560-MA
catchword = WIK
9270 (LH/RH) = 8TY/9TY

------------------------------

1985½ "G" front spring (Comp Prep only)
D9AC-5310-GA
catchword = GAJ
9270 (LH/RH) = 8EH/9EH

1985½ "H" front spring
D9AC-5310-HA
catchword = HIP
9270 (LH/RH) = 8EN/9EN

1985½ "N" rear spring
D9AC-5560-NA
catchword = QYK
9270 (LH/RH) = 8T6/9T6

------------------------------

1986 "G" front spring (Comp Prep only)
D9AC-5310-GA
catchword = GAJ
9270 (LH/RH) = 8EH/9EH

1986 "H" front spring
D9AC-5310-HA
catchword = HIP
9270 (LH/RH) = 8EN/9EN

1986 "R" rear spring
E5AC-5560-CA
catchword = NUS
9270 (LH/RH) = 8T8/9T8

The catchword and the engineering number were on the green sticker that was wrapped around one of the coils on the spring. I do not know what the 9270 number means.

I don't know how much I would trust the Ford shop manuals because even they leave codes off the list and the "catchwords" don't match what's on the build sheet, so I think they just used the same charts from year to year and I can't count on their accuracy. If I could get my hands on some factory books I might feel a little more comfortable with the numbers.

[8T6 SVO]

It looks like a whole lot of letters and numbers with not much being discerned by any of it. We need to find the secret decoder ring. Seems like I've seen load/rate numbers associated with the different springs letters/numbers before, somewhere.