Factory markings?? Snow plow?

[jnirenstein]

Greetings! I'm a newbie here. Just purchased my first early Bronco. A 1966 Arcadian Blue/Silver interior. 170 3 Spd manual. It's very original. I am in the process of taking the body off the frame to do a complete restoration. I've noticed 2 markings that appear to be original. After removing the front grill, on the radiator core support behind the passenger headlight is written "1520" in black. After removal of the Drivers side fender I found "62" in red/orange on the inner panel up near the core support. Ok experts... your turn to educate me! Gonna have lots of questions I'm sure.

This Bronco was also used as a snow plow and had a complete hydraulic system installed that looked pretty original. (no blade) Was a plow a factory/dealer installed option in 1966??

Thanks for the help!
Cheers,
John

 

[DirtDonk]

Nice! And welcome to classicbroncos!
Not sure about the numbers, but what are the last four of your VIN? Maybe that first "1520" is the last of your VIN? If so, then that was a factory assembly line thing. Though why the core support would get that I don't know, since they were all the same I thought.
There were small openings and large openings for the radiators, but I originally thought it was a 6cyl vs 8cyl thing, I believe it's been said it was just a year change thing.
But if it was indeed a V8 vs I-6 thing, then I can see why a VIN marking would be helpful.

The "62" may just have been one of the inspectors stamps. Are the numbers all hand-written, or do any of them look like stamped ink?

Good luck. Someone here should know.

Paul

 

[ared77]

When I had my '69 Boss Mustang restored it was amazing how much information was discovered written on the radiator support! My restorer (who is very detail oriented) duplicated all of it as he worked. I've got pictures of the radiator support with all this info on it, then he lightly sprayed black over it. Shocked me! I liked all that factory detail, but as he explained these markings were to guide the assembly line workers as the car came down the line as to what to put on it. Then a worker down toward the end of the line would lightly dust over the rad support numbers to make it look better when the hood was up.

I'd imagine in 1966 Ford probably was doing a similar thing on cars and trucks. I can't remember if last of my VIN was on there as Paul said but it's very possible. I'll try to find my pictures of what I'm talking about and add them later. I do remember there was a "B" about 8" tall written on the right inner fender, just on the other side of the battery tray area. That "B" we've seen on other cars being restored that had the Boss engine.

Norm

 

[ared77]

Here's where I ask a similar question about a "730" on my Bronco radiator support -

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297745&highlight=ared77

 

[jnirenstein]

Nice! And welcome to classicbroncos!
Not sure about the numbers, but what are the last four of your VIN? Maybe that first "1520" is the last of your VIN? If so, then that was a factory assembly line thing. Though why the core support would get that I don't know, since they were all the same I thought.
There were small openings and large openings for the radiators, but I originally thought it was a 6cyl vs 8cyl thing, I believe it's been said it was just a year change thing.
But if it was indeed a V8 vs I-6 thing, then I can see why a VIN marking would be helpful.

The "62" may just have been one of the inspectors stamps. Are the numbers all hand-written, or do any of them look like stamped ink?

Good luck. Someone here should know.

Paul

Thanks Paul! The markings are indeed handwritten. My 65 Mustang had similar markings on the Core support.. The DSO# among them. The last 4 of my VIN is 7842 so it's not that. The DSO for my truck is 51 (Denver) so not that either. The truck does have several of the original "Paint ok" Yellow stamps still present and readable. Gonna be a shame to paint over them! The mystery continues!!

 

[jnirenstein]

Here's where I ask a similar question about a "730" on my Bronco radiator support -

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297745&highlight=ared77

Perfect. That helps a lot. Wish I had the build sheet... !

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, the snow plow is in the Total Performance Accessories For 1966 booklet. My snow plow kit came with frame extensions to put the bumper a few inches forward.
I think these are available at the dealers. I don't know if they could be ordered from the factory. Maybe somebody knows. Good luck