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1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible
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   Forward Look Technical Discussions -> Fender/VIN Tag and Broadcast Sheet DecodingMessage format
 
Borrlander
Posted 2022-09-06 6:18 AM (#624043)
Subject: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


Member

Posts: 6

Hi, I have seen so many good code breaks on cars VIN, so I am hoping that there is someone who can help me find a little more information about my car, since it was ordered from the dealer in December 1958. Would be really nice, to be able to learn a bit more about the car's history and the facts about the car's production.

Thanks in advance.
Regards Jean

Edited by Borrlander 2022-09-06 6:39 AM




(car sheet3.jpg)



(VIN plate3.jpg)



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Attachments car sheet3.jpg (139KB - 92 downloads)
Attachments VIN plate3.jpg (160KB - 86 downloads)
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56D500boy
Posted 2022-09-06 10:22 AM (#624045 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible



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Location: Lower Mainland BC
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The card is quite easy to read and the cowl tag is very clear. However, it is a bit big for most folks screens so here is a smaller version.

frwl or RDP or ?? will likely be along to complete the interpretation.

What transmission came with the car?? (Code 294 when I expected 293 = Torqueflite) (Now that I look at the card, there is a 3 in Column 29 (Trans) so the stamped 294 might be a mistake)



Edited by 56D500boy 2022-09-06 10:25 AM




(Bortlanders59DodgeCowlTrimTag.jpg)



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Attachments Bortlanders59DodgeCowlTrimTag.jpg (56KB - 84 downloads)
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ronbo97
Posted 2022-09-06 1:02 PM (#624049 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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Location: Connecticut

Jean -

I maintain a registry of 59 Dodge Convertibles. Your car is in the registry. So I know the history going back at least two owners. I will respond this evening.

Ron

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frwl
Posted 2022-09-06 1:36 PM (#624050 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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THE DATA TAG:

SERIAL NO M352104089:

M = 1959
3 = Dodge
5 = Custom Royal – High Price Class
2 = Hamtramck Assembly, Detroit, Michigan
104089 = 4089th Custom Royal built

294 = order code 304 = Power Windows
326 = order code 316 = Accessory Group 316 – Deluxe Appearance – including:
Electric Clock
Rear Quarter Stone Shields
Two-Tone Plastic Steering Wheel
Deluxe Wheel Covers

333 = no info; it might be TRACER NO. 3 on the right upper corner of the build card…
I don’t know, what does it mean; could you tell what two-digit code below 3?

342 = order code 322 = White Convertible Top Color
435 = order code 625 = Delivery Route – by Truck
462 = order code 402 = Left Outside Rear View Mirror with Remote Control
484 = order code 314 = Accessory Group 314 – Convenience – including:
Rear Air Foam Seat Cushion
Hand Brake Warning Signal
Trunk Compartment Light
Map Light
Glove Box Light
Vanity Mirror
Windshield Washer
Variable Speed Windshield Wipers

SCHEDULE M1103 33 411: where 1103 = Scheduled on November 3, 1958
BDY 355 = Dodge (3), Custom Royal (5), Lancer Convertible (5) – IT’S A ONE OF 986 CUSTOM ROYAL CONVERTIBLES EVER BUILT!!!
PNT YY1 = Canary Diamond all-over (YY), Monotone Paint Scheme (1)
TRM 578 = White Vinyl and Black Nassau Fabric;
I think the trim S78 would be correct, where letter «S» means SWIVEL SEATS; the build card TRIM column says S78…

It also equipped with accessory groups 311, 317 and 318 which are not stamp on the data plate;
You can see those groups on the accessory groups listing I have attached below…

Could you send me a high resolution picture of the build sheet, please? I sent you my email in a private message here on the forum.




(1.jpg)



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frwl
Posted 2022-09-06 2:03 PM (#624051 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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The Trim Code S78:



(trim S78 (1).jpg)



(trim S78 (2).jpg)



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Attachments trim S78 (1).jpg (57KB - 93 downloads)
Attachments trim S78 (2).jpg (47KB - 89 downloads)
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frwl
Posted 2022-09-06 2:16 PM (#624052 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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If I have read correctly on the build card:
1 = order code 391 = Automatic Beam Changer
1 = order code 531 = Rear Axle Ratio 2.93 to 1
5 = order code 615 = Drive – no info; I know only two variants in this slot: 1 – Domestic Drive, 2 – Export; Is it RHD?

Does the car have a rear quarter ornaments – chevrons?




(1.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2022-09-06 2:17 PM (#624053 - in reply to #624050)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible



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Regarding the Accessory Groups, I see 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8 punched in Column 31. So 311, 314, 316, 317, and 318. No clue why some of those don't end up on the cowl data tag.

Here is a copy of the actual broadcast (build) sheet of another (different) 59 Dodge in case it helps with this car.

Edited by 56D500boy 2022-09-06 2:19 PM




(59DodgeBroadcastSheet_2.jpg)



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ronbo97
Posted 2022-09-06 6:03 PM (#624055 - in reply to #624053)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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Location: Connecticut

Most of what has been written is correct. In addition, the car was delivered to a deslership the Philadelphia region. Schedule date was Nov 3, but wasn't built until Dec 22, 1958. Car was originally yellow, but at some point was changed to Rose Quartz and Coral. Previous owners: Jan Fridberg, Sören Burman.

Ron

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frwl
Posted 2022-09-07 12:46 PM (#624072 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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It seems that the power windows option has been planned on November 3, 1958 (stamped on the tag) but wasn’t installed on this car, and deleted (didn’t print) in the build card on the production date on December 22, 1958 (the column 304 is empty).

Initially, the dual rear aerials option has been installed (see code 333 on the tag), but customer has decided later to order the Ornamental Group 318 (as seen on the build card) which included dual antennas (besides fin end chrome inserts and rear license plate frame).

These facts are confusing me…

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ronbo97
Posted 2022-09-07 6:59 PM (#624078 - in reply to #624072)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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Location: Connecticut

frwl - 2022-09-07 12:46 PM . It seems that the power windows option has been planned on November 3, 1958 (stamped on the tag) but wasn’t installed on this car, and deleted (didn’t print) in the build card on the production date on December 22, 1958 (the column 304 is empty). Initially, the dual rear aerials option has been installed (see code 333 on the tag), but customer has decided later to order the Ornamental Group 318 (as seen on the build card) which included dual antennas (besides fin end chrome inserts and rear license plate frame). These facts are confusing me… :(

They are not 'facts'. They are your interpretation of what the data plate says vs the build sheet. I would ask the owner if both features are on the car. If they are, then it could be an omission on the card, or your interpretation of either the data plate or the build card is wrong.

Ron

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Borrlander
Posted 2022-09-07 9:12 PM (#624082 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


Member

Posts: 6

Thanks alot for all your response.

56D500boy and frwl, you are right. Trim code is wrongly printed on the VIN tag, it is S78 (see original VIN tag). Same goes for transmission it is a 293 Torqueflite as you suspected :), its wrongly printed as well.

Its is righthand drive and have km/h speedometer with "Co-pilot Speed warning signal" - But im not sure if it is a aftermarked replacement.

Unfortunate I missing the Automatic Beam-changer - its pretty hard to find as spare part.

It do however have Power windows, Power seats, Power top, Swivel Seats, Magic Mirror and of course Power Brakes and Power steering.

Engine is the 383 with 345 hp, so it have dual quad Carter Carbs, so It have the Super D-500 configuration. Just dont understand why these options isnt on the sheet - or again maybe aftermarked installed? Thats why I am writing here.

Rear ornaments - im not sure what you mean, so I have included pics of the rear of the car and som pics of the outfit

I dont have the Car Production Broadcast - IF it possible to find, I would be pleased

Ronbo97 thanks - Yeah I bought from Sören Burman. And yeah I need to correct the errors on the plate somehow

Regards Jean



(closed_rear.jpg)



(Open_rear.jpg)



(L_door.jpg)



(Speedo_mirror.jpg)



(383_D500.jpg)



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Attachments closed_rear.jpg (216KB - 87 downloads)
Attachments Open_rear.jpg (157KB - 89 downloads)
Attachments L_door.jpg (80KB - 90 downloads)
Attachments Speedo_mirror.jpg (97KB - 89 downloads)
Attachments 383_D500.jpg (144KB - 90 downloads)
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ronbo97
Posted 2022-09-07 11:17 PM (#624086 - in reply to #624082)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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Posts: 4034
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Location: Connecticut

 

Jean -

Is your trim tag a reproduction ? There are certain reasons that I suspect it is, while there is other evidence that it is authentic. the 293 is listed on the build card. The car is left-hand drive. The speed minder is authentic. Since the car was sold new in the Philadelphia area, I assume that the speed minder 220 kph speedometer was swapped in during the restoration. The D500 option is not listed on the data plate or the build card because the car came from the factory as a 361 4bbl.

Ron



Edited by ronbo97 2022-09-07 11:18 PM
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Borrlander
Posted 2022-09-08 1:40 AM (#624089 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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Posts: 6

Yeah Ron - Its a lefthanded off course - my mistake
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frwl
Posted 2022-09-08 1:46 PM (#624100 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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Hello Jean, Thanks a lot for the pictures to my email, I got it!!!
You said you need to correct the errors on the data plate…

In my humble opinion, and according to the build card, your data tag should look like this (see upper picture):
No code 294 (no power windows), no code 333 (it replaced by code 338 – accessory group 318) and «S» instead «5» in the trim code S78;

Currently, your car data tag should look like this (see lower picture):
294 = Power Windows
326 = Accessory Group No. 316 – Appearance Deluxe
338 = Accessory Group No. 318 – Ornamental
341 = Black Convertible Top Color (instead 342 – White)
364 = Super D500 V8 383CID 2/4BBL 345HP Engine
399 = Rear Quarter Panel Ornaments – Chevrons
411 = Undercoating (I guess you have done it)
435 = Delivery Route
462 = Code «2» deleted in this slot; Left Remote Control Mirror included in the Group 313… (code 473)
473 = Accessory Group No. 313 – Radio Heater Deluxe (included Radio and Mirror Matic and Left Remote Control Mirror)
484 = Accessory Group No. 314 – Convenience
PAINT PN4 = «Rose Quartz» upper color and «Coral» lower and fins color…

P.S. These are data tag codes! No need to confuse with order codes!

ronbo97 will correct me if I’m wrong…




(11.jpg)



(12.jpg)



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ronbo97
Posted 2022-09-08 2:18 PM (#624102 - in reply to #624100)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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Posts: 4034
2000200025
Location: Connecticut

NO. Do NOT 'correct' your data plate. That would be misrepresentating your car as it came from the factory.

Ron

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56D500boy
Posted 2022-09-08 3:41 PM (#624103 - in reply to #624102)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible



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ronbo97 - 2022-09-08 11:18 AM
NO. Do NOT 'correct' your data plate. That would be misrepresentating your car as it came from the factory.


Agree 137%

Bad idea.

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Borrlander
Posted 2022-09-11 11:13 AM (#624166 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: Re: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


Member

Posts: 6

Thanks everyone for sharing your vast knowledge - it's definitely a bit complicated and not everything is clear from the factory when it comes to code cracking. It's probably just the people, who then, of course, can also make mistakes in the orders. But I understand the plate codes much better now.

I understand your point about leaving the code plate unchanged, even if it is stamped wrong - the TRM must be S78 and not 578 as stamped, for one thing, I do understand that
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sermey
Posted 2022-09-23 5:03 AM (#624457 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: RE: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


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Jean, here you find plenty of useful hints for your nice Convertible. Your Dodge is exceptional! Good Luck.  - SERGE -  

Viewing a thread - "Make-Up" your Car!

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=23691&start=1

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Borrlander
Posted 2022-09-26 3:06 AM (#624521 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: Re: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


Member

Posts: 6

Serge, That was for sure at comprehensive "make-up" you have done. Great work and very interesting. Thanks. Jean
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Borrlander
Posted 2022-09-26 3:06 AM (#624522 - in reply to #624043)
Subject: Re: 1959 Dodge Custom - Convertible


Member

Posts: 6

Serge, That was for sure at comprehensive "make-up" you have done. Great work and very interesting. Thanks. Jean
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