What numbers match??

[Valiant63]

I am into the early A-bodies from 1963 to 1966, and it always amazes me that people who are selling cars on this site, regardless of how many conversations are on on here about it or how many times Mike corrects people about it, but there are always 65, 66 Darts, Valiants and barracudas that are numbers matching. Look at the automobiles for sale section on here and see how many numbers matching 63 to 66 Mopars there are. I mean, maybe it is the original engine and transmission and rear axle that came in that body, but how are you going to prove it? Besides, how many other modifications are done to the car to make it non-original but you’re gonna focus on something that is supposedly original, but you can’t prove it.
Do I really care if the original engine is in a car that has Craigers and custom paint job and custom interior? No, not really. I preferred have an upgraded engine, an upgraded braking system, and an upgraded rear axle. Unless you’re going to keep the car looking pristine and original, what does it really matter if it’s “numbers matching“ or a different engine is in the car?
Yeah I know, most of these flippers really aren’t long time members on this site, but geewhiz it annoys me.
Rant over...

 

[toolmanmike]

I am into the early A-bodies from 1963 to 1966, and it always amazes me that people who are selling cars on this site, regardless of how many conversations are on on here about it or how many times Mike corrects people about it, but there are always 65, 66 Darts, Valiants and barracudas that are numbers matching. Look at the automobiles for sale section on here and see how many numbers matching 63 to 66 Mopars there are. I mean, maybe it is the original engine and transmission and rear axle that came in that body, but how are you going to prove it? Besides, how many other modifications are done to the car to make it non-original but you’re gonna focus on something that is supposedly original, but you can’t prove it.
Do I really care if the original engine is in a car that has Craigers and custom paint job and custom interior? No, not really. I preferred have an upgraded engine, an upgraded braking system, and an upgraded rear axle. Unless you’re going to keep the car looking pristine and original, what does it really matter if it’s “numbers matching“ or a different engine is in the car?
Yeah I know, most of these flippers really aren’t long time members on this site, but geewhiz it annoys me.
Rant over...

I saw that. No comment on that thread because it's against the site rules but I can comment here. Thanks. There was a discussion on another thread today about this subject. No "numbers matching" engine or drive train until 68 on just a few models. 69 was supposed to have vin's stamped company wide. That's a brief explanation. As bad as "frame off" unless yo uh are talking about a 55 Chevy! Rant over. LOL

 

[Demonracer]

My thoughts are that the people saying "numbers matching" might be referring to the casting date numbers are correct for the vehicle prior to 68. I've looked at cars that were "supposed" to be "numbers" matching. When the seller is confronted, it was "oh I meant the casting dates were correct". Most of the time, I pass on them because the sellers are flippers. They buy a hull, find an engine, transmission & rear axle, put it together with the cheapest components they can find & then they want Barrett-Jackson &/or Russo & Steele prices. Most of these type of people have existed for decades & take advantage of others who don't have the knowledge or intelligence to look deeper into the sellers claims.

 

[toolmanmike]

Original engine is the best thing to say. I can be "almost" 100% sure my 66 has the original engine. No way to tell for sure but you can see capture the block dates and if they are up to a few months prior to the car assembly date that is all good.