numbers matching

There is a serious lack of information on what you are talking about. While the VIN isn't on every part there are date codes and part numbers that will give you an idea on how many parts have been changed over the years.

I agree with 73AbodEE. What you are really looking for in a number matching car are the vin referenced components. Those are the only things that matter.

Many other things, carb, heads, manifolds and so on, will be date coded and have a part number, but these can be replaced.

They are replaced all the time in high end restorations. You can look at 65dartchargers thread as an example.

With these non-vin referenced parts (a carburetor for example), you just need to find one with the right casting/list number, and date code.

If a component has the right casting/list number, and date code, even if it is a replacement part, it is correct for the car.

Hell.... if it has the right casting/list number, and date code, you may unknowingly, be putting your original back on. It's just switched hands and been through a few swap meets over the past couple decades.

exactly this ^^^^^^^^