Build codes for a Barracuda

[Righty]

Hi all, I own a right hand drive 1969 Barracuda, it was built in Detroit as an export model. These cars are pretty thin on the ground now, they only imported about 2000 and there's probably under 100 left. Anyway sadly in the course of its life it’s had a respray and the data plate was lost. I contacted the Chrysler archive but they have no records for these cars and the UK importer is long gone.
My question is does anyone have or know of a record or source for the various codes on the data plates specifically anything that would denote a RHD or export designation. I’d love to be able to recreate the data plate as accurately as I can, as it’s a shame that such an interesting car is missing it.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Do you have a build sheet?

 

[tom999w]

Just re-create it best you can, given the options the car has. My Demon had the same problem (data plate rusted away). I compiled a new one based on what options that car had, in addition to comparing it to other similar data plates on the internet, to get the format/layout correct.

 

[Righty]

No if the build sheet was in the seats its long gone, they've been re upholstered. As for recreating it - yes most of it would be doable, it's the righthand drive and export codes that would make it unique but that's also the problem with finding those codes they are not going to be well known. I might need to try to find some of the other owners of these cars and see if they have their data plates.

 

[RedFish]

If my memory serves, the export cars got a second plate with codes. Look for 2 extra screw holes.

 

[Righty]

If my memory serves, the export cars got a second plate with codes. Look for 2 extra screw holes.

Thanks RedFish, I tracked down another import Barracuda owner and he sent me this picture, so there is the fender tag and also this Plymouth made in USA tag.
I have done some work using the fender tag from his car in some decoders and have then tried to fill in a tag as if it were my car.
I have used the pictured tag as the basis with the changes below.

I dont know the build date as I dont have that (on his tag thats C05)
I dont know the order number 000......
Added Y13 to my tag, as I know my car was ordered as a dealer demonstrator.
Added M26 to my tag as my car has wheel arch mouldings.
Deleted M31 as my car did not have belt mouldings
Replaced D6X with H6W as my trim level isHigh not Deleuxe and is white.
Replaced R6 R6 with F8 F3 as according to the previous owner the exterior was Ivy Green and the interior is Frost Green but i'm going to look into that a bit more.
Replaced X9 with F3 as the upper door frames are Frost Green

I the table I have posted the tag I have made up is in black, and the red codes are ones I'm not sure about - the UK cars had an 8.75" suregrip axle, heavy duty torsion bars and a front sway bar, but these arent coded on the pictured tag, so perhaps they are covered under Y09 for export spec and X15 for RHD?

Love to hear people thoughts.

 

[Righty]

So I think I'm pretty happy with the codes for the fender tag, having found a few other examples of UK export tags, I think the axle and suspension options etc are all part of the export spec, so dont need to be on the tag.
I've recreated the Plymouth tag using the pentastar and plymouth logos off the internet, the font was tricky, not one i had on my computer its called Trade Gothic, £400 to buy the pack, so i typed in the text I needed into an online font catalogue a word at a time and then copied it to my computer to use on the tag. Next I need to find someone who can stamp me the fender tag and print the Plymouth tag. I dont know the build date or order number for my car so I made them up as a placeholder for now.

 

[jeff alder]

 

[Dana67Dart]

This guy sells these on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/297357301538?



I don't know if he makes reproductions

 

[ec_co]

For the fender tag, you have a couple of options. As noted above, there's that one on eBay that I believe comes from MMC Detroit (you can also Google their website and check out the process and pricing), the metal tags that they reproduce have the correct fonts and design, they run about $400 - if you want as accurate as possible, this is the route to go. The other option are plastic 3D printed ones, I actually make these and offer them through eBay and my website, but I currently have everything taken down because I'm in the middle of moving and will have everything back up in a couple of weeks. Mine are 10% of the metal cost, but they are not to be construed as real because they are made of plastic which is thicker, and the font is slightly off so that they can't be construed as the real thing - but they are an inexpensive alternative. So far I've produced and sent out over 50 tags for a b and e bodies, all happy customers. eyecandi3d.com

For the other tag, your best bet at a good reproduction is going to be to have it laser engraved. A little Google Foo will get you in the right direction for companies that can do this for you.

 

[ec_co]

Just another thought, if you're going to have one of those tags made and engraved, you might as well see what the batch cost would be to see if you could resell the extras to recoup your costs.

 

[Righty]

Just another thought, if you're going to have one of those tags made and engraved, you might as well see what the batch cost would be to see if you could resell the extras to recoup your costs.

That’s not a bad idea, I don’t know how many takers there would be in the UK, I assume they were for export cars, there’s not many left. I had thought about a 3d printed tag, however I also want to have the tag for when I take the car to Australia to prove that it is a factory built RHD car not a conversion, so a more “authentic” looking tag would help with that. But I’ll be in touch if I go the printed route.