1963 FORD THUNDERBIRD Information Specifications Resources Pictures

Sail Away in a 1963 Ford Thunderbird

1963 Ford Thunderbird

Not much had changed for the 1963 T-bird, with the success from previous years. Extra features including a swing-away steering wheel which moves to the side when you enter, ah, what luxury. Plus don't forget air conditioning, power windows, power seat, power steering and power brakes plus more.

Vin Number Decoding - 1960 - 1969 Ford (All Models)

Location: stamped on top upper flange of left front fender apron. Located on top of dash visible through windshield. On lock face of left front door.

First Symbol - Year

0 = 1960

1 = 1961

2 = 1962

3 = 1963

4 = 1964

5 = 1965

6 = 1966

7 = 1967

8 = 1968

9 = 1969

Second Symbol - Assembly Plant
A = Atlanta	L = Michigan Truck
B = Oakville	N = Norfolk
C = Ontario	P = Twin Cities
D = Dallas	R = San Jose
E = Mahwah	S = Pilot Plant
F = Dearborn	T = Metuchen
G = Chicago	U = Louisville
H = Lorain	W = Wayne
J = Los Angeles	Y = Wixom
K = Kansas City	Z = St. Louis

Third & Fourth Symbol - Body Series
01 = Mustang 2 Dr Hardtop	51 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (Custom)
02 = Mustang 2 Dr Fastback	52 = Ford 2 Dr Sedan (Custom 500)
03 = Mustang 2 Dr Convertible	53 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (Custom 500)
10 = Falcon 2 Dr Sedan	54 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (Galaxie 500)
11 = Falcon 4 Dr Sedan	55 = Ford 2 Dr Fastback (Galaxie 500)
12 = Falcon Station Wagon	56 = Ford 4 Dr Hardtop (Galaxie 500)
20 = Falcon 2 Dr Sedan (Futura)	57 = Ford Convertible (Galaxie 500)
21 = Falcon 4 Dr Sedan (Futura)	58 = Ford 2 Dr Hardtop (Galaxie 500)
22 = Falcon 2 Dr Sedan (Bucket Seats)	60 = Ford 2 Dr Fastback (XL)
23 = Falcon Station Wagon (Futura)	61 = Ford Convertible (XL)
30 = Fairlane 2 Dr Hardtop	62 = Ford 2 Dr Hardtop (LTD)
31 = Fairlane 4 Dr Sedan	63 = Ford 2 Dr Fastback Coupe
32 = Fairlane Station Wagon	64 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (LTD)
33 = Fairlane 2 Dr Hardtop (500)	65 = Ford 2 Dr Hardtop Coupe
34 = Fairlane 4 Dr Sedan (500)	66 = Ford 4 Dr Hardtop (LTD)
35 = Fairlane 2 Dr Fastback (500)	70 = Ford Station Wagon (Ranch Wagon - 6P)
36 = Fairlane Convertible (500)	71 = Ford Station Wagon (Custom 500 Ranch Wagon - 6P)
37 = Fairlane Station Wagon (500)	72 = Ford Station Wagon (Custom 500 Ranch Wagon - 10P)
38 = Fairlane Station Wagon (Squire)	73 = Ford Station Wagon (Country Squire - 6P)
40 = Fairlane 2 Dr Fastback (500 XL)	74 = Ford Station Wagon (Country Sedan - 10P)
41 = Fairlane Convertible (500 XL)	75 = Ford Station Wagon (Country Squire -6P)
42 = Fairlane 2 Dr Fastback (500 GT)	76 = Ford Station Wagon (Country Squire -10P)
43 = Fairlane Convertible (500 GT)	76 = Fairlane Convertible
47 = Fairlane Ranchero	83 = Thunderbird 2 Dr Hardtop
48 = Fairlane Ranchero (500)	84 = Thunderbird 2 Dr Hardtop (Landau)
49 = Fairlane Ranchero (GT)	87 = Thunderbird 4 Dr Hardtop (Landau)

Fifth Symbol - Engine
A = 8-289	Q = 8-427
B = 6-240	R = 8-427
C = 8-289	S = 8-390
E = 6-240	T = 6-200
F = 8-260	U = 6-170
J = 8-302	V = 6-240
K = 8-289	W = 8-427
L = 8-221	X = 8-352
M = 8-390	Y = 8-390
N = 8-429	Z = 8-390
P = 8-428

Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence
Starting at 100001
Code	Transmission Type
1	3-Speed Manual
5	4-Speed Manual (std. ratio) 2.78 1st.
6	4-Speed Manual (opt. ratio) 2.32 1st.
T	Cruise-O-Matic (FMX-L)
U	C6 Automatic (aluminum 1 piece case)
W	C4 Automatic (aluminum 2 piece case)
X	Cruise-O-Matic (C.I. case)
Y	Cruise-O-Matic(C.I. case)
Z	C6 Automatic Special (aluminum 1 piece case)

Note: 1960 through 1963 Thunderbirds: The VIN plate is located on the left front body pillar below the driver's door hinge opening

1963 Ford Thunderbird

Vin Number Decoding - 1960 - 1969 Ford (All Models)

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