data plate 1955

[erik11dal@gmail]

Hi. Have looked at several data plates and the decoder. Some are easy to figure out but I can't find out what this one means: 40A R B 30116 . anyone?
Erik

[Jimz Bird]

Hi Erik,

The R is Torch Red.
Is the interior ALL Red? If it is that would be unusual but would fit the code.
Another possibility is that it was a real early 55 and they hadn't started using the X. The CTCI link below states that early ones only used the B. Check the Date Code on the 2nd Line of the plate. That is probably the most likely.
Here is the link I used.
http://ctci.org/decoder.php
If you have not joined CTCI it is worth doing. They have lots of Manuals and info for restoration.

Also, if you have not registered it at
Thunderbird Registry - Home of Horizons Unlimited
do so and John Rotella there may be able to tell you something about it's history if it has been registered before.

Do you have the European speedometer or was it a US import with MPH?

Jim

[erik11dal@gmail]

Hi Jim. Thanks for your reply! Sorry for slow reply from me, been at work last two weeks(offshore). I have figured out the data plate through Thunderbird Registry. Updated the info on the site. I have also been in contact with CTCI and will be a member soon. My bird is red with red/white interior now, but was white black/white back in '55. I have a MPH speedometer and didn't know there was KPH available.
thanks, Erik

[Jimz Bird]

Hi Erik,
Nice pic of the Bird. Looks good and great perspective on the shot.
Good that you got up with CTCI and the Registry. CTCI will have a list of other Tbird members in your area who are in the club.
I am a bit confused now. The R and B would be what you have. A White and White/Black would be E and A. ??
Occasionally you will see an Export Bird that has the KPH Speedo face. Those would be ones originally exported. Probably a lot of them with MPH now are ones that were bought in the USA and shipped overseas.
I looked in several online catalogs and didn't see the KPH face. MPH are available for 40-50 dollars. It seems I saw a KPH replacement face a while ago but it may have been on eBay.
Jim

[erik11dal@gmail]

Hi Jim. The car has an about 10yr old restoration. At that time the data plate was changed from the oem to the current one. This was the code when new:
E-A-4D-NP90. Have got connected to the scandinavian Thunderbird club as well. Wonder if the Canadian Birds had KPH speedometer face?? I bought the car last August in Dallas TX and got it shipped here. Really pleased with it!!

Thanks Erik

[Jimz Bird]

Hi Erik,
It is interesting to track down the history of our Birds.
Did they only change the E & A? Was the Date code and the Sales Office and Sequence # the same?
I don't know about the Canadian KPH ones. The last one I saw was on a Mexican Bird on US eBay.
It's neat you are getting it sorted out.
How many 55-57 Birds are in Scandinavia?
You mentioned "Off-Shore". Is this where you work?
North Sea oil - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Along with manuals from CTCI I would also suggest a 1956 Ford Shop Manual if you don't have one. You can get hard copy and also in pdf for your computer. I have both. The pdf can be ordered on CD or download it from some vendors. I imagine shipping is a big expense to get things sent there.
Jim

[erik11dal@gmail]

Hi Jim.
The data plate was a mystery when it came to production date and sales office. I did get a decoder but still no sense. Posted the thread both here and on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/32519493135/) Got an answer from a guy living just 10 miles from me. He suggested Thunderbird registry. John
had the info I was seeking!! You are correct about my work place. I'm an electrician working on oil rigs in the North sea. we have 14 days on and 28 days off!!! I do have a shop manual for the bird. It's a must. I don't know how many birds we have over here, but the club has about 200. members. also have a 1957 Cadillac Fleetwood and a 1948 Plymouth Coupe.