OT request: 1960 Valiant VIN info

[TodFitch]

I decided to try to update my serial number page and extend it forward into the early era of VIN numbers. I don't have primary reference material for this so I looked to the web and have so far been unable to find how to decode the 1960 Valiant VIN numbers. I'm also interested in the information for the Dodge equivalent if there was one in 1960.

So if there are any early A-body fans here who have that information I'd be grateful.

[Niel Hoback]

1960 Lancer

[old stovebolt]

I decided to try to update my serial number page and extend it forward into the early era of VIN numbers. I don't have primary reference material for this so I looked to the web and have so far been unable to find how to decode the 1960 Valiant VIN numbers. I'm also interested in the information for the Dodge equivalent if there was one in 1960.

So if there are any early A-body fans here who have that information I'd be grateful.

I have 1960 Plymouth VIN data I can share with you. I actually have some VIN data back to 1938. I have basically all VIN data from 70's on up. I don't know how to attach stuff here, so you might want to send me an email address!

[greg g]

The Dart was Dodge's small car in 1960, (Dodge Dart was introduced as a smaller (but still big) Dodge, with a wheelbase four inches smaller than the standard Dodge — 118 rather than 122 inches) but it was bigger than what became the A body.

I believe the Valiant when introduced in 1960 was to be a stand alone brand that would have been available at Plymouth, Dodge and Chrysler dealerships. In 61 it was officially assigned to Plymouth, and Dodge got a fancier trimed vehicle called the Lancerin 61 and 62, not in 60. In 63 the Dart became the compact A bodied car most of us are familiar with based on the Valiant body shell. The medium sized Dart disappeared at the end of the 62 model year.

Vehicle Idenification numbers did not become standardized to the format we are used to until 81. Manufactures used thier own systems from 54 on, so your early A bodies had tags of Chrysler design.

[TodFitch]

I have done enough research to find that from 1959 through 1965 used a 10 character VIN with one format for 1959 and a different one for 1960 through 65. And I have some information about how to decode them. But the information does not show Valiant for 1960, only for 61 and up.

It could be that the coding for Valiant in 60 was the same as in 61 but it would be nice to actually know...

And then there was a 13 character code used before the 17 character one. But I'll deal with that later.

[Desotodav]

Good luck with your serial number quest Tod. I've got a couple of mates here in Oz with early 60's Dodge Phoenix cars.

Attached is my mate Dave's 61 Phoenix which has recently been re-sprayed 'Toyota grey'....

Desotodav

[old stovebolt]

I have done enough research to find that from 1959 through 1965 used a 10 character VIN with one format for 1959 and a different one for 1960 through 65. And I have some information about how to decode them. But the information does not show Valiant for 1960, only for 61 and up.

It could be that the coding for Valiant in 60 was the same as in 61 but it would be nice to actually know...

And then there was a 13 character code used before the 17 character one. But I'll deal with that later.

OK, I guess you have the VIN info.