| Grant | -- 07-27-2025 @ 4:10 AM |
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Could someone please assist with translating our 1952 Ranch Wagon's data plate? The first four characters of its V.I.N. are B2LU, so the vehicle is a '52 built on the Louisville KY assembly line. Data codes are as follows: 59A-P-S-23-K-L289C P or S would be the color(s)? 23 refers to trim? Possibly Mainline? .
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| Kens 36 | -- 07-27-2025 @ 9:19 AM |
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Hi Grant, I checked the 1952-1953 Ford Book published by the club. As is typical, your data plate seems to have some variances from what the authors were able to research. Here is the best I can come up with: 59A Body Code Mainline Station Wagon P Color Code Not shown - possibly a late addition - Do you have any hints as to the original color? S Trim Code Gold Tan Vinyl 23 Production Code 23rd day of month K Production Code October (“I” is not used) L289C Production Code Item number 289 – don’t understand the L and C Ken
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| Grant | -- 07-28-2025 @ 3:42 AM |
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Thanks for your response, Ken. The original finish may have been a 1952 color called Hawaiian Breeze (not Hawaiian Bronze), which is a medium shade of brown. The K production date of October is curious. This morning I'm wondering if it was October 1951, or October 1952. Attached is a photo of the vehicle. Its external appearance has been modified with two-tone paint, and Crestline series stainless body side moldings on the quarter panels. .
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| Kens 36 | -- 07-28-2025 @ 7:00 AM |
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Grant, The year of production is a little tough to determine. With that mysterious "P" paint code, I would lean toward October 1952. Records show that the 1952 Fords were introduced to the public on February 1, 1952. The 1953 Fords were introduced December 12, 1952. I'm skeptical that 1952 Fords would have been built in October 1951 and not available for purchase until February. A hint for you may be the glass trademarks. If any still exist on your car, they would indicate a date pretty close to production. Ken
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