No VIN on 1958 Edsel Corsair

[AZCamaroFan]

i was expecting something in worse condition. that looks very clean.

[MMC]

Nice project with your Dad, look at the rear axle somtimes they have markings on them. Check with local vintige Ford clubs or an appraiser they may have more info for now and during the project.

[Overflow]

Originally Posted by AZCamaroFan

i was expecting something in worse condition. that looks very clean.

Yeah the exterior isn't where it needs work. It needs work on the engine, transmission, and trunk.

[Overflow]

Originally Posted by MMC

Nice project with your Dad, look at the rear axle somtimes they have markings on them. Check with local vintige Ford clubs or an appraiser they may have more info for now and during the project.

I took a picture of the rear axle yesterday. I'll have to zoom in and see if I can see anything.

Actually the seller is a vice president of the Florida Edsel club. He's already helped us a ton so I'm sure the club will be willing to help us with a lot as well.

Thanks for the tips!

[FenwickHockey65]

Looks pretty good.

[Overflow]

Alright guys, good news and bad news.

We found a number on the cowl. However, it doesn't match the last 6 numbers of the vin on the title. I've read that this cowl number isn't suppose to match the vin because it means something totally different. Can anyone deny or confirm this?

I looked up the cowl tag on a registry for edsels and it brought me to an Edsel with the same owner as the other vin.. The same owner location.. And the same owned since date.

Can anyone help us here?

[FenwickHockey65]

Says here that the cowl tag is usually for identifying the body of the car, not the complete assembly, which would be the VIN.

[upflying]

Is it a cowl tag or numbers stamped in the cowl?

[Overflow]

Originally Posted by upflying

Is it a cowl tag or numbers stamped in the cowl?

Stamped.

[FenwickHockey65]

Have you read this?

Remember that numbers stamped in the cowl are not VINs. The number has no significance except that it was used internally at the particular assembly plant and for whatever information that can be gleaned from it. This information varied from plant-to-plant, although this particular number is similar to the number affixed to my '51 truck that was assembled in Somerville. Some plants didn't use these numbers

[upflying]

Originally Posted by Overflow

Stamped.

OK, that's the VIN. Post a pic if you want me to look at it.
What numbers are stamped?

[Overflow]

Oh crap I'm getting two different things..

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Have you read this?

The Edsel was assembled at the Sommerville plant too..

Originally Posted by upflying

OK, that's the VIN. Post a pic if you want me to look at it.
What numbers are stamped?

I don't have a picture.

Want me to PM you the numbers?

[upflying]

I see Fenwick has conflicting information.
PM if you want.
Rivet hole for VIN plate.

[FenwickHockey65]

Did other companies build bodies for Ford? With GM, Fischer Body built bodies and shipped them to assembly plants. Those bodies would have the cowl tag with a completely different number than what the production sequence would be on the VIN.

From what I'm reading a cowl tag matching the VIN sequence is either a super rare coincidence or someone trying to pull a fast one.