# Vin Decoding **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [September 4, 2008, 2:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077 "2008-09-04T02:51:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![thunderbird\_annie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@thunderbird\_annie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/thunderbird_annie)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 2:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077/1 "2008-09-04T02:51:39Z")
I have a 55 thunderbird with these vin numbers _P5FH203666_ and these numbers on the bottom of the vin plate 40A A A 5EEX390. I have asked professional decoders and tell me my numbers are wrong but these numbers are on the original vin plate and are very legible. Can anyone explain this to me? ---
**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 3:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077/2 "2008-09-04T03:00:11Z")
The vin appears correct. I googled ‘1955 thunderbird vin’, and this was the first result. [http://www.tbirdregistry.com/see/vina.htm](http://www.tbirdregistry.com/see/vina.htm). Check it out. By the looks of it, you should have the 292cid V8 made in Dearborn, Michigan. ---
**Author:** ![thunderbird\_annie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@thunderbird\_annie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/thunderbird_annie)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2008, 4:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077/3 "2008-09-05T04:04:52Z")
thanks but what does the second number mean the number on the vin plate 40A A A 5EEX390 ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2008, 12:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077/4 "2008-09-06T00:48:49Z")
You might try a Thunderbird club: [http://www.intl-tbirdclub.com/](http://www.intl-tbirdclub.com/) [http://www.ctci.org/](http://www.ctci.org/) ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2008, 2:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077/5 "2008-09-06T02:02:28Z")
Here’s some info: [http://www.classictbird.com/](http://www.classictbird.com/) If it doesn’t take you to the page, click on “tbird facts”, then “decode my VIN”. Its the body type, paint, trim, date of mfg., dealer code, and sequence of manufacture that day. Only prob is it looks like your numbers fit a 57 better than a 55. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2008, 2:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077/6 "2008-09-06T02:38:36Z")
This one has the same info but better: [http://www.tbird.org/DataPlate/cdata.htm](http://www.tbird.org/DataPlate/cdata.htm) ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2019, 12:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077/8 "2019-09-02T12:10:44Z")
Hi @james_copper50n_156963. You responded to an 11 year old thread. I don’t think the original poster will see your response. The posting date is in the upper right, next to the post you read. Feel free to come back and join other discussions. We would be glad to have you. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2019, 2:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077/9 "2019-09-02T14:36:41Z")
@cdaquila Me thinks James is posting Spam . ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 10:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077/11 "2022-08-22T10:58:05Z")
Welcome! Just FYI, making a new post will get more attention than posting on a 14 year old thread that someone revived 3 years later. The thread date is on the upper right. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 10:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077/12 "2022-08-22T22:31:39Z")
@johnmark9120_182006, as MustangM posted above, suggest to introduce yourself by posting new topic. Click “maintenance/repairs” above left, the “new topic” above right. If anyone’s still interested in decoding the vin plate on late 50’s Ford, my 70’s Ford truck has numbers like that on its vin plate. On truck they refer to the configuration of various options. Which engine, axle(s), transmission, paint color, load rating, etc. It’s explained in the truck’s aftermarket repair manual. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/48514_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2022, 4:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-decoding/19077/14 "2022-12-17T16:43:52Z")
> [@David-John](#): > > dont be reply on old thread … and yet, you did…