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D. Brian Smith

Recent Posts by D. Brian Smith:

1967 Mustang Data Plate and VIN Decoder

The Ford Mustang captured the hearts of millions around the U.S. and all over the globe when she burst onto the scene on April 17, 1964. When the redesigned 1967 Mustang emerged off the assembly line, pony car fans had a sequel that many felt was even better than the premiere offering. By decoding the '67 Mustang's data plate and VIN code, we'll be able to discern what makes these babies such an automotive icon, and perhaps even an improvement over the original galloping automotive icon. Read on for our complete 1967 Mustang VIN decoder, list of paint colors and engine options, and more fun facts.

Reviving a 1959 Chevy Apache: A Patina Pickup Masterpiece

Having an old farm pickup at the start of a truck project build can provide a large blank canvas to build upon, especially if your last name is Maestro. You might find yourself envisioning, crafting, and creating a patina pickup that's worthy of any hot rod hauler hobbyist's hot rod garage. Eddie Maestro found a 1959 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside pickup on Instagram.

1970 GMC Panel Truck - School Maintenance to Rock 'n Roll Gaffer Truck

Some work vehicles dedicate their entire lifespan to the grind of driving and hauling. While others transition from factory-fresh work trucks to pristine showpieces. The 1970 GMC panel delivery in question has been a steadfast worker for most of its existence, albeit in diverse realms of industry and purpose.

Ford Mustang Data Plate: What Is It and What Can It Tell You?

All 1966 Ford Mustangs rolled off the Ford assembly lines complete with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a Data Plate. The VIN is stamped atop the driver's side engine bay wall. The Mustang data plate, which is riveted on the driver's side doorjamb, also contains the VIN. These two items provide all the details of how the Mustang was first manufactured — the Mustang's DNA if you will.

1965-1970 Shelby Mustang Paint Colors, Fun Facts, & Specifications

Nowadays, if you are a vintage Shelby Mustang enthusiast and you have sufficient cash to purchase a 1965-1970 Shelby Mustang, you might be most likely to simply find, test drive, negotiate, and purchase the best possible example GT350, GT500, or GT500KR that you can afford. You might not be too concerned about the Shelby's exterior paint scheme.

Decoding Your 1965 Ford Mustang's Data Plate & VIN

Whether you're on the hunt for a 1965 Ford Mustang or you already own a '65, it's important to know how your Mustang was originally built, when it rolled off the Ford assembly line. Should you be looking to buy an old Ford pony car, how the Mustang was originally equipped is a big key to establishing her value. Knowing this upfront can be used in negotiating a fair price, or deciding whether or not you wish to make an offer in the first place. If you're already a Mustang owner and you're restoring her to factory new, you'll need her DNA of how she was born (built) from back in the day.

Over 100 1st Generation Camaros Renewed & Still Counting

Over 100 is quite many! A Camaro enthusiast should definitely be considered a Camaro connoisseur, if he has owned more than 100 first generation Camaros (1967, 1968, 1969) through the years. More specifically, a Camaro convertible collector since most of the over 100 cars have been convertibles.

Visiting the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center - Mr. Shelby is Smiling!

A Classic Industries coworker told me several months ago to go visit the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center, in Irvine, California, and several times thereafter over the passing months. Every time he mentioned it, I'd make a mental note to myself while responding to him with something like, "Yeah, I gotta go there and check out all the Shelby Mustangs, Cobras, and Shelby Daytona coupes." 

Classic Industries Employees' American Muscle Cars

Though we spend our five- and six-day work weeks catering to the needs of our honored customers who own and are working on, driving, showing, and enjoying American muscle machines, many Classic Industries employees are wrenching away, driving, and enjoying our own vintage vehicles in our free time. Some of us drive our old cars daily. 

1964.5 (Early 1965) Mustang VIN & Data Plate Decoder

Recently, Classic Industries published an article for the multitude of 1st Generation Mustang owners and enthusiasts (1964.5-1973) called: Decoding the 1964-1973 Mustang VIN: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide. This article is specifically designed to enable 1964.5 Mustang (early 1965) caretakers and fans to decode the pony car's Data Plate, which gives us useful information such as assembly plant, body style, color, interior trim, engine, transmission, and much more.