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Old 04-23-2020, 11:51 AM   #1
53MERC
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Default 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

Can anyone help with breakdown of my 53' Monterey trim tag?
I know what the SERIAL number breaks down to, but am interested in what the codes on the "STYLE" and "BODY SPECIF" mean.

My car is a dark green color. I think Sherwood green possibly. Was the car originally a two tone?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Doug
Attached Images
File Type: jpg trim tag small.jpg (144.4 KB, 112 views)
File Type: jpg interior small.jpg (79.9 KB, 20 views)
File Type: jpg small.jpg (56.3 KB, 106 views)
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Old 04-23-2020, 01:46 PM   #2
Kens 36
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

Doug,

BG73C = 6 passenger Monterey 4 Door
70 = color code, two tone Yosemite Yellow over Sherwood Green
379 = trim code (sorry, I don't have the codes)
1J = date code, built September 1 (J = September, I was not used)
366 = rotation code? Vehicle sequence that day?

Someone else will jump in and fill in the blanks.

Ken
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Old 04-23-2020, 01:55 PM   #3
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

By the way, ME in the serial number is the Metuchen, NJ assembly plant.

Ken
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Old 04-23-2020, 01:56 PM   #4
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

By the way, ME in the serial number is the Metuchen, NJ assembly plant.

Ken
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Old 04-23-2020, 02:03 PM   #5
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

Quote:
Originally Posted by 53MERC View Post
Can anyone help with breakdown of my 53' Monterey trim tag?
I know what the SERIAL number breaks down to, but am interested in what the codes on the "STYLE" and "BODY SPECIF" mean.

My car is a dark green color. I think Sherwood green possibly. Was the car originally a two tone? Doug


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Old 04-23-2020, 02:08 PM   #6
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kens 36 View Post
Doug,

BG73C = 6 passenger Monterey 4 Door
70 = color code, two tone Yosemite Yellow over Sherwood Green
379 = trim code (sorry, I don't have the codes)
1J = date code, built September 1 (J = September, I was not used)
366 = rotation code? Vehicle sequence that day?

Someone else will jump in and fill in the blanks.

Ken
379 - trim code = Ivory Vinyl and Dark Green an White Herringbone Nylon

366 = rotation code? Vehicle sequence that day? ( 1= 1st car assembled so yours was the 366th car assembled that day)
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCN9828.jpg (44.0 KB, 14 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9829.jpg (46.7 KB, 11 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9830.jpg (45.0 KB, 11 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9831.jpg (46.2 KB, 12 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9832.jpg (48.6 KB, 11 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9833.jpg (69.9 KB, 10 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9834.jpg (75.8 KB, 8 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9835.jpg (66.5 KB, 8 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9836.jpg (60.0 KB, 9 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9837.jpg (61.1 KB, 7 views)

Last edited by Merc Cruzer; 04-23-2020 at 02:20 PM.
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Old 04-23-2020, 02:38 PM   #7
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

I also noticed you are looking for a radiator. There were three offered for that year. The pictures show you where the numbers are on the radiator.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCN9616.jpg (62.0 KB, 19 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9601.jpg (71.0 KB, 17 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9607.jpg (48.4 KB, 19 views)
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Old 04-23-2020, 07:53 PM   #8
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

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Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer View Post
I also noticed you are looking for a radiator. There were three offered for that year. The pictures show you where the numbers are on the radiator.
Very interesting. I had no idea there were options for radiators in 52-53 Mercs. I switched the radiator from my 53 parts car into my 52 driver when it sprung a bad leak. I'll have to check the numbers just out of curiosity.
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Old 04-23-2020, 08:48 PM   #9
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kens 36 View Post
Doug,

BG73C = 6 passenger Monterey 4 Door
70 = color code, two tone Yosemite Yellow over Sherwood Green
379 = trim code (sorry, I don't have the codes)
1J = date code, built September 1 (J = September, I was not used)
366 = rotation code? Vehicle sequence that day?

Someone else will jump in and fill in the blanks.

Ken
Ken,
Thank you SO much for that info. So it looks like my car started life as the green that is is now with a yellow top. I haven't seen that combo on line yet. I saw yellow cars with green tops, but not the opposite.
I just purchased a repair manual on Ebay, and have a bid on the body manual too. I'm sure those will be invaluable to me.
Have a great weekend.
-Doug-
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Old 04-23-2020, 08:52 PM   #10
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

Quote:
Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer View Post
379 - trim code = Ivory Vinyl and Dark Green an White Herringbone Nylon

366 = rotation code? Vehicle sequence that day? ( 1= 1st car assembled so yours was the 366th car assembled that day)
Thanks for the great reply and photos. I mentioned to Ken above that I ordered
some manuals for my car. I know i will definitely need them.
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Old 04-23-2020, 08:56 PM   #11
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

Quote:
Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer View Post
I also noticed you are looking for a radiator. There were three offered for that year. The pictures show you where the numbers are on the radiator.

Thanks for the radiator info. Attached is a photo of a tag that is attached to my radiator up top below the fill neck. I'm assuming it is original but have no idea what the codes mean?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg radiator tag small.jpg (60.0 KB, 21 views)
File Type: jpg radiator 1 small.jpg (39.6 KB, 16 views)
File Type: jpg radiator 2 small.jpg (27.3 KB, 14 views)
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Old 04-23-2020, 10:15 PM   #12
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

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Thanks for the radiator info. Attached is a photo of a tag that is attached to my radiator up top below the fill neck. I'm assuming it is original but have no idea what the codes mean?
Tag seems to indicate the 'B' series of radiators.
The only difference is the number of fins and cooling capacity.

Attached Images
File Type: jpg 52 53 radg.jpg (69.4 KB, 76 views)
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Old 04-23-2020, 10:43 PM   #13
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

Thank you for that info and photo. That solves that mystery. I'm glad to have found this site. You all have been very helpful.
That a beautiful Merc you have there.
My brother lives up there in New Fairfield.
Have a great weekend.
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Old 04-24-2020, 08:07 AM   #14
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

My understanding is that the MA-8005-B were used in the Merc-O-Matic cars for additional cooling. That is the one I have in my car, and it does work well.
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Old 04-24-2020, 10:06 AM   #15
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

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My understanding is that the MA-8005-B were used in the Merc-O-Matic cars for additional cooling. That is the one I have in my car, and it does work well.
Thanks for that info. I'm hoping mine can be repaired. I see a replacement is over $750. Ouch.
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Old 04-24-2020, 12:11 PM   #16
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

Yosemite yellow is almost a tan color if I remember correctly. It's not a real yellow color anyway. The car in the link is yosemite yellow lower with a sherwood green top.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/9778449@N04/29752134445/
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Old 04-24-2020, 01:08 PM   #17
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

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Yosemite yellow is almost a tan color if I remember correctly. It's not a real yellow color anyway. The car in the link is yosemite yellow lower with a sherwood green top.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/9778449@N04/29752134445/
Yosemite Yellow
Attached Images
File Type: jpg SSCN1130.JPG (51.2 KB, 53 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9379.jpg (112.1 KB, 7 views)
File Type: jpg 53 Mercury in driveway 004.jpg (90.6 KB, 56 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN0351.jpg (56.6 KB, 7 views)
File Type: jpg 53 Mercury in driveway 001.jpg (74.6 KB, 7 views)
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Old 04-24-2020, 01:10 PM   #18
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

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Yosemite Yellow



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Old 04-24-2020, 01:25 PM   #19
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

Radiators are a little different here in Canada. Built by Long Manufacturing in Windsor Ontario. Different numbering system too. This one is what was on the 53 Merc equipped with standard transmission. Engine only had a three blade fan. My 52 with Mercomatic had more blades (4 or 5?).
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Old 04-24-2020, 11:05 PM   #20
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Default Re: 1953 Mercury Trim Tag help

Great pictures. Thank you.
My codes would be a green body with a yellow top.
Have you seen one like that?
I saw an original ad with a black car with a bright yellow top. Looked kind of funky.
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