Odd Code on 1956 Fireflite Sportsman Data Plate
Fireflite56
Posted 2023-02-09 6:06 PM (#627475)
Subject: Odd Code on 1956 Fireflite Sportsman Data Plate



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Location: Wisconsin

I was decoding a firewall tag for a fellow club member's 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 2 door hardtop, Detroit built car with the earlier (more common) tag style. Along the bottom edge with the power seat code (PS3), there is an "M88" standalone code. I have never seen this before and even looked through all of the other data plate copies I have and other paperwork to try to figure it out. Usually the codes on the bottom are two or three letters and one number (like the aforementioned PS3 code), so this isn't even consistent with that. The car doesn't seem to be like a really high-optioned or early build car that I would suspect it was say an auto show car or something special. The only other thing of note is that the "MODEL" code is "PX" instead of the more common "P" or "TP". I have seen X used to stamp out mistakes on tags before and perhaps that is what happened there. The owner is going to get the build card from Chrysler Historical in case that sheds any light on the situation and at the same time provide him with the original selling dealer name and location. Has anyone seen M88 before on a tag?

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frwl
Posted 2023-02-10 1:41 AM (#627484 - in reply to #627475)
Subject: RE: Odd Code on 1956 Fireflite Sportsman Data Plate


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Actually this is not "M88" code, it is a "HB8" code that means Hand Brake Warning Signal.
Could you post the cowl tag picture, please?
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Fireflite56
Posted 2023-02-12 9:35 PM (#627555 - in reply to #627484)
Subject: Re: Odd Code on 1956 Fireflite Sportsman Data Plate



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You might be right on that and in that case, HB8 would make much more sense. The car has been repainted and has made the code somewhat difficult to read. I saw M88 and never thought about the HB8 code.



(M88 Code.JPG)



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Attachments M88 Code.JPG (101KB - 118 downloads)
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frwl
Posted 2023-02-14 4:06 AM (#627593 - in reply to #627475)
Subject: RE: Odd Code on 1956 Fireflite Sportsman Data Plate


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An original lettering “HB8” code in the lower row as it should be…
Where:
CT5 = Gold Convertible Top Color – Fireflite Pacesetter Convertible Only (BODY 43)
PS3 = Power Seat 4 Way
HB8 = Hand Brake Warning Light
PAD1 = Safety Cushion Dash Panel




(1.JPG)



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Attachments 1.JPG (72KB - 112 downloads)
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frwl
Posted 2023-02-14 4:11 AM (#627594 - in reply to #627593)
Subject: RE: Odd Code on 1956 Fireflite Sportsman Data Plate


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frwl - 2023-02-14 4:06 AM


PAD1 = Safety Cushion Dash Panel


Or if shorter - Padded Dash
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