The term "matching numbers" refers to ensuring the engine and transmission are the same units as installed at the factory. For Chrysler products, though, "matching numbers" cannot be done prior to 1968, as Chrysler did not start stamping the VIN on the engine and transmission until sometime during 1968. The best that can be done is to check the engine number and transmission numbers (1960's cars) to see that the units were built within a reasonable time prior to to car's build date. For pre-1960 body-and-frame units, both the engine number and the VIN are stamped on the chassis frame. I believe one number is stamped on the chassis frame, top side, just behind the front axle, while the VIN is stamped on the frame just ahead of the front hanger for the rear springs. The engine number on the hemi should be top of the engine block under the water outlet elbow. Or, if you have $45 to spare, order the build record from DaimlerChrysler. >From what I have seen, the pre-1960 build records have the engine number entered on the card. The engine number for your 1953 Imperial does include the date of assembly, and is just the model number followed by a sequential build number. Bill Vancouver, BC ----- Original Message ----- From: <captden30@xxxxxxx> To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Friday, July 08, 2005 11:07 AM Subject: IML: matching numbers > this question is about the 54 windsor convertible i just purchased and > i would also like to check my 53 imperial for matching numbers. i have > heard this term many times and i basically know what it means., > however, i do not know where i should look for these numbers, how many > to look for, and which numbers should match. i do know the engine > number is on the block on the windsor but i do not know where it is on > the hemi. are matching numbers an exact match or are they codes that > need to be interpreted? is there a club site that can help with this? > dennis 1953 imperial, 1954 windsor conv. > > ----------------- http://www.imperialclub.com ----------------- This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing List. Please reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your response will be shared with everyone. Private messages (and attachments) for the Administrators should be sent to webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm