Hi can any body help? I have the following codes on my 68 Cougar…
8F91J500001 and 65A M 2B 09J 34 1 5 I think these are the original codes (according to the owners handbook) but also on my new paperwork it states 8R91X501887? What is what??
Thanks for any help Dave Pearson
Well, it looks like you have numbers for two different cars. First you need to look for the VIN tag at the front edge of the driver side dash to see what number appears there.
The first number is a J code 302 4V built in Dearborn. The second is a 390 2V car built in San Jose. The 500001 is likely not accurate.
Bill, that would be correct for a '69. '68 would be on the passengers side. John
Dave, the M is the paint code for Polar White, 2B is the trim code for Decor bucket seats in Blue vinyl, 09J is the SCHEDULED build date code for the 9th day of Sept 1967, in which 500001 (1st '68 Cougar, that would be cool 
)could of been built in that month, 34 is the DSO (District Sales Office) for Detroit, 1 is the transmission code for a 3 speed manual & 5 is the axle code for a 3.00:1 ratio conventional axle. John
Thanks guys, I’m getting the real codes in the next few hours and once they are verified I will be back here with them.
I really appreciate your help. Dave
DOH! I should know that!
The example with VIN 500001 is an example shown in all the 1968 owners manuals (page 2).
He is getting the actual codes shortly.
So…!
Here are the codes according to the VIN door tag…
8R9 1X 501 887 AND 65A Y 2Y 12J 52 1 U
on the engine I have the following numbers… 8A19 / C8AE-8425
The last owner in the USA was a Robert Vara living in POWAY CA Licence plate was 5JPC374
Now I am really looking forward to see what turns up! Dave
Dont have a book for the codes in front of me but you have a early 68 car
8 1968
R San Jose assy plant
91 cougar hardtop
X 390 2v
5 Mercury
01887 consecutive unit #
12 J Sept 12 (i is not used for month)
52 is LA district
1 is 3:00 open rear
U C-6 automatic
Good luck with it