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I just found the following online : "If you want to know more (options installed, etc.) you can send your serial number off to the Chrysler Historical Collection along with a check for $45 and get a copy of the "build card" for the car. The Historical Collection has build cards for all US built Chrysler products from 1930 through 1967." Can anyone post their Build Card so we can see what one looks like? Would especially like to see one for '46-'48 cars.
Hi John,
Here is a copy of mine for my '59 Fireflite (serial number blocked for privacy). I would imagine this is similar to what you would get for your car. It shows codes for paint, options, etc. (similar to the data plate on the car), engine number, actual build/ship date, dealer code, etc. FCA will provide the name of the original selling dealer if they have a match for the code shown on the build card.
A few comments regarding the request process. FCA historical is not asking for any money for providing a build card. They used to have a fee ($45) and never cashed the checks. Now they don't even request the payment. You'll just have to send your request with serial number and proof of ownership (such as a title scan) to someone in the historical society. The two contacts I have are Brandt at brandt.rosenbusch@fcagroup.com and Danielle at danielle.szostak@fcagroup.com. Someone recently told me they are long lead time right now with working from home, but you can send them the email to get the ball rolling.
Good luck and I hope this helps!
David
Thanks for the info, David. What is FCA? Fiat/Chrysler .........? I doubt if they were using IBM punch cards in the 30s and 40s!
@johnlynn Yes, FCA is Fiat Chrysler America. I believe they used punch cards back into the '30's. Definitely worth an email to them for what is free documentation for your car.
I looked it up and you are right about the punched cards which used on weaving looms in the early 1800s and first used in computing by Herman Hollerith in 1884. He was the founder of IBM !
I have written to FCA and requested the build card for my '46.
I sent my request to FCA in mid-March just as COVID began. Got an apology that a response would be delayed due to COVID restrictions. I sent a follow-up this week and received this response. Sounds like it's going to be a while.
Thank you for contacting the FCA Historical Archives. At this time, we are unable to do the research needed to answer your request, due to corporate guidelines, and have limited physical access to the archival records. We are able to answer requests where we can remotely access the materials.
While we cannot provide a timeframe as to when we will be able to assist you, I would expect that it will be towards the end of the year, but there is no target date at this time.
Thank you for your understanding on this matter. We look forward to being able to help our customers in the future.
Mark
I just got a reply to my request - "Danielle" said they have a backlog of 700 requests. She recommended sending a new request next year.
I told her it would be great if they could digitize the archives so anyone could access them. I realize that would be a herculean task!
