[thevellman]

I am looking to buy a 1978 Mustang II. I am being told it is an original Cobra with a V-6. I am unable to determine if in fact it is a Cobra by decoding the VIN 8F03Z239481. How can I find out if this is a true Cobra car? When I type the vin into a decoder, it comes up as 1978 3 door V-6. Tells me no info if it is a cobra. Please email me with any help you may be able to give. Thank you.

Dennis

thevellman@comcast.net

[ScottHalliday]

Our AFM VIN Decoder should do the trick. Give it a try at the following link to our Tech Section:


1974-1978 Mustang II VIN Decoder



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[74stang2togo]

The only way to verify if it's a Cobra or not is by the door tag or "Buck Tag" on a Mustang II. A V6 Cobra is definitely possible, as the Cobra II package was available with all three Mustang II engines, though the 2.8L V6 and 302 V8 were by far the most popular ones.

http://www.mustangii.net/doortag2.asp <--- This link will help you to decode it.

[T_RAT]

ya the cobra package was only an apearance package so its not in the VIN number you have to check that tag and the obvious door panels they have the cobra II emplem on the panels.

[Turbo II]

Here's the scoop, only a few ways to tell if it's a "genuine" Cobra. On the car the only way to confirm is the "buck tag" located on the rad support. It should be stamped "CB" plus the unit # (last 6 numbers of your vin) also has to match the car found on the door label, vin plate on dash, as well as tags under the front fenders. If your buck tag is missing, you can order a report from Marti Auto works ($50) and it will tell you the options it came with or you can call Ford directly and get a "999" report. It's free but will take 4-6 weeks and is often not 100% accurate.

For '78 the door panels are the same as any other mustang, the '78s did come with rear louvres which had the latches and hinges screwed right to the hatch, look for the holes if the louvres are gone. Also came with the spoilers and side louvres.

Hope this helps!

[78 & 80 Cobra]

Hi I just brought a 1978 Mustang II Cobra with 55000 orig. miles on it. Thanks to your advise I was able to find the buck tag to make sure it was a true Cobra. and it is.
Thanks