[Chrysler300] 1966 300 TNT's

[dan300f@xxxxxxx]

Hi all:

Recently, there was a thread concerning the letter "J" in the VIN number of 
1966 Chrysler 300 cars with apparently TNT engine packages installed.  I felt 
that the assumption by some that the cars could indeed have the TNT package 
with a "J" was correct.  Others did not and insisted that the letter "K" was the 
symbol in the VIN for a TNT package.  As I mentioned previously, I have seen 
at least 8 1966 300's with TNT packages and all had the letter "J" in the VIN.

Merle Wolfer, a longtime member of the Chrysler 300 Club, Brute Force editor, 
club historian and librarian, called my attention to an issue of Brute Force 
published earlier this year which featured the 1966 300's.  In it was a copy 
of Chrysler Bulletin, No. 66-1, denoting which letters went with which engines. 
 The "J" is for a "440 Cubic Inch Displacement" engine whereas the "K" if for 
a "Special Order 8 Cylinder."  The definition of "J" does not define whether 
it is a standard 440 or a TNT.  I asked Merle what he felt "Special Order 8 
Cylinder" meant.  His response to me was that, for example, if someone ordered a 
383HP for a Plymouth, or some such other combination which was not a normal 
option, it would be designated a "K".

Additionally, the article presented two (2) copies of build sheets showing 
two (2) 300's which were sold with the letter "J" in the VIN and with the 
option, 358, for the TNT package.  If the TNT package only came with a "K" in the 
VIN, it follows that these build sheets would have the "K" in the VIN shown at 
the top right hand of the page.

Merle also suggested that the fender tag may contain the option 358 number.  
I checked the tag on my car and it does not contain any numbers which appear 
on the build sheets, although my car has most of the options listed.  My tag 
does contain the SO Number, Body, Trim and Paint codes.  I also checked with Gil 
Cuningham and, unfortunately, he cannot decode the other numbers on my 1966 
fender tag.

Here is what Merle said in his e-mail to a fellow member with a cc to me:

"First the letter 'K' has nothing to do with 400 (he meant 440) T-N-T 
engines. 'K' denotes "Special Order 8 cylinder". That is per Chrysler's own
publication (see service bulletin 66-1). Cars with 'J' in the serial
number can be 440 T-N-T cars. (See Brute Force Magazine Vol. 35 No.2
pages 18-19) The real test of a car is the fender tag. The factory code
for 440 T-N-T Performance Package is 358. This will tell you how the car
was equipped. This package retailed for $303.70 in 1966. Hope this helps
the discussion."

The bulletin and build sheets can be seen at:  
http:/www.chrysler300club.com/memberspage/reitz012506/reitz.html

So, Chrysler did indeed offer the TNT package in cars with the VIN's 
containing the letter "J."  If there is a "K" in the VIN, well, that is a totally 
different matter.

Any owners of 1966 300's out there have their original build sheets showing 
the option 358 and a VIN with the letter J?

No, there is no wishful thinking on my part!

Dan Reitz
Northridge, CA
300F
1966 300 Conv. (w/TNT) ... and a "J" in the VIN


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