Let’s summarize this thread based upon the original post. What do the 1969 Lynch Road trunk graffiti letters mean? Specifically, the “X” but others as well.

The letters specify the sidewall color, except the “X”.

R or Red: Red Sidewall
W: White Sidewall
B: Raised White Letter Sidewall (A14/A15 or A39/A40 options only, T87 tire code)

X = Not a sidewall designation. Data supports a 15-inch rim is the intent of the X. Research continues.


Other salient points that emerged from the discussion.

1. In 1969 at Lynch Road the spare tire was installed before the other wheels. This is supported by date codes on the spare tire rim being sometimes significantly different than the other 4 rims.

2. The trunk marking is for quality assurance applied at the end of the line. Data supports there were only a few line workers who did this assurance check. This is supported by the consistent handwriting and repeatability of the markings.

These points are supported by eyewitness account of an employee who worked at Lynch Road on the line in 1969. Point 1 differs with the “Patik” article on the 1970 Super Birds. I feel we need to be careful comparing pictures/articles from various model years and or plants as processes obviously changed.


Moving forward, I encourage everyone to help with the research on this topic. When you see a 1969 Lynch Road trunk graffiti mark, please collect photos of the marking, VIN, fender tag, window sticker and broadcast sheet if available. Without the marking tied to the car, it just adds more questions than answers.

Thank you everyone for participating in the thread. I hope to see more photos posted in the future.

D