How to authenticate a '74 us ducktail

[rmfent]

Are there any stampings or markings on a factory '74 ducktail?
Any info and/or advise on what to look for would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Frank

[LiveFromNY]

I'm interested in this subject as well. I'm on the hunt for an original '74 ducktail and I've read conflicting info on what exactly the differences are.

[Eminence Gris]

I've never seen a non-factory ducktail have the curved latch support that a real one does. That and the coarse texture on the bottom of the 'glass are reliable indicators.

[mike curnow]

what about the steel frame

[Eminence Gris]

what about the steel frame

Yes, should have mentioned - I believe they all have steel frames (some '73s had aluminum frames). It's the frame that has the latch mount and curved latch support. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

[fryardds]

Original tails will have a additional, rectangular piece of sheet metal spot welded on the inside of the frame where the sheet metal screws would go for a pair of the rubber tie downs. The '74 Carrera tails should have these also even though most cars would have the conventional center latch.

I have seen the '74 tails with 2 separate metal pieces screwed over the empty license plate light openings. The opening in the fiberglass, where the grille sits is also a different shape. I can't remember which one is commonly on '73 tails and which one is later. Before the crash, years ago we had this all sorted out but those photos are gone now unfortunately.