School me on possible purchase - '65 Coronet

[domg301]

I found a '65 Coronet convertible for sale locally that I'm going to check out this weekend. The owner recently took the car on a trade and knows little about it. It’s supposedly a southern car with a “fresh restoration” - paint and interior are new.

I’ve been trying to read up on Coronets through internet searches but I don’t know how valid the info is. I know the convertible was available as a 440 or 500. I'm curious if there are any dead giveaways to which one it is? It has bucket seats and console; which I believe was part of the 500 option?

He also told me that the guy he got it from said the engine is a "crate 426 wedge". The block casting number is 2658836. I've seen some conflicting info on the web but I think it's more likely a 413 out of a truck/rv? He said he couldn't find any stamping on the block.

Any tips, pointers or advice on what to look out for when inspecting a classic convertible (in general) and info on ’65 Coronets would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the help!

 

[lewtot184]

there aren't any crate 426 b-engines. bucket seats and console, if original, are standard 500 items.

 

[YY1]

Google 65 "Coronet 500" , look at the images, and note the trim.

Do the same thing again but for 440.

http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.com/techstuff.html

is a good resource.

Their link section is not the best, but does have a few references for decoding pre-1966 fender tags