What year would you refer to it as?

I have a CJ-6 that is titled as a 1963. The VIN number makes me believe it's a 1961.
In casual conversation that typically comes up with our great "vintage" jeeps, what would you refer to it as? 1961 or 1963?
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I do when I want to be disappointed. Then I go to NAPA and become happy again.

Call it a '61, why because I said so, and what I say means nothing.

 

I'd say 1961

 

I read in a few books that this is not uncommon for an older jeep have a newer registry, seems they were leftover models that got sold later.
Go for the 61 for parts 63 for the legal stuff.

 

thanks for the info. I was wondering how it would have a different year title.
I shall refer to it as a '61.
Thanks!
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What's the difference between a '61 and a '63? These Jeeps did not change much from year to year.

 

So far, the only difference I have seen is the front crossmember that holds up the grill. On the probable '61, it's round. On the '63, it's made of flat metal.
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Lots of differences when you scrutinize the vintage. Example:
The 1961 was standard with T90 A (2.798 first) and 5.38 final drive ratio.
The 1963 was standard with T90 C (3.34 first) and 4.27 final drive ratio.

 

Ahh...perhaps I'll check the T90 and count the rotations. That'll help me identify if my -6 is in fact a '61. (As of right now, I'm looking at the serial number based on the records from this website.)

 

As stated the 1963 Service Standard is the 4.27 final drive ratio for all CJ's.
Realize that the 5.38 final drive ratio was an option (rare) from Nov 1962 through 1971 for the Hurricane powered CJ's.
That said the T90 C transmission (low geared version) was standard with no options after Nov 1962 for the Hurricane powerd CJ's.
The best way to determine T90 A vs. T90 C is accomplished by removal of the shift tower housing.
The maindrive gear (input) tooth count is 18 for the T90 A (pre 11/62) and it is 16 for the T90 C (post 11/62).

 

Is the main drive gear the first gear that you see inside the T90, immediately behind the bellhousing? If so, then I have confirmed everything you just said. On my possible 1961 CJ-6, I counted 18 teeth. On my 1963 CJ-6, I counted 16 teeth. Therefore, if it was the correct gear, then I can still presume that I have a '61 CJ-6.
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Correct... that is the maindrive gear which is often referred to as the input shaft.

 

Great. Just an FYI to other people reading this post. The castings on both of these T90s say T90A.