[Ralph Volkert]

People need to remember something. These were never meant to be numbers matching pieces of equipment. I don't know what the exact life span of a carrier was, once it was on the front but I doubt anyone was too worried about 70years later.

Production of the tub (Lower hull was 1 assembly)
drive train would be another and
upper hull was a third

In an ideal world production would be in sync and all the pieces would come together and the numbers would match. Didnt happen! they wanted volume pure and simple.

So most of the time numbers originally are all closely related but remember...it has been 70 years later.

Some machines were repaired, restored, perhaps battlefield repaired.
Some machines are a mix of 2 or 3 machines. So if all your numbers are close great. But look at your numbers and compare with those similar to yours. If your engine number is way off it is most likely not the original. If the CT number doesnt match your expected hull number range perhaps the armour in front of the driver was damaged and was changed out in the field or replaced by someone later down the road.

early engines where 55 hp. they wouldnt hold on to it for a 1000 carriers down the line and put it in when the new engines were now 75/90 hp. But to replace a blown motor I can see someone grabbing the 1st available spare.

Just do the best with what you have and remember you own a CARRIER! Dont sweat the little stuff. Just remember to indicate the numbers that are estimates so no one thinks that your data plate is gosple!