KULTULZ (12/23/2023)
Now this ain't none of my business, but ...
If I had a true E-CODE that came through with an AT, I would hold on to it as if you ever decide to restore it/numbers correct or if you sell it one day the buyer would surely appreciate the AT (correct as by ASSY ID TAG) going with the car.
It should also raise the value/re-sale of the car.
You are not wrong, EXCEPT:
1) My car has the early '57 data tag format which does not identify transmission type or rear axle ratio;
2) In light of the above, I don't believe many would want to convert back to Ford-O-Matic from a proper '57 BW T85-R11 overdrive setup;
3) There are a few '57 Ford restorers looking for an E/F Ford-O-Matic because some previous owner has removed one and junked it.
In summary: If I do the job right no one's gonna know the car originally came with AT, and resale value (if influenced at all) should go up.