Finding the VIN
By Kevin Pennell

       Reading the posts about locations of the VINs on the Bulletin Board got me curious. As I've never seen any numbers other than the plate riveted to the lower forward drivers door post on my '59, I got the flashlight, a wire brush, my son, and a fresh Beam n' Coke, and we went a hunting...

       "Would you hold the flashlight for me Mike," I asked. Simple request. He complied. I climbed under. The frame rail visible under the wheel well is clean. Well, clean of numbers anyway. Nothing. No numbers. Nada.

       Oh well, so much for the easy-to-get-to part. Guess under the hood is the next logical step. But ... there are things lurking under there that have "TEETH!"

       So ... turn slowly so as not to arouse his suspicions and -- Grab the son!!! Grab the broom handle I use for a hood holder!!! Grab the son again!!! Raise the hood! Grab the son again!!! (He's screaming now... Not in there! DAD!!! Not in there!!!!! Not again!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaase!!!Aaaaaugh!) Hold the son. Balance the Beam. Flip the son into an inverted pike position. Tell the son it's really O.K. 'cause we have good health insurance! Raise him by his feet, maneuver his wiggling body over the black hole of the engine compartment. Pry his hands from the lip of the wheel well. Hold the feet, and the MagLight, balancing the Beam precariously somewhere twixt the two!! A little more coaxing, (...something about "Death before Dishonor" and "Parts Money" for his old truck), pry loose the two fingers still clinging to that ugly turn signal mounted on top of the fender and ... the rest of him vanished deep into the engine compartment.

       Amazing, but a little 16 year old elbow grease and a wire brush brought them numbers right out. And quickly too! They are on the top of the drivers side frame rail, about 4 inches forward of the steering box, resting comfortably. See how easy that was?!?! Gee, Parenthood can really be fun sometimes! (Smile!)

       Kevin P. '59 Apache 38
       NAPCO Owners Group