Title and year are determined in my State by two things. First the VIN on the cab. And here is where it gets interesting, by the date of sale...so you can wind up with a truck like mine. 1952 VIN plate and a 1953 title. Sold late at the dealer. Registered as a 53 with the VIN from the door plate. For trucks that used the engine number and no longer have the same engine, there is a process called "Bonded". Simply put you talk to you're insurance agent and bond the truck at a value you determine. One time fee based on the value you agree on. Take that to the DMV and they put a State issued tag on the cab. Done! You're State may be very different but there are legal ways to do it.
