You know I have read these threads over and over in many forums over the years. Chances of the absence of a body tag missing on a truck that originally came with one, is that sometime in the past it was stolen, especially if it has the absence of a title too.
So with that said, if you are a law abiding citizen and don't want trouble and don't want to arm wrestle your way out of a potentially nasty situation, you don't go near it.

I personally would not go near anything that should have a number on it that doesn't, although there are states (mine in fact) that say parts that dont have numbers on them should have a bill of sale or documentation on how it was obtained. Even though my state does not have a data base on body tags, it does on engine VINS. Which is silly because the old 216 has been replaced like most babbit pounders have, the reason I kept the block.

So technically, if you buy a replacement engine and it has a ViN number on it that was produced before 1956, it better have a title with it, but a cab with a body number you dont need a title but need a bill of sale or documentation on how it was obtained, but a cab without a body number, even though not tracted in my state you need a title, even though the title cant be tied to that body. Many read between the lines but it cant be said here on the stovebolt.
Steve

Last edited by sstock; 12/15/2018 12:47 AM.
1953 Chevrolet 3100
261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done
In the DITY Gallery
Video of the 261 running

1964 GMC 1000
305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration