yes it's semantics, but it wasn't me that said our ol trucks don't have VIN numbers and it's "worth making the distinction" - and the DMV doesn't say it either, because in fact it isn't true! and Frank's statement that "there were NO VIN numbers prior to 1970" and that "we just used "serial numbers"" is incorrect! the 'serial number' is one part of the VIN wether it included the engine # or not
just because they don't match a standard that was established 20-30 years after they were built doesn't mean they don't have one - I've got titles that have the 12 character codes of my trucks listed as the VIN, and pre-80's it was still called a Vehicle Identification Number - looking in the file I see a title from the Arizona Highway Department - Jun 1969 - 1955 International Panel Truck - has a box for "VEHICLE ID. NO." [isn't that VIN?] - R112264628 - it was a 1/2T, model 112 [panel], serial#264628, regardless if that was the engine or body number
for a 57 panel I've got one title that says it's 'body style' is "Panel", a more recent one that says "Van" because they don't have a numbered catagory in the computer for 'panel' any more - is my panel suddenly a van? we can't call'em panel's anymore? I HATE it when folks call'em 'vans'!
when the DMV asks for the VIN number, try sayin "oh these ol things don't have a VIN"
the reason I brought it up in the first place is I've seen too many posts in response to a new guys query about titles and VIN's that "these old trucks don't have VIN's" and that just is NOT correct!! make the distinction of the
type of VIN they have if you prefer, but don't say they have no VIN and the 'serial number' is something it's not - a serial number is the production sequence# of that particular body, chassis or engine, the VIN# identifies the exact truck - and that's what "Numbers Matching" is all about
Bill
