The engine number was used in Texas to register all '55 and older vehicles except certain Fords. When an engine is changed the title is supposed be changed to the new engine serial number if it has one. If not it is supposed to get an assigned number. There is no provision for using the body number. I have a copy of the vehicle code that the tag office uses and have copied it word for word on here previously.
However, my Suburban had a Colorado title listing the body number. When I applied for Texas title they used that number. I suspect Fast Eddie's truck was transferred from another state.
