The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Hello and assistance requested.

All,
New to the site and have really enjoyed reading countless post. I recently purchased a decent shape Chevy 3600 and am hoping to bring it back to its past glory.

I purchased a non titled truck and as such before I go into any great expense I want to get a vin check and title from my state. To further complicate things it appears the Vin plate was removed. It isnt in the a pillar but I do have the serial number/plate and also what I feel may be the original engine based on the story I got.

Is the engine stamp also the VIN? My understanding is that there are only two locations for the AD series, the A pillar and engine stamp (no frame stamp) is this correct? My engine stamp is a 9 digit and I cant seem to decode it. Thanks for the assistance and information.
Rob

Yes, serial number is on door jamb (left side). Engine serial number is at distributor base. The numbers do not match one another. Some states used the engine number and some states used the truck number on the metal plate.

If you don't have a title, the common practice is to get a bonded title. Basically, an insurance company covers you in the event the truck turns out to be stolen. After a period of a few years, the bonded title can be reverted to a normal title and you end up the owner free and clear regardless of who turns up later (if anyone) claiming ownership.

Get that tag remounted on the door jamb ASAP. Vendors have the original style rivits. I probably did a no-no and removed the badly corroded and generally awful looking serial number tag. I purchased a new reproduction and stamped in the serial number. I then rivet back on door jamb after painting. hard to tell it is not factory other than someone who does restoration knowing that it would be near impossible to get the results on my truck without removing the tag.

Get that bonded title before you go any further. I had to do the same.

Welcome to the Bolt, Rob. David had given some good advice. Make sure its YOURS before you spend a dollar on it.

I see your in Texas and therefore a member of the "Texas Connection". You should be able to find a Stovebolter around the corner!!

Good luck, let us know how we can help.

Alvin, if he were in Texas I could recommend a title lady, but he's in Colorado.

Welcome, Good Luck with your 3600 project.

I know that in Kansas, you don't have to prove anything. Just take a bill of sale to the county, and they turn it into a title. Lots of differences between the states alright! LOL!

The bottom line is to check with your own local DMV to see what hoops you need to jump through. I've gotten a couple bonded titles over the years, but first I needed to get photos, notarized statements, etc. Each jurisdiction is different. What my state asked for may be totally different than what yours wants.
Good luck!

Thanks for all the good advice. In essence my issue is two fold, no title and no ides what the vin is. Colorado just told me provide the VIN and they would do a records search.........little hard for me to do.

Nearly impossible for me to get a title.

Thanks again guys but Im not sure how to proceed. I guess I will call DMV again.

Alabama never had titles until the early 70's even for new cars. You just got a bill of sale.
Now if you just take a bill of sale for any old car or truck before 1974 (not sure exact year) to the tag office, they will turn it into a title, registered in your name.

This information is based on the assumption that your truck is a 1947/55 Advance design (AD) Please include the year of your truck.


They did not come with a VIN TAG/PLATE, only a data plate that included the serial number that is commonly used as the VIN TAG. You should be able to decipher the serial number using the [color:#CC0000]<<VIN BUSTER>>[/color] in the Tech tips section. If this matches your trucks description, this is what can be used to register your truck. Post a picture of your serial number plate if you are unsure.

1951 3600 series. If Moniz is correct Im in business because I in fact have the data plate with the serial number . Other experts however, to include Brownwel state there is in fact a separate VIN plate. Whats the consensus here?
Thanks for the info

Gmoniz....thank you, my wild goose chase is over thanks to you! Rob

On the AD's one serial number plate located here DS door jamb.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8130531991/in/set-72157631870734114
One engine number located here. You can see it to left of distributor.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8473965333/in/set-72157632770756320
Some states like Utah used to title to both, like this title of mine shows. Now they just use the serial number. There are no frame numbers on AD trucks.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/12142231614/in/set-72157631870734114

Actually, DavidF was first to help, I said the same thing, just a little different and included the vin buster. Sometimes things need to be said a couple of times and differently before they sink in………….g

Now we need to see pictures!

I used Vin Buster, and my 49 3100 came back as an "unknown year Suburban". What does that mean?

o2bnkc,

It means your code does not match codes in the Vin Buster.

What is your code?
What code is it: engine serial number or vehicle serial number?