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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 2 Moderated | | Moderated Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 2 | I recently bought a 55 3100 short bed truck without engine or trans and in pretty rough shape. It has the V8 emblem on the fender and has a vin tag beginning with VH255.... The vin tag appears to be spot welded. I'm hoping this is legitimate but am discouraged some by the number on the frame just ahead of the steering box which does not have the V. Anyone have experience with the frame numbers and whether or not the V should be included? | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | That is correct. It is a partial number. Several digits are left off of the start of the number. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 217 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 217 | My '55 was originaly a V8, vin # VH255L021XXX. V for V8, H2 for 3100, 55 for the year, and L for Los Angeles. And the vin plate is spot welded to the upper door jamb. And no V on frame. Probably not very many V8 pickups built in 1955? | | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 149 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 149 | not to hijack this thread,but I had trouble finding the vin on my 55 panel.like others said here.it was on frame in front of the steering box.would someone confirm this number.2550018901.thanks | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | yes John, that number would mean: "255" = 1955 2nd series, "O" [letter]= Oakland plant, "018901" = the unit number [starting from 001001], and on your door tag it should have a leading "H", indicating a short 1/2T [pickup or panel or other]
Bill | | | | | Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 2 Moderated | | Moderated Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 2 | Thanks a bunch. This really sets things straight for me. Can't wait to get started on this project. I'll be watching for a 55 265ci. I know this year did not have the oil filter boss on the block. Anything else I should know while looking for this engine?
Lin :-) | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 140 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 140 | Only that they aren't easy to find....:) | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | the oil filter mounted on top is a good clue  Bill | | |
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