The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Eng # as VIN

The title for our '49 Burb shows the eng # as the VIN. I would expect that this is the eng # of the original 216 Thunderbolt Grease Slapper, which was at least 4 engines ago. When we switched the title from CA to WA the new WA title just showed the original eng.# VIN and nobody said anything. Since transferring the title to WA we swapped to a 292. I would like the title to show the VIN as the body tag. Is this a can of worms I shouldn't open, or is a fairly simple thing? Currently it is licensed the same as a current mfg. vehicle, but I am thinking about changing to Historical Vehicle ststus, which seems a good time to make the chamge.
All suggestions are appreciated.

The use of the engine number as the VIN was common through '55. It varied by state but I believe most states used the engine number with a few using the Unit Serial Number or other identifier.

Your issue is the main reason this question gets asked a LOT here. Someone along the line changed the engine and never retitled the vehicle so now they want to sell, or buy a vehicle and the number on the title is no where to be found on the vehicle.

The best answer every time is to contact the state licensing authority in your state and ask them what their preferred method is to change the title. All states have run into this issue a lot and all states have a way of solving the problem. My advise would be to contact the state office, not the local tag office. While some local workers may know the answer, most are bottom wage folks who've never dealt with the issue. Good luck with it.

You might want to check to see what limitations/restrictions, if any, go into effect when you have Historic Vehicle status in your state. Also, be sure you know any restrictions you might have on your insurance policy.

By the way, I had two original WA titles for 1954 vehicles. One had the Vehicle Serial Number as the "ID" and the other had the Engine Serial Number as the ID.

It's best to get it straightened out now rather than waiting until you're trying to sell it and the new buyer is running away because the numbers don't match.

Mike B

I just bought a 3600 in WA. The title listed the correct license plate number but a vin that is nowhere to be found. The dmv did not seem bothered and it is now in my name. I would have walked if it was an out of state truck. It still bothers me though since all I really own is a license plate!

George

If you ever plan to sell the truck out of state or change the title to an "off road" or storage title where a VIN inspection will be required to re-title it for road duty, you might want to get the issue fixed. All states have a process that will fix that issue.

What I found that seemed to work the best was to find a license office that was not busy. Then talk to the head person and ask them to call the state office for the correct procedure. In Texas when they call they give an office number and then are able to talk to the people in the correct department. Also they can verify that they have the correct forms/paperwork for you and give you detail instructions. The best part of this was that the license office did not go on hold and I got all the paper work and instructions before I left. Good luck. It usually will get down just takes time to get everything in order. One other note it also helps if you live in a small town/county where people know you.

Agree about getting it done ASAP to avoid future issues.
When I built my Model A pickup in California, I used the title for a 30 coupe (along with the running gear for that), a 1-1/2 ton truck cab that was built in '30 (as evidenced by the twist-on gas cap instead of screw on cap.) Of course, I installed a rebuilt engine (from a Model C), and they tried to fine me for not reporting the engine change within 10 days (even though the vehicle had not been licensed for years). I got around that by redoing the form dating it within the previous week. I also needed a "certificate of non-operation" signed by neighbors and a local gas station owner to "prove" I hadn't had it on the road. The Model A's had the engine serial number stamped on the frame at assembly, but unfortunately it was covered up by the body.
Here in Alaska, licensing a car without a title is a giant PITA, either going the "abandoned vehicle" route or getting a valuation from the one guy in the state authorized to do that. DMV here has gotten better, as they have checklists of the paperwork you need before pull a number to get in line. Used to be they waited till you got to an agent, then tell you you need a different form and you got to start the process all over again.
Hopefully Washington is more reasonable.

There is no VIN or body number stamped any where on the frame, so don't let them tell you it is. It wasn't till '55 that the current numbering and stamping system went into effect. I know, Missouri is a PITA as well!

Joe