HI, new to the forum but have been looking around a lot with regard to VINs. I have a 1946 3100 that I just bought. It was titled in Calif and back then they put an "assigned" VIN on the vehicle. It was made up by CA DMV and had nothing to do with the actual VIN. It is titled as a 1946. After some searching, I found the original VIN plate painted over. Carefully removing the paint, it has stamped on it:
In the middle of the plate: "46"
In the lower right is: 5CK 05 2307 The last 4 digits above are slightly smaller than the first 5 digits.
The stampings are fairly legible and easy to read, so no mistake on the numbers or digits. What I gather from this is: 5 = Built in Kansas City CK = 1946 or C=1946 and K=November 05 = ??? 2307 = serial number off the line.
But the CK is confusing. In some places it says one thing, and another something else. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what it is?
Last edited by Gdads51; 07/19/202310:05 PM.
Jim "You can observe a lot by just watching" Y. Berra 46 Chevy Pickup 76 White Freightliner
Since this is you first post, and the vehicle you are asking for help with understanding the ID plate info is different from the original posters truck in the thread you first posted to, I have moved your post to begin it's own conversation.
More info to come in response to your question soon.
Dan
Last edited by Gdads51; 07/19/202310:06 PM.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Hopefully the Number experts will answer shortly. I think you are correct on The 5 CK is 1946 1st design 1/2 ton, I believe * The 05 should be May of that year Serial # starts at 1001 off the line. Your truck 1,306 off the assembly line Is your CA vin tag Blue? If it is a Blue Tag, they are issued by C.H.P. as a replacement V.I.N. Usually the original V.I.N. plate was removed, damaged, or altered.
Does your truck have chrome or painted grille and front bumper?
If you have the original engine what's the serial number stamped on the machined pad next to the distributor? The cab and engine serial numbers are the only numbers to be found on your truck.
Mike B
Mike Boteler
1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod 1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep 1983 Jeep CJ7 Laredo 1984 Jeep CJ7 +++++ Silver Spring, MD
So your Title has the V.I.N. you had to clean the paint off? Is or was the Title issued in Texas or CA? That blue tag is a V.I.N. replacement, issued when the vin plate is stolen, lost, damaged, ect by C.H.P. for Ca. D.M.V. Are both plates in the same area?
The reason I asked paint or chrome is the '46 first series were made from leftover '42 inventory and had painted grille and bumper, '46 second series got chrome.
Mike B
Mike Boteler
1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod 1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep 1983 Jeep CJ7 Laredo 1984 Jeep CJ7 +++++ Silver Spring, MD
Ok, so I have one "I believe" from Shaffer's1950 that it is a first edition, and one from Mike that it is second edition. Sounds like the chrome grille is the ticket with it being 2nd generation. So I believe what I have with the 5CK 05 2307 is:
5 = Built in Kansas City CK = 1946 and/or 3100 05 = May production 2307 = 1,306th off the line.
I also did decipher off the plate with residuals left from the paint (not stamped), CHASSIS N6 or possibly N8.
I plan to get it re-titled in TX with the correct VIN rather than the CA make believe. I'd like confidence in what it means.
This seem right to everyone?
Jim "You can observe a lot by just watching" Y. Berra 46 Chevy Pickup 76 White Freightliner
