The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Titling: Engine vs. Data Tag #

Evening Folks,

My ‘53 3100 is the third ‘bolt I’ve owned, but the very first to be titled using the engine number. The other two were titled based on the door data plate. Fortunately, my original engine is going strong and I’m in the middle of a T5 & ‘58 rear axle swap. But I started thinking eventually I may want an upgrade to the motor which could be a cause of concern later when I go to sell it.

Has anyone bought a truck that’s titled to the motor yet the motor wasn’t in the truck anymore? I think there is a way in Texas to have it inspected, fill out two forms, then have the title reassigned with the body tag number versus the original engine number.

Maybe it’s a moot point, but if the original motor tanks, that’s the only VIN assigned to the truck and it’ll be absent from being on the truck.

Thoughts on this? I’m sure I’m not the only one that thought about this with these old jalopies!

Cheers
Dave

Dave this GTT Tech Tip Registering an Antique Truck was written and posted by the Stovebolt "Big Boss" (aka John Milliman) himself, as a direct response to just such questions. There have been tons of them, with endless variations on the questions and answers.

Give it a read and follow the guidance please. It's the shortest trip to finding the specific answer to your question and allowing you to continue on with your project.

Best Regards, Dan

Ha! Yeah, I hear you, Dan. I figured as much. Basically, depending on state to state. I get it. My truck has a clear Texas title to it and has always had the Texas title issued (I’m the 3rd owner) with the engine number as the VIN.

I have to take a car I built down to the DMV for inspection and will ask the inspectors there about changing it.

Cheers
Dave

Back in the day, California used to register by engine number (at least for the Model A I owned) and they wanted me to report an engine change within 10 days. I don't know, but I think they would register by the data plate (vehicle serial number) now.

You've given yourself the BEST advice there is on this subject...talk to you local DMV.

Every State has a way to work around this issue. Just get it worked out BEFORE to dissemble any of the driveline to prevent unwanted questions/issues, it will pass an inspection a lot easier if it still looks all original than it will if it's been modified.

Mike B