Recently acquired a 1959 Apache from a friend that decided he didn't want to deal with rust repair. That said, kind of my thing, so I have replaced floor, door jams, steps, cab corners, and the roof.
Removing tags from the door pillars I found a small brass oval tag and really didn't pay any mind to it at the time. Now that I'm at the point of finish body work on the cab, I started on the dash where I found a military tag on the glove box door.
I have done some moderate searching and discover it was some sort of DOD truck.
So, my question is there any information sites to decode these tags?
Thanks
Last edited by Gdads51; 10/26/20264:09 PM. Reason: add detail to title
Best suggestion I can start with is to suggest you post some pictures of "all" the ID plates, Chevy original and military as we can better see what you see and might offer some helpful info.
On your question about information sites to decode the DOD tags, unfortunately not really down to the nitty-gritty serial numbers. Once the vehicles are no longer part of the government inventory (usually sold of at auction), the majority of their historical records/files get disposed of/destroyed. Some folks like myself, who have had many past years experience with DOD equipment and vehicle data plates, can possibly offer some info once we can actually see the plates.
Most of the info was used to ID the equipment, by original DOD Contract purchase order numbers, military assigned make/model,classifications and sometimes special equipment if installed. There were also sometimes added plates for equipment issued to/assigned to specific installations for inventory and life cycle management of the equipment. Again, we can help best if we can see what you have.
Looking forward to seeing pictures of your project!
~ 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)
Removing those tags is illegal in some states and problematic in most.
Louisiana requires a permit to be issued PRIOR to removal for restoration purchases.
Good luck.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
Removing those tags is illegal in some states and problematic in most.
Louisiana requires a permit to be issued PRIOR to removal for restoration purchases.
Good luck.
The only one that counts for that is the small one on the lower right with the serial number on it. That's the one that Chevy put on the truck. The rest are just additional info. The Govt contract tag is pretty cool though. Definitely put that one back on.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.