The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk VIN and serial number question

Hey guys, as you may have read a little while back I purchased a 1949 GMC pickup, as my first classic to restore. I was swamped with finals and racecar stuff, but have finally gotten to start looking at her, taking off some small stuff and getting into it one thing at a time. Today after I finished giving her a good hose down, I decided to go searching around. I found the serial label on the door frame, reads serial number :FC 15212464 HP 85.5@3000RPM WEIGHT:5800. The engine reads: Ferro C197 2136477 AL. I was wondering if that serial number is the only one on the truck? And where do I look to find the VIN? Thanks a lot guys. I'
ll get some pics posted of the first few little projects as soon as I can.

PS any help to decode what those mean would be greatly appreciated too./

Surfer,

That number on your ID plate is the serial number. Some states used to title by engine number too. No VIN on these old trucks, hidden or otherwise.

When I registered mine in MN, the state added a couple of zeros or Os to the front of that number to make it conform with modern day standards. If you have a good title, it should be easy to bring it in and get it registered. If you have no title, I would get it titled etc before you do any work.

Some GMC guy/gal will come along soon and tell you about your truck.

Is it a 3/4 ton?

I have a title and there's a VIN on there, just wanted to check it up against one on the frame, but now I know I can't. The VIN on the title is... B228223411, but it's issued in 1979 if that makes a difference.

I think it's a 3/4 ton, but like I said I'm new to this, so any info and help you can give me would be greatly appreciated

The FC152 is a 3/4 ton with a 125 1/4 inch wheelbase and 228 engine. The balance of the seriel number is the production number. The VIN number you have will be the original ID number of the engine which is located on the machined area to the side of the distributor. The first three numbers indicate engine size.

Awesome. Thaanks man. Is there any physical differences between the 1/2 and 3/4 ton? Longer bed? different axles? anything like that?

1/2T has a closed driveline and 4.11 gears in a semi-float axle - 3/4T has a full-floating axle, different gearing [4.57?] and brakes, and a 2 piece open driveshaft

Bill

Most states used the engine number as the VIN until 1955. I'm not sure of the location of the VIN on a '49. Pre '38 it is on a raised boss behind the fuel pump. '38 to ? is on a raised boss behind & below the distributer. I had to scrape about a quarter inch of crud off of the boss on my '38 to be able to read it.

Surfer
Since you have a GMC it will help you to go over to oldgmctrucks.com. They are a great bunch with lots of useful info about serial nos., etc. They have a friendly discussion forum too. Welcome to the 'bolt.
Frank