The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Serial number location question

I am in the process of trying to purchase a '52 1/2 ton project truck, thats in parts. I have a picture of the title which is open. Thats good. But the serial number which was used to base the title VIN on is missing from the door post.

My question, is that number somewhere else? Florida being a title state and pretty strict looks at it as we have a title but an orphan truck. With no way to link them together. I will have to physically take the truck by to the inspecting officer to give me a piece of paper saying that number is the official serial/VIN.

Thomas, a 'bolter, said that there is a number, serial number?, on the frame somewhere. If so where do I find it? And is it the same serial number as would be ont the drivers side door post?

TIA for your help in this.... Wade

You can buy new plates from Classic Parts (Chevy Duty) and stamp the numbers..have done this several times when the old plates were torn up...

First, there is no other place on an AD (47-55.1) truck that the serial number will appear, other than the data plate.

Second, are you sure the VIN on the title is an AD serial number? The serial number will be a 1 or 2 digit factory code, followed by KP for 1/2 ton, followed by a production month letter (A-L) and then a 5 digit production number. An example could be 21KPC10021. Many jurisdictions used an engine number to title a truck.

As Wade indicates, if the number on the title is a true AD serial number, you can go to any of the usual suspects, purchase a repro ID plate and stamp or engrave the number in.

Yes the serial is a true bolt number....
1KPF5975
Using the online decoder I discovered this about the truck....

Serial # : 1KPF5975
Mfg Date : June,1952
Model : 3100 1/2 ton
Wheelbase : 116 inches
Plant : Flint, MI

I thought that a repro plate was illegal? 'course I've already alerted the authorities with all my questions. Or does the repro plate fall under the 'don't ask don't tell'?

Ok, just got a call from the State and they said that the engine number was used prior to 1955 and has to agree with the title instead of the serial number plate. 'course that raises the question is the engine still the original engine? Fat chance after 55 years.

Would the block number agree with the serial number originally?

Thanks, Wade

More fun and games.

Look on the engine on the raised boss just behind the distributor. Most states used the engine # as the VIN through 55. The serial & engine numbers aren't the same on my 38. If the numbers don't match your state DMV will have to tell you how you can title it. Good luck.

Wade,
Unfortunately, the engine number and the serial number have nothing in common. Good luck.

Hi Wade,

I walked into Polk County (Florida) Tax & Tags with a handwritten notarized "bill of Sale" from the previous owner and proof of insurance from my auto carrier. It listed my name as the purchaser, the door tag ID number, the selling price, date and the notarized signature of the seller. I was asked if there was a current tag or registration. My answer was "no" it hasn't been registered in years." That was it!! No other questions asked.....no other information offered. Paid my sales tax, registration fee and the price of an antique tag.

A week later I received my Florida Title with the ID tag# as my vin number. As stick pointed out...get a replacement tag from one of the vendors, stamp in the numbers and rivet it to the door post.

I was also expecting to have to jump through hoops to get it legal. No inspection, no waivers, no hassle. Don't you just love Florida???????? Hope this helps!

Dave

I don't know what to do now. The Florida Traffic Safety inspector says that the engine number was used pre 1955 for a VIN in most states and Florida. But Illinois used the door post plate with the serial number for this particular title/vin; plate which is now missing. And the head person at my county of residence talks with the safety officer all the time. He checked online with Ill to try and crossreference the serial number with possible frame number. He said there is no frame number on the '52. This corresponds with posters above. The safety officer said to stay away from it.

If in my research I hadn't turned up all this and talked with so many people with the state, maybe I could do the repro plate route. Then also its a box of parts and not a together truck. So I guess I'll pass. Think I'll get the trailor though.

Wade

Contact your licensing agency for the process they use and what documentation you need. As you can see talking to someone who knows someone will get you nothing but the runaround. Go to the horses mouth, the people who actually give you the tag.

I went through this hassle in Oregon. Prior Washington title used number of long gone engine. After a lot of talking and a trip to the State Police to confirm no frame numbers, then Oregon just assigned a VIN #, which was of course the serial number. But they didn't like the fact that the serial number was on a removable plate, so they stamped a cheesy metalic sticker and stuck it on the door post. There was an up side to this, I did get the state police to wire brush a good portion of the frame.

RE Tiny and Nifty 50's replys... I have talked to the tag people. Went by there and talked with the head person. Showed them a pic of the title. There is no problem with the title. It is based on the serial number door post plate, which is missing. I also spoke with the Law Enforcement officer in Panama City where inspection is done for vehicles brought in to the country. My tag person recommended him. He and she both say because the plate is missing there is no way to tie the truck with the title, they call it an orphan truck.

I went on line and ordered a repro plate. Mostly to see what it looks like. I suppose I could emboss the serial number on the plate and attach and try to get it tranfered. But quite frankly that bothers me. Seems like a grey area.

There is enough stuff for the price I think I can get my money back out of it if the title transfer falls apart so I may do this anyway. And as a last resort part it out.

Also Alabama and Georgia, which I'm close to, are both non title states and I could probably sell the truck whole there. So I have options I guess. Of course the whole reason for doing this is to get a bolt of my own. I never thought it would be this much hassle. :hammering:

Thanks for the replies...

Wade "frustrated in NW Florida"