The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop VIN decifering for a 53 1/2 Ton 5 Window

I have a truck that has a VIN# 53S039996 I am trying to find out if it was built in 53 or 52 since in my state I do not need turn signals if it was made before Jan 1 of 53' any info or leads will be apreciated I have searched the threads to no avail.

I would put turnsignals on it anyway,there is alot of idiots on the road. It would be easy to do,you will have to change the light sockets and add a little wiring and a second taillight. I put them on my 37 and dont regret it,you are lucky that you have front parking lights so it would still look original.

http://www.americanclassic.com/paint_test.asp

Something wrong with the number you posted :confused:

I do not know what that VIN is, it definitely is not the number on ID tag that should be on the drivers door post. If that tag is not there, you really cannot prove what year it is, unless the DMV is willing to look at features on the truck to determine year. Engine numbers will only tell us what year the engine was built, not the truck. There is no number on the frame (at least not originally), in case you were wondering.

I have seen several old Chevy AD trucks for sale on eBay with VINs similar to this. I suspect it is a state assigned VIN. 53 probably means 1953, but it may indicate the year it was titled, not the model year of the truck. Does your truck have an ID or Information/specification nameplate on the driver's door hinge post? It should have a serial number stamped across the bottom. A 1953 1/2-ton will start H53 followed by other characters. 53 3/4-ton J53. A 1952 will have a 1 or 2 digit number followed by a K then a P for 1/2-ton or an R for 3/4-ton. Is your truck a 1/2 or 3/4-ton, or a bigger truck? Good Luck.

Thanks a ton guys I will check the door tomorrow and update. Is this the same plate that says 4800 LBS vehicle wieght 85HP at 3300 RPM ETC.. ????? Or is this plate actually on the door itself? Zach

That is what we are talking about.

Yes, it is the plate on the driver's side door column that also lists the gross vehicle weight. To fully interpret the number go to Don Moen\'s AD Serial Number page.

Same plate. Good luck. Have you narrowed it down to 52 or 53? I mean, all the visual clues point to those 2 years? They are nearly identical. There is a good model year guide on chevytrucks.org.