The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Owner History?

OK, I understand that in 1946 there were no VIN numbers. The truck was identified by a "Production Number" stamped on a plate located on the right side of the cowl. I've got one. Now I want to check the "history of all the owners". I'm thinking that there could be a place on the Internet where I could pay my fee and acquire all the history of all the owners of this truck. Have any of you already successfully done this? Is there a "safe" way to check the history and can someone suggest where I might go to assure I get a "true report" and not have to worry about being scammed? I really want to know just where in the world this truck has been and how many folks have owned her!

Almost like a truck family tree! I don't know if there is such a site but it would be interesting to find out. I know the 3 previous owners including the daughter of the original buyer but would still like to find out more.

In Ontario, when you change the ownership of a vehicle, the DMV researches the vehicle's history. They check for liens and you get a printout of all the PO's. When I purchased my '53, they traced only to the person I bought it from because before that, the truck was registered in the US. When I bought my 69 Chevelle, they went all the way back to the original owner, which was about six owners. The cost is around $25.-

In Cali they won't tell you anything due to privacy acts. DMV only goes back 7 years usually here, sometimes less.

Devin

I don't know how much you'll be able to find on it -- especially if it's not been titled in a long time -- but your DMV may be able to give you a history for a nominal fee, and there's always CarFax (or whatever it's called).

Keep in mind that in 1946 they didn't have computers in DMVs, and by the time that they had a large-scale, centralized network (1990's), they probably didn't enter any more of the old data in than they had to.

As for what number to go by... Use whatever's on your title.

Lucille: back in 1995 I had the S.C. DMV run me a "Title History" for me on my 37. I think it cost me $5 back them but by now its probably $25! I do not know if they still do that but drop by the DMV and ask. I think I had to mail my request to an address they gave me.
My search didn't turn up much. I still have their reply and think it only went back two owners. In reality I think my truck vin came off another truck from things I found out. Heck, sometimes I think my 37 was at one time actually a 38 but the title and ID plate say 37.
So, drop by and let us know what they tell you. If the truck has not seen many owners you may be able to find out more than you think....AND if you can call or actualy trace back one owner then who he got it from and so on....you may hit the jackpot.
Let us know...and looking forward to meeting and having lunch on the 9th.

All I KNOW FOR SURE on mine is that My Uncle was on the way home from work 30 yrs ago ..an saw it settin on the CRUSHER at a local salvage yard ...HE STOPPED ..had a chat with the operator of the crusher ...and had her pulled off and purchased it for scrap value ..I know its History after that ..but before ???????who knows .

Car Fax will not give a history report on a vehicle that old. I tried with a 1968 Firebird that I have. They had to refund me my money because they said they didn't go back that far.

However, you might try going to the Dept. of Motor Vehicles in your area and paying for a title search. If there is a paper trail at all, they would have it. That's probably around $20 bucks.

Thanks for all the responses guys!

Looks like my best bet is going to the SC DMV and start there, however, I think the search won't go very far like Achipmunk said. The only thing I know at the moment is that the PO had the truck for about 10 years. His story was that he bought it from a fellow in Florida who also had it for probably a decade. I'm now thinking that its really going to be almost impossible to trace any records back to the original owner. The 17 digit VIN number system started in 1981. I'm sure most states aren't going to hang on to old serial number records/files due the the cost to store all this dead information. So, maybe the whole effort is a waste of time. Thanks again for all your input!! Maybe I'll just save my 25 bucks and buy some new parts for "Lucille"!! Probably makes more sense....

In regards to finding the history on a vehicle I read an interesting article in Old Cars Weekly today.
Basically it says that a Federal law was passed in 1994 in regards to the Privacy Act of Ownership and 3 years later in 1997 it was enforced. It also stated that some states objected but that the law is still on the books.
Lucille, the dates would explain why I was able to get a "little" info as it was in 1995 when I requested it. That said I'm not sure where S.C. stands on this issure and if you could sweet talk somebody at the local DMV to help with your OLD truck they may....or may not help.
I hope this info helps others that may not even be aware of the law passed in 94 and put on the books in 97.

I am rebuilding a 1950 3600. My Dad bought it new and I am the second owner. I have the original title. I am rebuilding it for my 20 year old Son that is in the Navy.

Thruwurkin

Thruwurkin....That is awesome "History"!! Especially family history and what a wonderful thing to you to do for your son who is serving our country! I also "Thank You" for your service! I am a combat veteran of the Viet Nam war.

BTW, I used to work for Duratek in Columbia, Maryland on a project at the Washington Hanford site. Good luck on your retirement!

Lucille , a SNAP S~ to you ..for your service ! ..and a much Apppreciated THANK YOU !
Tim , 4 yrs USAF
son Josh ..current .Army/Iraq

I too am a military veteran but this is not the forum for it.