The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Vehicle History

does anyone have any good references to look up the history of my 'bolt based on the serial number. I tried a couple of websites but the want the VIN and all i have is the serial #. Is there someplace that I can maybe look up old title/registration info?

What am I missing here?To the best of my knowledge the serial number is the VIN number.VIN stands for Vehicle Identification number,which is the serial number.

Up until the middle 50's many vehicles were titled by the engine number. The plate in the door jamb was a chassis number and usually did not appear on the title. The 17 digit vin number did not become federal law until 1983. Before then, it wasn't even called a vin. I still have title to a 1950 GMC my father bought new and it was titled by motor number. I doubt there are any searchable data bases for older vehicles. None of these records were put on computer and even if the records exist, I doubt that any county clerk would be willing to dig through dusty old archives. And as far as states go, it wouldn't surprise me if these records haven't been destroyed

I found out what my truck's engine was with these two sites using the serial number:
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/models/engine.htm
http://adlersantiqueautos.com/articles/htbuyaot4.html
Hope it works for you!-Brettski

Using the chassis number found on the drivers door jamb I could tell mine was built at the St. Louis Mfg. plant in 1951. That's as close to a family history as I could go.

Not related, but where are you in Washington?

Also, what year is the truck? That would vary where the serial number would be. Once thats established, you can then look through some of this sites tech tips to learn a little more about the who, what, where and how your truck was built.

Plus, as mentioned, some of the earlier trucks were titled after the engine number. My '53 is this way and luckily still has the original engine. My GMC doesnt have the original engine but its titled after the serial number on the plate under the hood. Go figure...

If you want to find out more about the REAL history of the truck, you may need to speak with the previous owner and try to do a little digging to get some more of the story about her.

Jeff

I just bought a 70 GMC short bed can any one tell me where I can find the vin# on the frame, I was told the top of the frame next to the steering box but is not there. And trying to touch up the frame is the pits.