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Trying to locate my Vin# on my 1943 Chevy Fire Truck but cant locate it. I have to have a police officer come over and verify the vin so I can get it titles & tagged but I have to find it first. I heard that it may be stamped in diffrent locations like the engine or under the body or on a axle somewhere. Any suggestions on where to look to narrow my search? Thanks so much!

http://s545.photobucket.com/albums/hh392/chasenfires_2009/

I'm not real good with the older trucks, but I once picked up a '50 Dodge 1-Ton and could not find the VIN on it either. I noticed that the Title had the Engine Number on it. I called my local DMV and was told that back in the old days, that is how they did it and it was perfectly fine that way. ???

Bill

in 43 the OEM serial number was not stamped on the truck anywhere, only on a metal tag [on the pass side cowl in 43?], but as Bill sez, the normal deal back before the mid 50's was to use the engine number on the title as the "vin", you'd find that on the machined pad to the rear of the distributor ... the fire body may also have had a makers tag somewhere that could have a confirming number and/or date on it .... if you have a previous title with a "vin" on it the form of that number would be a clue as to what was used - see here for the body serial number format

Bill

Thanks for the help so far. I will see what #s I can locate. The old title has a 5 digit vin # listed on it but I havent been able to find that # on the truck as of yet. The truck does have a SN on the dash but thats not listed on the title. I have to find that 5 digit # somewhere so the law enforcement officer can verify & sign the form so I can get my new title. Dont know how many digits were in VIN #'s then or Eng #'s in 1943?

I understand what you're going through. The VIN tag on my '41 fire truck was removed prior to my getting the truck. The title I got listed the VIN incorrectly, AND it was an out-of-state title, meaning I have to go through what you're going through.

The VIN was ONLY on that tag. The engine # MAY have been used at some point, but that doesn't help when your engine has been changed, like mine (The 216s were not very stout when it came to cold weather, and the blocks would often freeze & crack. Especially when kept in a non-heated fire hall!)

So, what to do? I haven't done it yet, but here in Missouri I have to go to the Highway Patrol Office (an inconvenient 20-ish mile journey) and have them inspect the truck and file the proper form for a "VIN-less" vehicle. Basically, they just have to be satisfied that the vehicle isn't stolen (who the heck would steal an antique fire truck?!).

The good news? I've owned and driven my truck for over 8 years. Nobody seems to CARE that I don't have plates! The truck is properly insured, and I claim it on my personal property tax, but no tags. When I see a cop, I smile and wave, and they smile and wave back. How much trouble could I get into, in a 70+ year-old vehicle, that won't go over 45 mph, accelerates slower than a steam locomotive, and is driven less than 200 miles a year?

I know, I need to get it titled, and I will. I just don't cherish the prospect.

-Michael

the tag is under the passanger side of the hood on the firewall it is the only tag on the truck .what is the vin # on your truck so we can see what you have

ill send u a pm with a pic of location when i get home tonight

I did eventually find the tag with the vin# on it. I actually found it laying in the rear of the glove box. It was a bit rusty so it blended it pretty good so thats why I missed it before. I was able to match the holes in the tag up to the holes where the plate attached to the truck. The vin# listed on the truck and original title is 18675. I wasnt able to find any info on that vin through searches but I now have been able to get the new title in my name and have applied for my tag. The state is sending me a horseless carriage because the year is 1943. Any vehicle in FL before 1945 can get this tag and it never has to be renewed as long as you own the truck. Thanks for the help.

Just found some great info on my truck. It served at the Army Air Forces Convalescent Hospital, Plattsburgh Barracks, NY. It carried USA number 505118.