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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 7
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New Guy
New Guy
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My 1942 Chevy 1.5ton Fire Truck is currently titled and registered with the engine number. The VIN ID plate is missing. I would like to find the original VIN number. Is it stamped in any other places? Frame?

Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,270
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,270

There was no VIN in terms of today's meaning.

There was a header-panel plate or a cowl plate (under the hood) with a Vehicle Serial Number (or Vehicle ID) and there was an engine serial number. Either one of the codes might have been used on the original title and/or registration.

Do you have an old title or registration?

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/4206.htm

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1942/42csm0003.htm

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New Guy
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The title and registration that I have (going back to the early 60s) uses only the engine number. The plate on the cowl is missing. Only the 2 screws remain. I have no problem with the registration, I would like to get the correct VIN so I could get more information about the truck. For example, I only assume its a 1.5ton, I dont know for sure. I have heard that the VIN may have been stamped into the frame also, I dont know where to look for it.

Joined: Sep 2001
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
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I may be wrong but I think you will find a GM frame VIN right next to the hen's teeth.

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New Guy
New Guy
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You may be right but I have seen references to it in the stovebolt forum and in peoples photo bucket pictures.

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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
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Did they live in CA? A code was placed on the frame by the dealer and/or DMV in CA and maybe a few other places.

Also, GMC had IDs on the frame, I think up to May 1949.

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New Guy
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Its always been in Washington State. Though it was built in Portland OR. It was a Fire Engine in Long Beach WA. They don't have any info either. The state DMV only goes back to the early 80s.

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'Bolter
'Bolter
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Serial numbers stamped on the frame didn't start until '55.


Bill Burmeister
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'Bolter
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Serial numbers were stamped on the left frame rail, just past the left front spring hanger on GMC trucks until the late 40's. Chevy didn't have a U.S built civilian truck rated above 1 1/2 ton until 1946.


Spanky Hardy
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Big Bolt Forum Co-moderator
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Sammamish,
Of course my 48 doesn't have a VIN number since they didn't exist in 48. But the number on the plate is the original engine number. However, my engine has been replaced with a newer engine. That doesn't change my ID plate. It still is registered by the original engine number, not the newer one. If you were to get a reproduction ID plate, then punch the original number as it came from the factory. I don't know if anyone is making reproduction plates for 1942. Anyone have a picture of one? Are they different than the AD plates?


A day without laughter is a day wasted- Charlie Chaplin
When wrestling a grizzly bear, you have to keep at it until the bear gets tired, not when you get tired.

1948 Chevy 2-Ton
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
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Yes, the ID plates were different in 1942 from the all the different styles of plates used in Advance-Design years.

1942-46 Chev truck ID plate

Joined: Nov 2006
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Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
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Greetings, I am having the same issue with my "41 Chev Howard cooper fire truck. There is an aluminum plate just under the passenger's side hood near the fire wall. It reads: 2557 6YSO1 3868
The registration shows A6399434. Anyone recognize either of these numbers?? If looking for the engine number, where would I start?
Thanks
42 chev pumper


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