The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 1952 GMC Suburban...where is the VIN?

I recently aquired my next project, a 1952 GMC Suburban. The VIN plate is missing from the door pillar, and I really need to find the Vin so I can get it registered. Does anyone know any alternate locations that GM used for VIN's? Thanks, Possum

Back then they used the engine # for the VIN. in Calif.
Its stamped on the machined surface by the distributor.
Theres nothing stamped on the frame, so dont waste your time looking.
The plate on the door pillar was a body serial #.
Good luck,,,,,,,,,,,,
Marty

Thanks, Marty

Since you have changed your engine, how do you prove that your vehicle is connected to it's VIN?

I know my 46 1/2 ton Chevy is that way, too, but I still have the original 216 in it.

Thanks,
Possum

I once had to explain it to a cop, but he'd been around long enuf to know what i was talking about.
On the other hand though, theres some kid cops that,,if the vin isnt in the corner of the windshield,they have your truck towed and the burden of proof is on you.
Plus getting jerked around for 3 or 4 days while you get it straightened out.
Then you just pray for someone at CHP that is familiar with these old ones.

Can you find an old registration that came with the suburban? You may have to go to a title company who specializes in registering old vehicles.

I decided to hire a well known local title "wrangler" who says she can get it titled by using the original engine #. But as soon as I get the title in my name, that engine is history.
I figure I will buy a repop ID plate, stamp the engine # on it, and mount it on the drivers door pillar where it belongs and hope that convinces the rookie cops...

According to the "wrangler" and others I've talked to, California used the engine # for the VIN in 1952. I know they did this in 1946, as my 46 is registered with it's engine # as the VIN.
The purpose of the new ID plate is to make a connection between the engine (VIN) # and the truck since it won't have its original engine anymore. Since this is the case, EVERY 1950's Chevy/GMC truck in California that has had an engine swap is in the same boat. There are thousands of them.
It's not our fault that California chose to use a replaceable item (engine)to tie the VIN to.

The California Highway Patrol is the agency that would attach a new VIN plate to your vehicle. It is a small blue aluminum tag that they affix. You could most likely do as you planned and attach a replica body serial tag to the door jamb with the engine number stamped into it and no one would ever be the wiser. However, it is illegal and probably not worth risking getting in trouble.