Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,108 Posts1,056,227 Members48,436 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 13 | Hello Stovebolt!
I recently purchased a 48 Panel Delivery believed to have some history with the New Mexico Forestry division.
TITLE = FBA9xxxx
Door Plate = 3FPBxxxx
Can anyone here help? Thank you in advance chris<pixelmonkey>:D | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Welcome to Stovebolt.com, Chris Engine Serial Number: FBA9xxxx FBA = 1948 3100 from Flint, MI engine plant A = January 9xxxx = xxxx-1000 = serial numbers for engines from that engine plant Vehicle Serial Number: 3FPBxxxx 3 = St Louis, MO vehicle assembly plant FP = 1948 3100 truck B - February xxxx = xxxx-1000 = serial number for all vehicles from that vehicle assembly plant http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/4858.htm | | | | | Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 1,178 Red dot, center of chest ... | | Red dot, center of chest ... Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 1,178 | According to the Stovebolt Vin BusterSerial # : 3FPB1125 Mfg Date : Febuary,1948 Model : 1/2 ton Wheelbase : 116 inches Plant : St. Louis, MO | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Welcome to the Stovebolt pixelmonkey. I see Tim and Paul already answered your questions! Lot of information/knowledge here and great folks. I would think the Forestry dept would have taken pretty good care of it...at least in the beginning. Sounds like a nice project. Got any pics?
Oh, going forward be sure to ask questions in the most appropriate forum as not everyone visits here. That way your sure to get answers to your questions. Good luck, and keep us posted. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 13 | thank you for the info guys! i now have a knot in my stomach. still not sure what to think. I'm going to double check the firewall for another possible VIN number. photo of the truck note the windows on the sides several photos hope to find an answer to the title problem soon. The previous owner is checking with the DMV for a Letter of Correction. I'll keep everyone posted! chris<pixelmonkey>:D | | | | | Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 1,178 Red dot, center of chest ... | | Red dot, center of chest ... Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 1,178 | There's no question it's a '48. That's the only year that the gas tank was mounted on the frame behind the cab. Since it came out of New Mexico, I think the St. Louis plant is more likely the point of origin. Also, the serial numbers were on the door plate that year, so that would be the original location for it. That's why I only decoded that one. The '48 panel truck was a 1/2 ton model on a 116" wheelbase, so that is correct as well.
Title serial numbers are often unreliable. Depending upon the state they got the serial number from the motor, the door jamb or other places. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | yes, your title "vin" simply used the engine number, most common back then, if it still has that engine, the number will be stamped on a pad just behind the distributor, if it's not the same engine [or no engine], then the "letter of correction" or a DMV inspection is in order
Bill | | | | | Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 13 | BIG thanks to tclederman and bladeagle!
The next step in the process is to have the man I purchased the truck from file for a "Letter of Correction", then I can get the title in my name with the VIN corrected. This process will take around 1 month and might require a few photos for him to take to the DMV.
The other option is for me to file for a Title 42 *lost title for vehicle* and will take around 3 months.
Either way, I'm OK with the end result. chris<pixelmonkey>:D | | |
| |