here we go again--frame numbers

[kwmech]

Did a search and a lot of reading. Short story, I managed to find a 68 lonhorn a few years back at the wrecking yard that was on its way to be crushed (2 days later) whew that was close--anyways I hauled it home. (minus paper work at the time) . I am about ready to start it up and run it---still no paper work. After bugging the owner of said junkyard for the last week he says he's having trouble finding the 'correct' paperwork and wants the numbers off the cab and frame. No problem with the cab--but I can only find 4 characters off the frame--all I've got are 8Z87. I've been up and down both sides top and bottom. Any other hints? frame rail part numbers I'm assuming 3941617 104 416 36 on the left side and 3941618 104 416 36 on the right.


edit: the 8Z87 was found on the drivers side next to the motor mount stand

[short69]

As far as I know, the VIN is only on the SPID, door jam and the 4 digit number thats stamped on the frame. Someone who REALLY knows these trucks can correct me if I'm wrong.

[kwmech]

I have another bare frame --a 67, 157'' wheelbase sitting behind the barn and the numbers on that are --I believe 8 digit--and I found those in 2 places.




edit: where's Andy at? man that guy is never around

[PICKMUP]

Is this a GMC? I have had several 67-8 GMCs with no vin # on the frame.

[kwmech]

No it's a chevy

Edit: I checked my other 2 trucks--both GMCs--68 and 69. and the numbers were where they are supposed to be. This longhorn is quite a bit different. I'm not sure if it is because it was the first year or not

[stllookn]

I have two '68 Longhorns and will check them tomorrow for you.

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by stllookn

I have two '68 Longhorns and will check them tomorrow for you.

Thanks, like I said, the numbers I saw were just behind the engine mount on the top rail---drivers side. Not a thing, anywhere else. Checked again this morning

[70rs/ss]

As far as I know the VIN on the cab is all the DMV cares about. The wrecking yard can get an abandoned title pretty easily, besides if you lean on the guy he better get it (It is illegal for a wrecking yard to have vehicles without titles) and he knows that. I'd get pushy and tell him you might have to go to the DMV and see if they can help you get the title if he doesn't. I'd do this last as he will not be happy about that.

[68GMC454]

theres numbers on the frames..hmmmmmmmmmm,,guess i need to degrease the frame more oftenn.. i would stay on the junkies but until you get the paperwork. if there is no paperwork he is already in trouble, he cant have anyting in there with out paperworkk..and should not have let it out of his yard with out the paperwork...but if you go there alot you dont really want to make him mad either, or you might loose a good place to get stuff...

[kwmech]

I do not have any worries about the paper work really. I've been dealing with this yard for the better part of 10 years. He has the paper work. He just needed to know the numbers so he could match it up. I thought it was weird that there were only 4 numbers on the frame though, cuz all of my other trucks have about 8 characters

[stllookn]

Here are the numbers on my '68 Longhorn...the ones you can see with the front clip removed. The same place as on all my trucks. Frame part numbers are on the passenger side and a second set of VIN #s are stamped on the top of the frame just under the cab as I recall.

The first 4 digits (CE24) of the VIN are missing so it starts with the year "8" (1968) and where the truck was mfg'd. ("Z" - Fremont), then the production number... 8Z161238.

That long number you have sounds like the part number for the frame rail and mine is stamped on the SIDE of the frame not the top like the VIN. My '72 Longhorn has a more complete VIN stamped on top but it too is somewhat cryptic in that it has the first three digits missing ie ???42Z1116176. They must have been creative with their stamping systems depending upon when and who stamped them. It sounds like they just left off your production number...just stamp them to match your VIN and be done with it. I think Harbor Freight has an inexpensive stamping set.

Bobthecop was saying CA ties the title to the frame...in WA it is tied to the cab but on inspection they will/may check the frame too. I purchased a cab from a reputable wrecking yard and the guy just gave me a receipt on his letterhead with the VIN# on it...along with the cab and vin plate, of course.

[blukangoo]

Here is where I found mine. Once behind the steering gearbox and another under the cab.

[blukangoo]

Here is where I found mine. Once behind the steering gearbox and another under the cab.

[kwmech]

The first pic is where I found the 8Z87 and that was all.

[PICKMUP]

It is my understanding that in WA, like CA, the state requires the title & frame #s to match. My "licensed" hulk hauler gets inspected by the state regularly and he only picks up vehicles with a title & frame matching...the cab is not important...too easily changed.
Our wrecking yards are required to log vin #s and turn in titles to the state. They just give us a receipt for any truck we buy from them. The truck is considered "salvage" and must be reinspected by the State Patrol if returned to the roads. If you pass, they issue you a new title. Sometimes they issue a new vin # if too much is changed, but I have had them use the old vin # if all is original and matching.
There is a 72 Super Longhorn in Seattle that went through all of that. It has a clean title with the original vin# restored. It now belongs to Castiron 9, on the board. Hey, where is he? He bought several cool trucks from me.

[kwmech]

I am under the assumption that I will have to completely reinstate the truck. Such as a brake and lamp inspection, number verification, and in calif I will have to certainly weigh it. Maybe even have a commercial inspection because of the suspension mods, seeing as how it is a tow truck now. (not for commercial use)

[stllookn]

Yeah...what Frank said! PICKMUP has gone through that process several times...listen to him!

[bigbaldy33]

I've posted this process previously. I'm a CHP in Sacto and have been the VIN officer for the past 10 years (I just don't do it as much anymore as that I've trained somebody else to do the job). So let me try and explain the whole process.

All vehicles in CA are registered based upon the frame/confidential VIN number. Anytime that the VIN is different or missing, you need to go through the process with the CHP to get the vin "verified". Basically what we do is locate the confidential VIN numbers on the vehicle and then compare it to the VIN that is displayed publicly. If the VIN on the body is missing or different, a blue tag is created reflecting the frame or confidential number and then it is placed on the cab. The blue tag (which is ugly) and 2 rivets are placed on the B-pillar after 2 holes have been drilled into it.

10751 VC states that you cannot remove, destroy alter or deface any identifying number on any vehicle nor can you possess any vehicle without the correct numbers on it. If the numbers have been removed or altered the vehicle and/or part can be impounded and, after a hearing, crushed. So my suggestion is that you not remove your VIN plate on the B-pillar to paint under it. All of these violations are considered felonies.

I can't tell you where the confidential numbers are on this truck (wink wink) just clean alot better and I'm sure you'll find what the others have shown.

Once the CHP has done their job (DMV will make you take it to them if the vehicle hasn't been registered for a while or if it is coming in from out of state) you can apply for a new title.

By the way, if during the process, the CHP finds that the vehicle is stolen (I've recovered some vehicles that were stolen in the 70's and never located) , it can be confiscated and returned to it's rightful owner.

If you need more info or if I left something out, PM me and I'll get back to you ASAP.

BigBaldy

[stllookn]

My bad...it was bigbaldy33...not Bobthecop that had the info! Someone should post that in the FAQ for CA members!

That is what mystifies me...the frame VIN# is frequently incomplete, like on my three Longhorns and obviously on kwmech's Longhorn...so why does the state rely so heavily upon that number? Proof once again that "truth is stranger than fiction"...LOL!

[lbpd719]

I don't think it would be a problem for some of us who are in the know for California to put together something for a FAQ on this type of issue (Heck we can even link to some of the PDF's for doing the paperwork =) )

just remember if it doesn't come with paperwork, PLEASE call an officer to come and look at it for you..