1975 Chevy SWB Fleetside

[RPOZ11]

Picked up a SWB last weekend.

Factory RED, A/C, Tilt, bench, Fleetside truck.
Almost Rust Free.
I "THINK" it was a gray interior.
The seat belts I need to check.
Guy before me and before him started all of the changes to it.

The cab is near mint underneath with only the passenger's side floor with just surface issues where the weatherstripping comes together.

Can't tell what engine it originally came with but the T400 bracket/kickdown switch on the gas pedal inside the cab is there.

12-Bolt.

Updated with a square nose but I am going to put it back to 74/75.
The VIN tells me it's a '74; but CALIF DMV lists it as a '75.
CCL147Zxxxxxx
Can anyone help me determine what correct year it is?

Its in for a complete front suspension rebuild.
Already purchased the 2-1/2" drop spindles.
Will most likely go with Bell Tech drop leafs.

Going to drop in it my 496 /T400/GearVendor I had built for my 73 C/20.

Gong to run the stock 15 X 8 Truck Rallys.

Can you guys give me some ideas or suggestions for it.
I just want to keep it basically stock appearing.

I wish to install a Tach dash, dont know which gauge is correct?
AMP/VOLT?

[N2TRUX]

Sounds like a nice o.ne. FYI- your dash will use the AMP gauge and mechanical oil pressure

[RPOZ11]

Air Conditioning...

I'll basically be fixing the fibreglass cases; the engine side is broke with a small hole in it.
Missing some parts but need to know what to change over...

Who has done the upgrade to the 134a?

What do I need?
What compressor works the best?
I'd like to get an efficient unit; like the Sanden type.

[thepenguin99]

I can't help you but everybody loves pics.

[RPOZ11]

I will.

I purchased the truck, drove it straight to the Fab shop, and walked away from it.

I had it in my possesion, in all : 2 hours!!!!

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by RPOZ11

The VIN tells me it's a '74; but CALIF DMV lists it as a '75.
CCL147Zxxxxxx
Can anyone help me determine what correct year it is?

C=Chevrolet
C=2wd
L=350-4 V8
1=C10
4=Pick up
7=1977
Z=Fremont, CA
XXXXXX=Serial #

Looks like a 1977 model.

[RPOZ11]

uh oh!

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by J Knight

C=Chevrolet
C=2wd
L=350-4 V8
1=C10
4=Pick up
7=1977
Z=Fremont, CA
XXXXXX=Serial #

Looks like a 1977 model.

The 6th digit is the year, 3=1973, 4=1974, etc.

[RPOZ11]

I am looking right at the Calif Pink Slip.

It states typed in black right on it!: Yr Model 1975


I am confused now

[J Knight]

I guess the best way to tell would be to see what your truck cab has that is unique to 77 or 75.

[RPOZ11]

The cab has the Rosette Rivets on the VIN tag in the door jamb.
I knew to look for those.
I triple checked all of this yet, as I was buying it...
Everything matched and it still states 1975 on the PINK as you see it here above!

[J Knight]

http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/VIN.htm

[bigblock73]

VIN says 77, no question...sixth digit says it all. Possible cab swap previously?

[RPOZ11]

Im thinking that it is a DMV error.

But, clearly, Calif DMV printed 1975 right on this pink.
This PINK VIN matches the cab VIN plate.

Called the seller, of course he is refusing to clear this up, yet continues to state selling it as a 1975.
I have his signed name on a bill of sale stating this as a 1975, as well.
He is telling me that the mix up is NOT his fault; saying he is not liable for this.
I wonder if he has to have that corrected prior to selling the vehicle ???

Would that be considered something DMV must clear up prior to the seller releasing this?

I guess I need to contact DMV now.
Yeesh....

[Restrorob]

Sure looks like a DMV issue in which falsified the true identity of this truck, Now you RPO bought a truck under false pretense.....

[RPOZ11]

Originally Posted by Restrorob

Sure looks like a DMV issue in which falsified the true identity of this truck, Now you RPO bought a truck under false pretense.....

Kinda!

I am thinking that he knew of this issue; that was why the smog emmissions system was present on it.
My thinking is that it was installed to pass an inspection prior to getting the vehicle back in the system and current....????
At the time I inspected it myself, I am like telling him and myself outloud :
"WOW! , you even hooked up the emmissions system"; odd that that was done since He was telling me it was a 1975 Truck!

Now he is telling me that its my problem and an AS-IS sale between He and myself makes me liable to correct the error.

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by RPOZ11

Im thinking that it is a DMV error.

But, clearly, Calif DMV printed 1975 right on this pink.
This PINK VIN matches the cab VIN plate.

Called the seller, of course he is refusing to clear this up, yet continues to state selling it as a 1975.
I have his signed name on a bill of sale stating this as a 1975, as well.
He is telling me that the mix up is NOT his fault; saying he is not liable for this.
I wonder if he has to have that corrected prior to selling the vehicle ???

Would that be considered something DMV must clear up prior to the seller releasing this?

I guess I need to contact DMV now.
Yeesh....

Maybe the PO didnt know this until you called him.

[RPOZ11]

Originally Posted by J Knight

Maybe the PO didnt know this until you called him.

Maybe, but why was all of the smog emmisions system hooked up and present; and still is???

I'll take a guess :

If he had to pass a smog test prior to the Title being brought back up to current, that date of the smog being done, any of his signatures on it, payments for that service, even that smog test would be electronically sent to Sacramento in our systems once completed by the Test Only Inspector.... to provide proof to the Calif DMV,
This may be the tell all here....

Add....
Under California DMV's website ( 1-800-777-0133 ),
I have found 2 instances where I will follow up with regarding DMV policy.

1. Vehicle FFVR 26
Under this category, a Buyer may contact your local DMV Investigations Office for these reasons:
-Counterfeit, Fraudulent, or Forged DMV documents
-Dealer overcharging for DMV/fees
-Misrepresentations by a dealer (hopefully in my case, the seller)

2. Record of Complaint Form
(inv 172A)
Section 3 of this document asks for Vehicle Info
Lic plate & VIN # corresponding to said vehicle in question
Section 4 of this document allows for The COMPLAINT to be written

There is an Investigations office near me as well as in LA County where this sale took place.
This is where I will start to clarify and/or clear up the DMV error as it pertains to my misrepresented purchase.

Will let you all know what comes from this.

[J Knight]

75 and older is emission exempt in CA right?

[RPOZ11]

Originally Posted by J Knight

75 and older is emission exempt in CA right?

That is Correct, YES!

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/smogfaq.htm#BM2535
"Does my vehicle qualify for a smog exemption?
Smog inspections are required unless your vehicle is:
-Hybrid
-Gasoline powered 1975 year model or older"

[RPOZ11]

I added some info back up on post #18 of this thread

[beamn7]

So if the DMV *thinks* it's a 75 and it's their fault for thinking that then I would go through the registration process and see if you end up being asked to smog it.
Now, if it was knowingly falsified by the seller, then I would pursue to the fullest extent of the law....

[rfmaster]

You want 75 model in CA - it is smog exempt. My 1975 C20 VIN reads: CCY245Fxxxxxx.

My guess is that in this truck's past there was a CAB swap, and DMV re-assigned model year based on frame and drive train and not CAB VIN number. There should be a file with DVM (one would think) with all the paperwork.

//RF

[ElGracho]

Originally Posted by RPOZ11

That is Correct, YES!

...

Exempt from emissions testing yes. Didn't come with emissions equipment no.

My Gentleman Jim was originally sold in California. It has emissions equipment and a cat. I don't think you can definitively say a 1/2 ton GM truck is a 75 or 77 based solely on the presence of emissions equipment.

That being said, this truck is a 77. At some point in the past it was titled as a 75 by mistake. I would probably want it to be correct just like you do, but it would also be kinda nice to be emissions exempt...

[RPOZ11]

California has a few places to go with the DMV office.

In looking at their website, anyone can pursue the DMV Inspector.
I spoke to them at 8-am this morning.
They asked for the VIN & License Plate info.
With that, he was able to look back and notice issues in the past with this Title.
He forwarded me to DMV's Sacramento Technical Compliance Manager.

This office told me to print from the Forms Tab of the DMV website,
Form : REG 343.
This I think is a VIN Verification request form.
They have Certified DMV Agents who determine the outcome of the vehicle in question.

I have scheduled a 3-26-2012 8-AM date and time to clear this all up.

If I start the process into my name, typically then the Buyer, me, is starting the process of change of ownership.
I did ask : am I stuck with completing this process if it's found to be in error?
They said I can file a Halt to progress.
I need more info on this.

Meanwhile, LA County Small Claims Court will not hear Vehicle complaints.
I was told to get an Attorney.

I don't know if I can get a permanent waiver making it a 1975.
I have heard that done on vehicles making them come to newer year models.

I may be stuck. I may not be.

Anyone here experienced this before?

I'll check back in a bit.
Thank you to everyone for your comments and concerns!
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