VIN question

[D.FENS]

Short version: Is the VIN on a truck tied to the BODY, or the FRAME?

Long version: Found a '72 shortbed frame for sale locally, and might grab it for a future project (LWB to SWB).

Seller does not have any paperwork for the frame, and I don't want to spend money on parts that might cause a problem at the DMV. In AL a title is required for registration no matter what model year.

Called the local DMV to ask them but this quickly turned into an exercise in frustration.

[Longhorn Man]

It depends on your state, it could be argued both ways. However, the only VIN that is made for legal documentation on your truck is the one rivited to the cab. The ones on the frame assuming it even has it stamped on the frame is only a partial.
Personally, i would buy the frame and fill the numbers on the frame rail. Just be sure to get a bill of sale for the frame, magbe even get it notorized, and keep that with your title.
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[dmack91]

If it needs a full vin inspection to register it, they check all vin locations.

[Longhorn Man]

Depending on state.
My last 3 trucks had VIN inspections bringing them into Ohio... No one ever looked at the frames.
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[Rooster's 67]

Like longhorn said, the only VIN number on these trucks that is wholly tied to the frame is the one riveted to the cab. If the frame is stamped it is an incomplete VIN thereby not able to be definitively tied to the title. as far as covering or grinding the vin off the frame, if they truly wanted to see what numbers were stamped into the frame it can still be discovered due to the metalurgy of the areas that were compressed during the stamping process.