Help I lost my VIN - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68K20 x Drill · 07-17-2007, 01:10 AM

So i got a 68 GMC 3/4 longfleet from the woods.
It was left behind by a guy who passed on to truck heaven a few years back.
His son said it had sat more than 10 years, and he had no paperwork, and no interest in old trucks. Maybe thats why dad left him?

Anyway, I got the truck home, washed out all the mess, and find the VIN plate is removed.

Interweb wisdom places another VIN on the frame either above the power steering box, or on the left framerail above the rear tire. I don't see a trace of either one, or any sign of forced removal.

If anyone has a good idea of somewhere else to look, I'm all ears. This truck could go back on the road so easily...

A pic for the truck porn addicts:

v8 conversion, np435, dana60, ac, not running

OhioDan · 07-17-2007, 04:55 AM

Look on the frame rail right under the drivers door. That's where mine is on my 70 GMC 3/4. Hope this helps?

Longhorn Man · 07-17-2007, 05:25 AM

I would talk to your DMV or whatever before putting a single penny into it. With the nut cas laws you guys have there, they may crush it as soon as they see the VIN is missing.
Open the hood, and look on the top of the frame rail on the drivers side... it's back a little ways from the steering gear box.
This isn't a plate, it is stamped into the frame.
There should also be a sticker in the glove box door with the VIN on it too.

68K20 x Drill · 07-17-2007, 05:38 AM

My Chevy has the VIN by the steering box, and a LOT more rust in the cab....
So even if the title is dead, I can always get some good parts, then have a tractor accident with the rest.
I wish the glove box plate was there, it started life as a nicely equipped V6 2500 truck I think. I wonder if the V8 engine pad is covering the VIN? The one on my Chevy is pretty far ahead for that, but I cold see there being a lot of variation in where the stamp fell.
If someone is using the VIN plate that is obviously missing from my cab...I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Pumped 68 · 07-17-2007, 07:02 AM

I would check Through the drivers side Front windshield where the Dashboard is. look downward at the Dashboard, They put it there sometimes (Towards the Corner should be a small metal plate). also in my 68 C20 its in the Drivers side Door Jamb, nice Metal plate Riveted on near the locking Mechanism on the Cab Frame. Inside the glove box on the glovebox door should be another location.

Thats all I can think of off the top of my head, Hope it helps.

(Note: some of these are repeats of what others have already said)

mrein3 · 07-17-2007, 07:24 AM

The VIN on the frame rail is only a partial VIN. And it is stamped into the frame rail, it isn't a tag. If it matches the title, you should be able to get a state issued VIN from the state. At least that is how it worked for me here in Minnesota. The guy checked it all out, had a MN VIN made up (with the same VIN number as on my title), and used special rivits to attach it to my B pillar.

mvfd70 · 07-17-2007, 10:33 AM

"I would check Through the drivers side Front windshield where the Dashboard is. look downward at the Dashboard, They put it there sometimes (Towards the Corner should be a small metal plate)."

Not in 68. I don't think the dashboard VIN tags showed up until the next generation trucks

67ChevyRedneck · 07-17-2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68K20 x Drill

If someone is using the VIN plate that is obviously missing from my cab...I'm not sure how I feel about that.

If you find the frame VIN, take that to the DMV or police and report that your truck was stolen

*This will work assuming he gave you a title??

cdowns · 07-17-2007, 11:26 AM

save yourself any possible future troubles due to the dubious origan of the truck and chop it up for parts

68K20 x Drill · 07-17-2007, 01:37 PM

I did find some numbers under the door...
12-4-1
3935813-490
and this is stamped upside down on the outside of the frame rail...
I'm not too worried about the numbers, in 10 years of owning vehicles, nobody that knew anything has EVER inspected ANY of my vehicles.
Gotta love CA, toughest smog laws ever and NO safety inspection.

GMC AMI · 07-17-2007, 03:26 PM

Some states allow a rebuilt new # as my lifted 68 built from other trucks.
3420 is my #. Makes it all legal beagle!

68K20 x Drill · 07-18-2007, 05:47 PM

It might come to that.
I did have a nice chat with the Vin lady at the CHP. She is confident that numbers exist on the frame that will tell them which truck it is, but She can't tell me how to find or decode them. The catch is I have to start paperwork at the DMV, the DMV will refer me to CHP for a VIN assignment, and for the CHP to assign a number the truck has to drive. I guess I should at least pop in a distributor, and see what happens. If everything goes well, they will either give me a title, or a new VIN as a specialy constructed vehicle.
Then If I want to do a cab swap, I am supposed to bring both titles, and get a third VIN generated for my 'new' truck.
I wonder whey the county looses a few hundred thousand dollars each year disposing of abandoned cars?
Still, CHP seemed positive they could figure it out, so the VIN must be there somewhere.
looking at the number under the door on this truck and my Chevy, it looks like a sequential frame stamping number with a different number on each rail.

roger0080 · 07-21-2007, 12:00 AM

Read what Rod has written an shown here in this thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=138336

Then really really hope GMC did the same thing on the frames as Chevrolet.
The important thing you have to hope for at a minimum is that it has stamped the assembly plant AND the serial number.

Given those 2 parts, you can reconstruct the rest of the VIN given that you know whether the original engine was a V8, V6, or straight 6.

Your 68 GMC VIN will look like this:
If it is a V6: CM20D<plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number>
If it is a V8: CE20D<plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number>
If it is a I6: CS20D<plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number>

After the "D" there may or may not be a space or dash.
So your VIN could also look like:
CM20D-<plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number>
-or-
CM20 <plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number>
-or
CM20<plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number>
All legitimate VINs there.

Odds are that on the title paper itself, there is no dash nor space typed on the VIN while the SPID sticker WILL have the dash or space on it, as will the VIN plate on the door.

So if you can find it, plug in the info in the VINs above. If they (the DMV/CHP) can do the search, I would start out by giving them the VIN info without any of the dashes or spaces, just straight out like CE20DPB12345, then try CE20-DPB12345, and finally CE20 DPB12345.

Good luck.

**70C10Toejam** · 07-21-2007, 12:12 AM

with all the "farm" recoveries and such, most states have a way of titleing vehicles without titles and lost VIN #. May be some work, but you should be able to get a title for it.

67CHIP72 · 07-21-2007, 12:16 AM

Does it have the original seat? If so check for build sheet in the springs behind or underneath the seat.

stllookn · 07-21-2007, 09:33 AM

OK...help me out with this one...how does the VIN plate fall off?????? It has to be a very concerted effort to pull a VIN plate. There is not much reason to remove/switch a VIN plate unless switching cabs and trying to maintain legal registration. You are right...the CHP will help...they will confiscate the truck if they find it was stolen or belongs to someone other than the son who sold it to you. Did you get a bill of sale? Not trying to be negative...just don't spend a penny on this until you get it sorted out or just quietly part it out.

xshadow · 07-21-2007, 02:30 PM

I agree asking the police to help is just asking them to take the truck.

07-17-2007, 01:10 AM	#1
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Help I lost my VIN So i got a 68 GMC 3/4 longfleet from the woods. It was left behind by a guy who passed on to truck heaven a few years back. His son said it had sat more than 10 years, and he had no paperwork, and no interest in old trucks. Maybe thats why dad left him? Anyway, I got the truck home, washed out all the mess, and find the VIN plate is removed. Interweb wisdom places another VIN on the frame either above the power steering box, or on the left framerail above the rear tire. I don't see a trace of either one, or any sign of forced removal. If anyone has a good idea of somewhere else to look, I'm all ears. This truck could go back on the road so easily... A pic for the truck porn addicts: v8 conversion, np435, dana60, ac, not running __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars

07-17-2007, 04:55 AM	#2
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	Re: Help I lost my VIN Look on the frame rail right under the drivers door. That's where mine is on my 70 GMC 3/4. Hope this helps? __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.

07-17-2007, 05:25 AM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Help I lost my VIN I would talk to your DMV or whatever before putting a single penny into it. With the nut cas laws you guys have there, they may crush it as soon as they see the VIN is missing. Open the hood, and look on the top of the frame rail on the drivers side... it's back a little ways from the steering gear box. This isn't a plate, it is stamped into the frame. There should also be a sticker in the glove box door with the VIN on it too.

07-17-2007, 05:38 AM	#4
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: Help I lost my VIN My Chevy has the VIN by the steering box, and a LOT more rust in the cab.... So even if the title is dead, I can always get some good parts, then have a tractor accident with the rest. I wish the glove box plate was there, it started life as a nicely equipped V6 2500 truck I think. I wonder if the V8 engine pad is covering the VIN? The one on my Chevy is pretty far ahead for that, but I cold see there being a lot of variation in where the stamp fell. If someone is using the VIN plate that is obviously missing from my cab...I'm not sure how I feel about that. __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars

07-17-2007, 07:02 AM	#5
Pumped 68 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lancaster, CA Posts: 6	Re: Help I lost my VIN I would check Through the drivers side Front windshield where the Dashboard is. look downward at the Dashboard, They put it there sometimes (Towards the Corner should be a small metal plate). also in my 68 C20 its in the Drivers side Door Jamb, nice Metal plate Riveted on near the locking Mechanism on the Cab Frame. Inside the glove box on the glovebox door should be another location. Thats all I can think of off the top of my head, Hope it helps. (Note: some of these are repeats of what others have already said)

07-17-2007, 07:24 AM	#6
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	Re: Help I lost my VIN The VIN on the frame rail is only a partial VIN. And it is stamped into the frame rail, it isn't a tag. If it matches the title, you should be able to get a state issued VIN from the state. At least that is how it worked for me here in Minnesota. The guy checked it all out, had a MN VIN made up (with the same VIN number as on my title), and used special rivits to attach it to my B pillar. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

07-17-2007, 10:33 AM	#7
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	Re: Help I lost my VIN "I would check Through the drivers side Front windshield where the Dashboard is. look downward at the Dashboard, They put it there sometimes (Towards the Corner should be a small metal plate)." Not in 68. I don't think the dashboard VIN tags showed up until the next generation trucks __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL

07-17-2007, 11:26 AM	#9
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Help I lost my VIN save yourself any possible future troubles due to the dubious origan of the truck and chop it up for parts __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-17-2007, 01:37 PM	#10
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: Help I lost my VIN I did find some numbers under the door... 12-4-1 3935813-490 and this is stamped upside down on the outside of the frame rail... I'm not too worried about the numbers, in 10 years of owning vehicles, nobody that knew anything has EVER inspected ANY of my vehicles. Gotta love CA, toughest smog laws ever and NO safety inspection. __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars

07-17-2007, 03:26 PM	#11
GMC AMI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Other Maine! Posts: 2,236	Re: Help I lost my VIN Some states allow a rebuilt new # as my lifted 68 built from other trucks. 3420 is my #. Makes it all legal beagle!

07-18-2007, 05:47 PM	#12
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: Help I lost my VIN It might come to that. I did have a nice chat with the Vin lady at the CHP. She is confident that numbers exist on the frame that will tell them which truck it is, but She can't tell me how to find or decode them. The catch is I have to start paperwork at the DMV, the DMV will refer me to CHP for a VIN assignment, and for the CHP to assign a number the truck has to drive. I guess I should at least pop in a distributor, and see what happens. If everything goes well, they will either give me a title, or a new VIN as a specialy constructed vehicle. Then If I want to do a cab swap, I am supposed to bring both titles, and get a third VIN generated for my 'new' truck. I wonder whey the county looses a few hundred thousand dollars each year disposing of abandoned cars? Still, CHP seemed positive they could figure it out, so the VIN must be there somewhere. looking at the number under the door on this truck and my Chevy, it looks like a sequential frame stamping number with a different number on each rail. __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars

07-21-2007, 12:00 AM	#13
roger0080 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Carver County, Minnesota, USA Posts: 626	Re: Help I lost my VIN Read what Rod has written an shown here in this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=138336 Then really really hope GMC did the same thing on the frames as Chevrolet. The important thing you have to hope for at a minimum is that it has stamped the assembly plant AND the serial number. Given those 2 parts, you can reconstruct the rest of the VIN given that you know whether the original engine was a V8, V6, or straight 6. Your 68 GMC VIN will look like this: If it is a V6: CM20D<plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number> If it is a V8: CE20D<plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number> If it is a I6: CS20D<plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number> After the "D" there may or may not be a space or dash. So your VIN could also look like: CM20D-<plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number> -or- CM20 <plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number> -or CM20<plantcode>B<5-digit-serial-number> All legitimate VINs there. Odds are that on the title paper itself, there is no dash nor space typed on the VIN while the SPID sticker WILL have the dash or space on it, as will the VIN plate on the door. So if you can find it, plug in the info in the VINs above. If they (the DMV/CHP) can do the search, I would start out by giving them the VIN info without any of the dashes or spaces, just straight out like CE20DPB12345, then try CE20-DPB12345, and finally CE20 DPB12345. Good luck. __________________ 72 Chev C-10 90% restored (former AZ truck) ... 71 Chev K-20 Cheyenne my vacation crusier... 72 Chev C-10 Now retired and striped after many faithful miles... 72 GMC 1500 Retired to the junk yard after bought new in '71...

07-21-2007, 12:12 AM	#14
70C10Toejam Hellasick Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Death Moans, IA Posts: 876	Re: Help I lost my VIN with all the "farm" recoveries and such, most states have a way of titleing vehicles without titles and lost VIN #. May be some work, but you should be able to get a title for it. __________________ I keep two MAGNUMS in my desk. One's a gun, and I keep it loaded. The other's a bottle and it keeps ME loaded. I'm Tracer Bullet. (Calvin and Hobbes) This life was a test. It was only a test. If this had been an actual life, you would have received instructions on where to go and what to do. RED meat is not bad for you...FUZZY BLUE/GREEN MEAT is bad for you!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUILT FORD TOUGH WITH CHEVY STUFF--sticker at Goodguys

07-21-2007, 12:16 AM	#15
67CHIP72 STOLEN Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 1,022	Re: Help I lost my VIN Does it have the original seat? If so check for build sheet in the springs behind or underneath the seat. __________________ In Search Of

07-21-2007, 09:33 AM	#16
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: Help I lost my VIN OK...help me out with this one...how does the VIN plate fall off?????? It has to be a very concerted effort to pull a VIN plate. There is not much reason to remove/switch a VIN plate unless switching cabs and trying to maintain legal registration. You are right...the CHP will help...they will confiscate the truck if they find it was stolen or belongs to someone other than the son who sold it to you. Did you get a bill of sale? Not trying to be negative...just don't spend a penny on this until you get it sorted out or just quietly part it out. __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)



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07-21-2007, 02:30 PM	#17
xshadow Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: va Posts: 553	Re: Help I lost my VIN I agree asking the police to help is just asking them to take the truck.

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