VIN plate question

[55Chev]

Hi guys, I just purchased a 1955 first series truck 2 months ago, I went to register the truck and found out there is no numbers on the truck anywhere. I did some research and found out that there is no numbers stamped anywhere but the door pillar plate (Which is missing). I called the previous owner that sold me the truck and he informed me that when they were doing the tear down to the restore that the plate was so rusted and damaged that it just fell apart (I purchased the truck in pieces from him). When I got the paperwork from him he gave me a title from 1965 and a blank VIN plate. What should I do in this situation? I read of a couple people just stamping there VIN (in this case it is the engine serial number) on the plate and reinstalling it and getting it checked by the local DMV? Any info or advice would help. Thanks Guys

[S10Fan]

Welcome to the forum!

First of all I'd check the laws where the truck will be registered.

I believe a motor number is all you'll have for ID purposes.

[55Chev]

Originally Posted by S10Fan

Welcome to the forum!

First of all I'd check the laws where the truck will be registered.

I believe a motor number is all you'll have for ID purposes.

Thank you !!

Im in California, I don't have the original motor anymore.
Posted via Mobile Device

[starterman99]

Originally Posted by 55Chev

Thank you !!

Im in California, I don't have the original motor anymore.
Posted via Mobile Device

keep us posted as i am going to have to do this at some point also.I also live in California and the original motor is long gone.I have a clear title and truck is supose to be nonop thru dmv.

[_Ogre]

part of the vin should be stamped on the top of the frame behind the steering box
i believe it is only the 6 letters without the production number
lmc truck has a good vin decoder on page 9 of their catalog lmctruck.com/icatalog/Page=9

i would suggest that you get the title and paperwork figured out before you spent 1 cent on that truck

55chev? 10,000 members on here and no one chose 55chev for a name before


edit; just realized it is a 1st series truck. the info above is for 2nd series

[andyd00]

Do you want the original VIN or would it be ok for a new VIN? I don't know first hand. But I've heard you just apply for a new VIN at the DMV and a police officer will have to show up and inspect the truck for theft. Once approved, you get a new VIN number. At least that's how someone I knew did it in Indiana. Obviously the new VIN digits will be higher than one on a 50's vehicle.

[55Chev]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

part of the vin should be stamped on the top of the frame behind the steering box
i believe it is only the 6 letters without the production number
lmc truck has a good vin decoder on page 9 of their catalog lmctruck.com/icatalog/Page=9

i would suggest that you get the title and paperwork figured out before you spent 1 cent on that truck

55chev? 10,000 members on here and no one chose 55chev for a name before


edit; just realized it is a 1st series truck. the info above is for 2nd series

What do you guys think my options are? I called the local CHP and they can not issue a new VIN if they can not find the orginal one on the truck.

[mr48chev]

Well a rusty falling apart plate would be better than no plate and at would least give you the correct fount and size of the numbers and letters and the pattern they were laid out in although I think I can look at the three or four I have on the place and none have a real set pattern.
Years ago before it became an issue guys routinely took the plate off the door post when they redid or just painted the trucks or in the case of my truck just painted over the original plate.

[OrrieG]

Hopefully someone in CA that has been thru the process can help you. Worst case is you might have to register it in another state that assigns vin numbers on rods, then transfer the registration to CA. If his name is on the 65 title and bill of sale you might be able to get a bonded title and assigned vin number.

[55Chev]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

Well a rusty falling apart plate would be better than no plate and at would least give you the correct fount and size of the numbers and letters and the pattern they were laid out in although I think I can look at the three or four I have on the place and none have a real set pattern.
Years ago before it became an issue guys routinely took the plate off the door post when they redid or just painted the trucks or in the case of my truck just painted over the original plate.

Does anyone know what the font size was to stamp on the plate? 1/8" 1/4" stamp?

The last time I had to get a car inspected (64 Riveria) the girl at the DMV didnt even know where or how to read the plate

[mr48chev]

All I know is that the two sets of stamps I have don't match my old vin plate. I've been hunting for the right ones off and on for quite a while.

[55Chev]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

All I know is that the two sets of stamps I have don't match my old vin plate. I've been hunting for the right ones off and on for quite a while.

Do you know what sizes they are?

[OrrieG]

I think I read somewhere they are a unique size and font used only for that purpose and were not allowed to be reproduced for obvious reasons. But I have also seen restamped vin plates so someone has a set. I would start searching, but would also go to the DMV, maybe one in a small town, and talk to the counter person. Years ago I found a counter person in a small town outside of Boise that had restored the same model Mustang as I did with my daughter. From then until she retired a few years ago (over 20 years) I had smooth sailing with my titles, vanity plates, etc. Maybe you can find the same.