Late 57

[Blanco_53]

Did they make late 57 trucks with the dual headlights?

[OrrieG]

no, but the 1958 model year started in September back then and some states used the purchase date as the title model year. So you could buy a 58 3100 in October and it would be titled as a 1957 for the States purpose even though the VIN is 3A58xxxxxx.

[Blanco_53]

Thank you, I was just asking because I'm looking at purchasing one that looks like a 58/59 but the vin and title have it as a 57.

[dubds10]

The front end could've been swapped of course.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

the VIN is 3A58xxxxxx.

make sure the vin on the title is 58 even if it is titled as 57 (original v8 truck will start with V)

[Blanco_53]

The vin on the title shows 3a57j xxxx

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by dubds10

The front end could've been swapped of course.

then this ^^ would go into effect

or your looking at a vin swap (not good)
the original vin tag is welded to the door frame, not sure where on the 57
in between the drivers door hinges on a 58
the vin is also stamped on the top of the frame above the steering box, make sure the vin's match

post a pic of the hood hinge mounts, 57 and 58 have different locations for the holes
also the frame is a few inches longer on the 58, so the bumper brackets would be modified

[1project2many]

57 VIN is at top of door opening, about 2" - 4"?? from windshield.

[Blanco_53]

Went by and looked at the truck and the seller is selling as a 57 but frame is 59 vin

[Trucknut57]

Try this one on for size:

Got a truck in California, title was good, no vin on the cab (it had fallen off many years before), the vin on the frame by the front axle was partially cut out for a power steering upgrade. Since I lived in California at the time and it was a family transfer, no vin check was done.
Fast forward 5 years, I moved to Washington, had to tag it there, they did a vin check, that was fun. The PD had some fun finding the other VIN on the frame (its on the top of the frame, under the drivers side door). Since that vin matched the title they made me a VIN tag and mounted that tag on the cab, of course, no where near the correct location.
Fast forward another 10 years, found the original frame was pushed to the right by 3 inches. Long story on how that happened. I purchased another frame since the original one was trash.
So, to make a long story end, things do happen to 50+ year old vehicles and sometimes the vin numbers do not match.
Doesn't mean the guy is trying to sell you a stolen truck, it just means you need to research the vin numbers at the local PD.

[Blanco_53]

But why push it as a 57 when anybody who knows the truck is a 58/59 there's no way.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by Blanco_53

Went by and looked at the truck and the seller is selling as a 57 but frame is 59 vin

Did the cab vin match the title?? If the title does not match the frame or cab it is for something else. If it matches the cab, argument can be made for chassis swap, but you should check to make sure the chassis vin does not show up as stolen, salvage or junked.

[Blanco_53]

No the cab has no vin and the frame matches up for a 59 but the seller is insistent that is a late 57 with dual headlights.

[dubds10]

Well it is whatever the VIN says not the seller lol But it really should have a cab vin plate unless you are getting the truck dirt cheap & your state is OK with frame VIN only. But if it had a frame swap it could be a '57 or it could've been a LWB & somebody made it into a SWB. If it is..,

[Blanco_53]

Yea I'd be ok with a 58 or 59 vin being on it but the 57 part is still getting me it's like selling a 60 with a 59 title . And I don't know how Texas is with that

[RanchTruck]

Originally Posted by Trucknut57

So, to make a long story end, things do happen to 50+ year old vehicles and sometimes the vin numbers do not match.
Doesn't mean the guy is trying to sell you a stolen truck, it just means you need to research the vin numbers at the local PD.

Which is why I'm happy New Hampshire doesn't give a damn about titles if it's more than 15yrs old. Bill of sale and a VIN inspection to confirm there's some numbers on the vehicle to tie the registration to and you're good to go.

[Highsider]

Well, everyone knows a '57 is more valuable!

[55dude]

tell the seller you want vin checked out by state patrol and observe his reaction!

[55dude]

Originally Posted by Trucknut57

Try this one on for size:

Got a truck in California, title was good, no vin on the cab (it had fallen off many years before), the vin on the frame by the front axle was partially cut out for a power steering upgrade. Since I lived in California at the time and it was a family transfer, no vin check was done.
Fast forward 5 years, I moved to Washington, had to tag it there, they did a vin check, that was fun. The PD had some fun finding the other VIN on the frame (its on the top of the frame, under the drivers side door). Since that vin matched the title they made me a VIN tag and mounted that tag on the cab, of course, no where near the correct location.
Fast forward another 10 years, found the original frame was pushed to the right by 3 inches. Long story on how that happened. I purchased another frame since the original one was trash.
So, to make a long story end, things do happen to 50+ year old vehicles and sometimes the vin numbers do not match.
Doesn't mean the guy is trying to sell you a stolen truck, it just means you need to research the vin numbers at the local PD.

that must have been long ago since washington state no longer does physical vin check! that used to be a huge pain in the ass and it took forever to get appointment to have it checked!