1947 vin or serial number

vintrex

vintrex

Member
Hello all, Well my latest problem with my 47 has become getting the paperwork completed in Louisiana. My original title which was a Pennsylvania title did not have the year of manufacture in the title so that gave reason for inspection. At that point the issue of finding a Vin number or serial number on the vehicle became paramount. If anyone knows the location or can send a picture of the exact location where the van/serial number can be located on a 47 sedan I would greatly appreciate it
 
There is not an exact location, it can vary. There are three sets, but only one can be seen with the body on. VanPelt has a good writeup on the serial numbers. The one you can see will be on the left upper frame rail anywhere from the firewall to beside the front crossmember. They can be very difficult to see sometimes.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialnumbers.htm
 
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Vintrex, my SN is on the the left front frame rail just behind the radiator. Depending on the state of your frame, you may have to sand off some of the rust etc. so see it. Trust us, it's there.

Best of luck and welcome to the Barn....Dick.
 
The number on my 46 is on the driver side frame rail above the axle. Rather than sanding the area, you would be well served to use a scotch brite pad. The stampings are not very deep and sanding would likely make them illegible. Good luck.
 
Look right in front of the steering box mount, should be between there and the front crossmember.
Wire brush can be very helpful.
 
Instructions above are right on. It took me quite a while to find it on my 48, and I still can't make out the whole thing. If you've still got the original ******, it should be stamped on the top of the bellhousing. You'll need to remove the front floorboard to see it, which isn't a hard job.
 

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Being a '47 your serial number should start with 799, in my 3 year search on buying and old Ford, I passed on a lot of cars where I couldn't find the serial number. I hope your DMV is easier to work with than mine was.
 
On my '48 the SN# is on the top of the left frame rail just in front of the front crossmember. It starts with 899A-#######. There's a star at the beginning and the end. Some of the numbers are not stamped very deep, so be careful when trying to find them. Scotch-Brite is probably your best bet.
 
When you find them rub with a piece of chalk and wipe off will generally make the numbers show up. Also take a picture for future reference.
 
I did find it. It was on the driver's side next to the radiator. Thank you all for the help and information.

As mentioned I'm in Louisiana and had to go to these lengths because the year was not on the original title. Yeah! Thanks Louisiana for being so thorough.🤔
 
Hello all!

Thank you for all the help...thank you, thank you, thanks! Just an update. Had the vehicle inspected and now have it registered and titled and can begin work.��
 
I'm glad you got it done. I got very lucky. My sheriff dept didn't want to climb onto my trailer to look for the vin. He told me since I knew where it was for me too get up there and read it to him.
It may not be totally legal but I had a firewall plate made with the vin. Most people won't know the difference.
 
vintrex said:
After this I wondered if a VIN plate could be purchased and installed or if it could be stamped elsewhere.
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The state of California will install a VIN plate to the door jam of your car (and a couple of more on the frame). Buying and installing an aftermarket VIN tag would probably cause more problems than it would solve.

Charlie Stephens
 
I am concerned about the current number location getting painted over or fading due to rust and age. I will be doing a "gradual long term" restoration so for now I filled the numbers with white and then lightly sanded the area so they stand out....then covered with a clear.
 
Be very careful messing with the serial number and/or adding an addition plate or location. It can be illegal in a lot of locations. The number has been were it is for 70 years and has survived. If fact it is difficult to remove numbers stamped into the frame, the stamp upsets the metal and it can still be "raised" even if it is ground off. Painting over it would protect it, not deteriorate it. I would take some good photos of it if you want an easier way to show the number.
 
vintrex said:
Hello all, Well my latest problem with my 47 has become getting the paperwork completed in Louisiana. My original title which was a Pennsylvania title did not have the year of manufacture in the title so that gave reason for inspection. At that point the issue of finding a Vin number or serial number on the vehicle became paramount. If anyone knows the location or can send a picture of the exact location where the van/serial number can be located on a 47 sedan I would greatly appreciate it
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That's odd. My '41 came from Pa, never left the state, and had everything except the vehicle weight. Had to take a guess for NY.
 
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