VIN Question - then a body question.

EAK69

EAK69

Member
I am talking to a guy about buying a 'driveable frame' (frame, wheels, engine, trans and nothing else) but he has only owned the frame and does not know what the BODY style was - so how does one determine that - or does it even matter?

I get the serial number thing - the one he has was built in Sept 1930. The title is gone and AZ told me to go online to do some research - so it seems to be two separate questions.

Thanks in advanced!
 
I have described my getting a title in Cow Hampshire for my 1930ish AA truck. Of course I was titling ONLY the frame/engine/front/rear axles/steering column.

It was stripped down. I had only a bill of sale from the former owner in Connecticut. And a former CT registration showing those particular numbers - but not a title.

But I did have good confirmation of the VID numbers - and the nice woman police-person DID examine them pretty closely - both on the engine AND on the frame (after I pointed out the location - otherwise she would have never known.)

But I called it a 1-1/2 ton Model AA Truck (written like that on the application for title.) No mention of body style. It could well have been CC or it could have been roadster pickup style, or it could have been aftermarket custom body.

Maybe you can do the same? Describe the chassis as September 1930 Model A Passenger Car - and leave it at that. Or if you have some inclination of one body style over another FOR YOURSELF then reveal the additional information. Otherwise don't tie it down and see if it's accepted?

I don't really think it matters. Once you pay the money, and they read the numbers, it could be a wheelbarrow for all they really care.

At least in Cow Hampshire. Your state DMV may be different.

Joe K
 
EAK69 said:
I am talking to a guy about buying a 'driveable frame' (frame, wheels, engine, trans and nothing else) but he has only owned the frame and does not know what the BODY style was - so how does one determine that - or does it even matter?

I get the serial number thing - the one he has was built in Sept 1930. The title is gone and AZ told me to go online to do some research - so it seems to be two separate questions.

Thanks in advanced!
Click to expand...

You can't determine the body style from the number.

As for using the frame number for an assembled car title, like it was said the number and the title were most likely used for a hot rod.
 
Joe, my experience in NH was significantly different.:)

When I went to town hall to register my 1919 T with only a bill of sale from my mom.
I was told that all I needed was to have the VIN confirmed.
Since the T did not have a VIN - any number would do so I used the motor number.
I filled out the form and asked how to get it confirmed. :confused:
The clerk asked me to wait a minute and a few seconds later the Chief of Police said that he could do it in a few minutes.

We met a my home and spent about 45 minutes talking about the T
He finally said I guess I should sign this -
I pointed to the number on the block, he smiled and signed the paper.
I had plates about an hour later.
It would have been faster but I had lunch before returning to town hall.:D

I am guessing that it will be the same for the Model A -

Almost forgot - The chief is responsible for the local Memorial Day parade and he asked me if I would participate.
As the parade time got closer two of his officers came by to make sure I remembered the date and to see the car.
Since then the officers and Chief wave at me even when I am in my modern car.

This is a lot different than when I was a teen:mad:

If this was Massachusetts the story would be significantly different -:eek:
 
If you have the cowl you can at least tell if it was a closed or open body.I'm assuming you have at least part of the cowl to hold up the steering wheel and gas tank or it wouldn't be very driveable. If the hinges are there you might be able to make a good guess.
 
Rusty Homestead Fl said:
Beware that the body may have been used as a street rod and the title went with it.
Click to expand...

That is a fear my buddy and I brought up yesterday. I will have to get ahold of the AZ DMV to see if it was already titled - and who has it.... if there is one out there.

Dave Mellor NJ said:
If you have the cowl you can at least tell if it was a closed or open body.I'm assuming you have at least part of the cowl to hold up the steering wheel and gas tank or it wouldn't be very driveable. If the hinges are there you might be able to make a good guess.
Click to expand...

I have neither - the steering wheel is supported by a piece of wood at best...
 
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