Find out more about my '37 fordor

farmertom

farmertom

Senior Member
I know little about my '37. bought from local dealer from family of deceased man that had owned since 1956.i possible could be third owner. not sure if i should put vin on ford forum. Tom.
 
The VIN is not going to give you any information. It is nearly impossible to track down the history of a V8 Ford unless you have received it via word of mouth from past owners.
 
The fact that the VIN is visible through the windshield on modern cars says there is probably no need to hide it. If you are concerned used "XX" for the last numbers. The VIN will give you some information. Was it the first car made, the last car, was it made about at a design change? Was it an export model? Did it have the big V8 or the small one. To find out where it fit in production see:http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialnumbers.htm . The VIN on the paperwork should match the number and can be found on the frame near the steering. If it doesn't match the sooner you get it resolved the better (this should be your top priority). The "font" of the stamping should match the font shown on the site I referenced. There are also other locations shown on the site I referenced earlier. The number stamped into the transmission case is generally not used since transmissions were frequently changed.

Another thing about the VIN. It is the serial number of the engine and there is a time before the car was assembled depend on how far the assembly plant from the Rouge plant where all the engines were made.

Charlie Stephens
 
Charlie is correct. I should clarify, the VIN won't give you information you can use to track the number of past owners, where the car has been. It also won't give you details about body type, color and interior like modern VIN's will.
 
Due to privacy laws you will not get anything from your local DMV. If you have any old registration papers, repair slips, or a past owner, that is the only way to trace the history.
 
Thanks gentlemen,kinda what i thought privacy laws,which are a good thing.i would expect the same for me as well.iv'e had the '37 for 4 yrs and contemplated contacting the children of the man that owned the old ford but stopped short because of privacy. the '37 has brought me many hrs of pleasure and relaxation blood sweat, pain,and stiffness,but still satisfying.the car had 74k mi.on the odo when i got it. iv'e been under hood,chassis many times in last 4yrs attending to maintainence such as new rad hoses,carb,brake light switch,which was like a archeology dig iv'e never seen so much dirt an grease caked on a car or motorcycle part.replaced spark plugs twice to sort of see what is going on indside.under dash which is not as fun as used to be at my 73 yr body which is rusty{artritic} and 2 hip replacements.new led headlght and dash light bulbs,modern radial tires,numerous engine oil changes,trans and diff changes chassis lube jobs. man i would love to have a hoist.all done in garage floor and driveway. i wired installed a third led brake light which is probably the biggest safety imp.other than brke switch.damn distracted drivers.improving vareous grounds on body/chassis.especially the frayed and totally green corroded block to fire wall strap.i believe the old guy took really good care of the old girl for many yrs.since 1956 but in his last few not so much. Tom.
 
Sounds like an “old guy” is still taking really good care of your car.....LOL....some pics would be nice.....Mark
 
thanks Mark,correct a mundo on the old guy thing. i bought my 2nd pair of sketchers slip-in shoes just before my 2nd hip replacement dec 14th'23. if there good enough for Tony Romo there good enough for me.Heh. not new to cell phones just smart phones and computers soon as i figure out how to send pic and vids to the barn i will share.
 
The 17 digit VIN didn’t start until 1980, so most DMV’s don’t have records computerized before that date. In New York State the counties supply the space and employees for the local DMV’s, but the state supplies the terminals, printers and communications.
 
Tell the family of the previous owner your interested in any and all paper information and parts. No telling what they may fine.
 
My 1937 Ford serial is 3514381, making it an early production car.

No need to fear posting that Ford number.

No one can do anything with that number.
 
TonyM,my '37s #3416797.i assume just a tad earlier down the assy. line maybe same day build? it would be cool to find out the dealer that sold new. Tom.
 
Most families would be willing to tell tales. I wouldn't try to contact more than once and just leave a number. Subject may come up at the next family get together.
 
farmertom said:
TonyM,my '37s #3416797.i assume just a tad earlier down the assy. line maybe same day build? it would be cool to find out the dealer that sold new. Tom.
Click to expand...

That number can tell you about when the original engine and transmission were mated. Your engine and trans were mated some time in mid November 1936. Very early in 1937 model year production.
 
farmertom said:
TonyM,my '37s #3416797.i assume just a tad earlier down the assy. line maybe same day build? it would be cool to find out the dealer that sold new. Tom.
Click to expand...

Farmertom, the difference between your serial number and TonyM's is 97,584, which make yours about a month earlier than TonyM's. Even so, it is theoretically possible (however unlikely) that both engine assemblies could have wound up on the same assembly line somewhere in these United States on the same day, but I like the odds on winning the Lottery better than taking that bet. :D
 
 
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