Numbers Ground

30ccpickup

30ccpickup

Well-known member
I am looking to add a second vehicle to my single car collection. It has a valid Indiana title, but it is obvious that the engine numbers have been ground off and new numbers stamped in their place. The car and engine have been together for a very long time and I am sure the title will be approved by the state, but should I be worried that it will be scrutinized at a later date? I do not believe any illegal activity has taken place, but it is the way it is, with some of these old Model A’s.
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The numbers are the same, but it seems like I have read where some states are making you lift the body and start all over, eventhough the vehicle has been registered for years.
 
I would guess that the engine was changed so they transferred the old engine number. Also I think I would want to see what the frame number is before going to the dmv.
 
I really think the 'lifting of the body' is an old wise tale. Even if they wanted to see the engine number, who in the dmv is going to know what they are supposed to look like. If you say it is obvious, is it obvious to you cause you know what they are supposed to look like or because it is a poor grinding job. If it is poor grinding, try to sweeten it up a little and as stated above spray a few coats of paint over it, then before it is dry press some 80 grit sandpaper and spray it again...Shouldn't be too big of a deal
 
You've got an Indiana title and you live in Indiana. What's not to like?? The state liked it once, should be no problem a 2nd time and as long as "visible" #'s match the title, if you decide to sell should be no problem. The impt thing is you've got a title. JMO
Paul in CT
 
Caught me sleeping, Steve!
"ON a side note, Cool hand, I was not aware they had skid steers in 33, and your grandfather was aweful young....;)"

I changed the photo because the one of Grandpa was hard to see. I forgot about the caption. The new one is my grandson so it skips three generations. I think.
 
It is not mine yet, we are still in negotiation. I just wanted to free some of my worries before I offered more.
 
30ccpickup said:
It is not mine yet, we are still in negotiation. I just wanted to free some of my worries before I offered more.
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Make the final offer contingent on a clean transfer, and have the seller go with you to the motor vehicle department.

Joe
 
It is sweet looking, I too really like the colors, hope you get it, good luck I really don't think you will have any issues. In Maryland no one has ever asked to physically see any of the vehicles I have titled. I was actually surprised at how easy my last one went titled and registered with lifetime historic tags 50 bucks and unrestored DOM tags also registered 10 bucks in and out in 20 minutes of course I also had to pay the sales tax
 
If the chassis (frame) # matches the title, you should be home free. Engines are changed in many vehicles all over the world without issues.
 
playing devil's advocate.....what if the numbers are on an assembled restored vehicle are are not accessible because the body is on the from or worse....they are there but dont match the title or the motor.....what options are left?
 
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