Roadster VIN numbers

Zaemo

Zaemo

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Hey guys, I've got a 30/31 roadster and am having trouble reading the VIN numbers on the front cross channel of the body. It starts with an A, then a 3 or a B (it has some rust pebbling here) then a 1, then there are four numbers that look clear as day. How many digits should the entire VIN be? The whole thing looks like this....

A B(3) 1 XXXX

Thanks,
Chad
 
The number on the cross chanel is not the VIN. The engine # and frame # are the VIN. Various states will regognize one or the other. In Nebraska only the engine # is considered the VIN. Rod
 
As Rowdy says, that's correct. When they installed the engine in the frame they stamped the engine number on the left frame rail near the clutch pedal. Not visible unless you lift the body up so it should be the same as the engine unless the engine was changed.
 
The numbers you are refering to are to the assembly plant id, I myself don't know with out research what plant they designate, i'm sure some one on here more knowledgeable will let you know the particulars.
 
I'm in the state of Georgia and I only need to have someone inspect the numbers to register the vehicle. I am using a '32 frame that has numbers but I don't want to use those, although I could. I don't want it registered as a '32. The engine is a later flathead as well. I remember my coupe having the same numbers on the firewall tag as well. Didn't they all match? State of Georgia isn't all that fussy when it comes to this, I was just hoping to make it more legitimate if I sell it out of state.
I guess I'll just use the numbers I can see. I was hoping for a "Numbers must be (X) digits long," statement.

Thanks,
Chad
 
Zaemo said:
I'm in the state of Georgia and I only need to have someone inspect the numbers to register the vehicle. I am using a '32 frame that has numbers but I don't want to use those, although I could. I don't want it registered as a '32. The engine is a later flathead as well. I remember my coupe having the same numbers on the firewall tag as well. Didn't they all match? State of Georgia isn't all that fussy when it comes to this, I was just hoping to make it more legitimate if I sell it out of state.
I guess I'll just use the numbers I can see. I was hoping for a "Numbers must be (X) digits long," statement.

Thanks,
Chad
Click to expand...
The firewall tag has absolutely nothing to do with the engine/frame numbers that were used as the VIN.
 
Assuming that your car is a '30/31, then the VIN would be A, followed by 7 digits. Sounds like you might have a later engine. Can you see the engine number on the driver's side of the block? Should be stamped just below the head.

If the engine and frame were original, then yes, the engine number and frame number would match. The frame number is not the number on the cross member that is visible beneath the floorboard. That is the number that identifies the place of assembly and numerical order of the car, and those numbers bear no relationship to the VIN. The VIN on the frame is only visible by lifting the body, and would be approximately below the gas tank on the driver's side on the top of the frame rail.

Is the car currently registered? If so, does the registration number match the engine number? If it does, that should be all you need.
 
He just started with a Model A body. (No VIN)

He has a 1932 frame (No VIN)

He has a V8 flathead engine also. (No VIN)

You might want to buy a title from some of the resources out there. Or you may wind up making up a number that is already registered to someone. There are still a lot of Model As around.

That body number may be the same as another body because it's just info about the plant is was assembled at, not special info about only that vehicle.
 
Elrod said:
He just started with a Model A body. (No VIN)

...That body number may be the same as another body because it's just info about the plant is was assembled at, not special info about only that vehicle.
Click to expand...

My understanding is that the body numbers are sequential, and therefore would be unique to the body. Is that not the case?

Joe
 
Zaemo said:
I am using a '32 frame that has numbers but I don't want to use those, although I could. I don't want it registered as a '32.
Click to expand...

You can still use the 32 VIN you say is stamped on the frame and still title it as a 30. The DMV won't know the difference. They will take your word for it that it is a 30.
When I titled my 29 A I built here is CA, I made up a vin, stamped it on a brass tag and riveted it to my firewall. It was good enought to pass my VIN inspection.
All they want to do is see a number on the car so they can certify your title.
 
Thanks for your info, guys. I have read that paper by Dave Sturges and was in contact with him.

What I have never seen is any kind of 1930 started with "this" number and ended with "this" number, or 1931 starts "here" and ends "here."

Can the numbers on my body determine if it's a '30 or '31?

Z
 
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