Ven Plate

3

31dan

Junior Member
Did the Model A have a Ven plate or was that info stamped on the frame. My 31 truck doesn't have one. I have the title but I don't know if anything has been changed on it. I also like to know if this hurts the resale value.
 
I assume you are asking about a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate. The Model A was identified with the serial number stamped into a boss on the side of the engine. This number also appears a second place on top of the left frame rail but it is covered by the body. See post number 2 here: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=276455&highlight=vin+location You should add your general location to your profile as it might affect the answer. I live in California. I probably wouldn't buy a vehicle unless it had a title and a matching visible number on the vehicle. Not being able to locate the number definitely hurts the resale value.

Charlie Stephens
 
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Thanks to photo supplier.
 

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Ford numbered all model A engines beginning with the prefix "A" for cars and "AA" for trucks followed by the linear number. Ford of Canada was the only real exception to that since they had there own serial numbering system. There are lists on various sites that will give an approximate time of manufacture and it is usually month and year only. Engines get traded around so it's not uncommon to have an earlier or later engine number compared to the frame number. Engines and frames can be corroded to the point that numbers can't be seen easily or at all in some cases.

If the number above the left side engine coolant port matches the title, you're good to go
 
it wont hurt the resale value if youre truck is a nice driver.


if its a 1000 point show truck, well that's another story.
 
ronn said:
it wont hurt the resale value if youre truck is a nice driver.


if its a 1000 point show truck, well that's another story.
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Ronn,

I don’t agree with you on this one. I am basing this on what I know as a person living in California. I sure wish Dan would add his general location to his profile. Worst case if the number on the title and registration cannot be located on the vehicle you might be in for trouble. A policeman could have the vehicle impounded if you could not show that was the one on the registration. Once in the impound yard you would have to pay them to disassemble the vehicle to look for a number on the frame. If you had an accident your insurance company could refuse to pay if you couldn’t show the vehicle in the accident was the one they had insured. If you sell the vehicle a potential buyer will either walk away of offer less knowing they are buying a problem.

Charlie Stephens
 
well Charlie,
in that case, 1/2 of the model As out there dont match up. how many truly have their original motor and frame?



a lot of ifs and too much worrying for me.


I understand your concern........
 
Charlie Stephens said:
A sharp inspector in California would impound the car and you might end up in jail. I bet you are glad you don't live in California.

Charlie Stephens
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You can LEGALLY stamp a VALID VIN anywhere you want on your own vehicle. It was a common practice some years ago to engrave the VIN in inconspicuous places on a vehicle to help in the identification in the event that a vehicle was stolen.
 
There is a difference between having an engine that matches the little but not the frame and an engine that does not match either. One is a problem, you guess which one.
 
https://www.google.com/search?ei=K-...hUKEwjLtcPGsJDpAhUKO60KHeEfC00Q4dUDCAw&uact=5

The link are a samples. If a person decides to put additional vehicle ID numbers on their car then it should first be registered to them with good documentation. The original numbers should not be tampered with in any way. This is no guarantee that some other state will find any value in the additional ID markings. Most states have publications that help the officials of that state to find the original number or numbers so don't expect them not to get informed when they need to. Many times it is required for a state police officer to perform verifications of vehicles that are suspect or new to the state.
 
State certified inspection stations do verification in Texas these days. They are authorized by the state but not run by the state. Every state is a bit different.
 
I actually had a CHP Office,r when was inspecting my numbers, advise me to re-stamp the number somewhere on the frame where it would be easy to see.
 
Chris Haynes said:
I actually had a CHP Office,r when was inspecting my numbers, advise me to re-stamp the number somewhere on the frame where it would be easy to see.
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How many years ago was this? I thought at least as far back as 1972 California would put an ID tag on the door jam?

Charlie Stephens
 
On my new to me 40 I haven't looked for the frame serial #, it's painted on the firewall and matched the serial# on the old NH registration. Got a CT VIN verification with no problem.
Paul in CT
 
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