ModelA29
Well-known member
The frame stamping on the 32 Ford was still under the body. There was no number stamped on the B block. The number went on top of the flywheel housing.
This made more sense because it was swapped out less than the engine.
Vin
- Thread starter mattgic
- Start date
This made more sense because it was swapped out less than the engine.
Randy in ca
Well-known member
To a point it's not really that surprising that the DMV, etc. employees seem like they're a little sick and tired of dealing with individuals and their VIN/Serial number problems. There are so many differences and associated problems with all the different makes, number types and locations, fraud, thefts, etc., etc. even with the so-called standard VIN system that has been in use for many years now. Many (or most) have had duplicate numbers stamped in numerous locations for many years. These are referred to as CON VIN's - short for Confidential VIN. See the link below for a rather extensive look at this system. A lot easier to change an engine than a frame - perhaps the frame number on a Model A originally was and should still be considered as a CON Serial Number?!!
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https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/where-is-the-vin-number-on-a-car/
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https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/where-is-the-vin-number-on-a-car/
Mulletwagon
Well-known member
The concept of a "VIN" number was not formalized until 1955. This whole engine number/frame number thing continues to be a source of registration irritation for Model A owners and varies by state. The issue is the worst for registering a Model A bought out of state. The simplest route to registering from out of state is to ensure the engine number matches the number on the title. In many states a law officer must physically see the engine number and verify it matches the title (if no state VIN has been assigned). In FL the engine number must be verified by a notary agent. Cases where the numbers do not match are often nightmarish with some cases that can not be resolved due to unrealistic DMV personnel demands. Understandably, the original engine remaining in a 90+ year old vehicle is unrealistic. Engine rebuilders will typically restamp an engine with numbers of the owner's request. The question of legal verses practical is up to the owner - but the quiet advice I always hear is do what is necessary to simplify registration for future owners of your Model A - many not yet born (LOL).
Keith True
Well-known member
My 30 Coupe was damaged in a fire,and a few months ago I stripped the ruined body off it.It has a super clean frame,with a very thin coating of paint on it.Reading here I got to thinking,and went out to check the frame number.It has none.No sign of ever having had one,and no sign of one being ground off.Frame is too clean,smooth,and straight to have had a spot ground down.This is not the first frame I have had or seen with no numbers.A poultry farmer in town brought his and his families collection of A iron down here from Canada over a 30 year period,I got a half dozen frames from him with no numbers.
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rackops
Senior Member
Yes sir, they did.
I own one and was recently offered parts off another, also numbered with the CA. Where I'm _unsure_ is when they stopped doing it. Everything I have experienced is with the 1928s. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Back to the original post, I see the poster is from Virginia. If they are looking for the number to register the vehicle, the engine number is the easiest. If that's not available, however, the Virginia DMV can issue a new VIN as a "reconstructed" vehicle. There are some hoops to jump through, but the vehicle will end up with a standard 17-digit VIN and will never be questioned again.
When I moved my car from CA to WA in the 70's I had to have it inspected before licensing. The inspection officer wanted to see the frame vin even though I had a CA title from 1959. When he told me that I went over his head to his superior and he approved the engine number. Needless to say, the inspection officer was really ticked at me, but he had to accept it. He was just trying to assert his influence I guess!!
Mine is on a custom-stamped plate that I found riveted to the frame beneath the driver's floorwood. Just happened to see it as I was replacing the wood after fixing the emergencybrake.
Am trying to register mine and couldn't find the VIN. Engine stamp is a different number than that on the seller's Indiana title which hasn't even a field for engine number. Florida DMV had told me I'd have to remove the body. I second an above poster's point about hopefully having an out-of-state title's VIN matching that of the engine.
Am trying to register mine and couldn't find the VIN. Engine stamp is a different number than that on the seller's Indiana title which hasn't even a field for engine number. Florida DMV had told me I'd have to remove the body. I second an above poster's point about hopefully having an out-of-state title's VIN matching that of the engine.
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