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Discussion Topic:
VIN# help needed
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Ride75 |
03-12-2010 @ 11:33 AM
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We bought a Ford F-100 sh*ll dated best we can figure between a 49 and 52 but really not sure. There is no title and we are trying to figure out how we can get one. We did find the vin plate on the fire wall. It contains stars, numbers, and letters with a total of 15 characters. The DMV has so far not been able to help us and I am trying to get in touch with the District Inspector. What do we do from here?
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supereal |
03-12-2010 @ 12:54 PM
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If the data on the plate is readable, I'd post it here for better advice. Most DMV records do not go back that far, and "homeland security" regulations prevent most efforts to track the number. Depending upon your jurisiction, if the plate is riveted to the firewall, and appears genuine, your DMV may allow you to use it to apply for a title, perhaps of the "bonded" variety. From the photo, it looks like it will be a tough and expensive project.
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Ride75 |
03-12-2010 @ 1:20 PM
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I told my husband he is looking at 20 years and $40k haha. His intention is to restore it with our 4 kids. More of a bonding project I suspect. The plate is covered in paint but I will try to find a year. I was told about the bonding process by a not so helpful state inspector. I have seen on-line where you can buy a rolling chassis with a title. I asked her if we could just put the sh*ll on one of them and use that title and she never would give me an answer. Is this an option?
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JebNY |
03-12-2010 @ 3:16 PM
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If I'm seeing the raised panels corectly on the bed sides that would narrow the year to 1948, 49, early 50. They switch to flat panels behind the fenders during 1950 production. There is very little to tell those 3 years apart from a photo other than serial number. Some paint pin striping (probably gone) chrome versus painted trim on wind wing frame upright, etc. The 48 had a slightly different variation of the flathead V8 if it is an eight. I think the 6s were pretty much the same.
Jim... 1950 F1 Stake
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trjford8 |
03-12-2010 @ 6:39 PM
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On the F-1 pickup you will find a frame number on top of the right frame rail between the firewall and the front crossmember. This number should match the number on the I.D. plate that is on the inside of the glovebox door or the plate on the firewall.Most states require a frame # for registration purposes. I would not spend any money on this truck unless you can get an ownership certificate. From your photo this looks like a major project that could cost a lot more than the truck is worth. I don't want to discourage anyone from saving an old Ford, but sometimes they may not have enough good parts to be saved. If your husband is a novice at this type of project he needs to talk to people who have had experience in restoring cars. It will help him to keep from making some costly mistakes.
This message was edited by trjford8 on 3-12-10 @ 6:59 PM
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Ride75 |
03-13-2010 @ 5:08 AM
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We are going to work on taking the body off of the frame tomorrow hopefully if the weather stays nice. The plate in the glove box is gone but the one on the fire wall is *98R6*396153*HP. If this means anything I would love to know. We used oven cleaner to get enough paint off to read it. Thanks for everyones help.
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supereal |
03-13-2010 @ 8:59 AM
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Tom is giving you excellent advice regarding finding finding a more suitable truck or car for your first venture into restoration. Pickups are an excellent first project, and decent examples are still usually priced within reason. We are often asked about this subject at our shop, and we always strongly suggest that a candidate for even the most modest restoration should be drivable when bought, and with a clear, verifiable, title included. That way, if you lose interest or find yourself in over your head in the money or skill department, you should be able to recover some of the cost.
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51f1 |
03-13-2010 @ 2:27 PM
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*98R6*396153*HP That's probably 98RC. The 9 indicates a '49 model. The 8RC indicates an F-1 with a 239 8-cylinder engine, however, the same designation was continued into 1951, so it could be a '49, '50, or early '51 model. Although most literature claims that the change-over to the later model numbers occurred on September 15, 1951, many of us with trucks manufactured early in calender year 1951 have the later style model number, e.g., *F1R1SR18046*. Someone who has the serial numbers by year could tell you in which year it was actually built. Sometimes, the number stamped into the cowl has the date built. That depends upon where it was made. The cowl numbers are inconsistent from plant to plant.
Richard
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trjford8 |
03-13-2010 @ 4:58 PM
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If you can find the frame number on the top of the right side frame rail I have a book that can interpret the #. This would be the most accurate way to determine the specifics of your truck. If you are trying to get paper work on the truck most states require a frame number.
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Norm |
03-13-2010 @ 5:59 PM
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I have a '48 F-1 which is, of course, the same as '49 and '50. My VIN is on a metal tag on the inside of the glove box door. Norm
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