RUIN4T1ON

Searched around for the block number stamped on the outside, drivers side frame rail. After a ton of scraping and wirebrushing the only number I found was located just behind the gas tank cross member, behind the wheel/axle, and just forward of the fill tube (pictured). Anyone have an idea if this (231426) is the original block number? The P prefix seems to be missing. Or is it a frame parts number? Any other 38 owners have any pics they can share?

Appreciate the info guys. Fortunately for me, this doesn't seem to be a case of the rogue/evil inspector. I've been out of town on some training, so my wife has been working with him. She said since he's not 100% familiar with this era of cars, he's open to hearing any helpful info I can find (ie. this forum) to figure out the correct way to handle this. @greg gNice! I live in south Wake near Fuquay. If you are in town and see me cruising around, stop me and say hello haha @knuckleharleyI was lucky enough to find a nice baseline car in excellent shape. It has both some modern upgrades already installed, but still room to grow and allow me to learn. The guy before me had all the receipts and info on work done. Some of the upgrades included an all new disk brake conversion up front, as well as redone (larger) drums in the back (72 Roadrunner rear end). Needless to say the thing stops like a champ. I'll start a new/better intro thread once I get back in from being on the road with a full list of details and future plans. Thanks again for the help guys!

Appreciate all the good info, Greg. That checks with what the previous owner mentioned. The block matches what the original South Carolina title had listed as the "VIN". I guess they used that verses the serial on the plate on the firewall. The motor was rebuilt but by the owner before him, so he didn't have too many details on if it was restamped, etc. I'm out of town now, but will measure the block/check the frame rail when I get home. This will give me a good start to figuring out what North Carolina wants to do to get me my title. Thanks again!

New to the forum here. I picked up my first real project car recently, a 1938 Plymouth 2dr sedan. Due to state requirements with titling and such, I had to have an inspector come out to verify the vin/engine block number before receiving my title. I hadn't given it too much thought initially, but he pointed out that my block had a odd serial stamped on the flat 6 block. The block reads S40452KAN and we had scraped the paint off to make sure there were no hidden numbers or symbols. I was wondering if anyone had any info on an S4 series? Research tells me the S is from the De Soto line but nothing on the "4", which seems to be omitted in all the lists I've found so far. Attached are some pics of the car/block. Any thoughts?