Engine Number

[hotrodbob]

Is the number stamped on the block found anyplace else on the chassis of a P15?

[BobT-47P15]

On the outside of frame on drivers side, maybe 6 or 8 inches in front of

gas tank filler neck......towards top of the rail. Probably need to use

a wire brush or wire wheel to knock off rust and crud as it's stamped

into the metal.

Edited April 19, 2010 by BobT-47P15

[hotrodbob]

Thanks, I'll look there.

[hotrodbob]

Ok, now I really have trouble.

I found the number on the frame rail and it's not the same as what the engine number was. My car was originally registered to the ENGINE number, not the frame number or the serial number on the door frame or the body numbers on the fire wall.

I changed the engine about 12 years ago and didn't notice this. So after 25 years of ownership I have to get this corrected, but it is going to really be a hassle with DMV. From what I have been told this is now a red flag for DMV and they may want to add their own number to the frame and call my car a "Special Construction".

Any suggestions? Is there a list of engine number ID's that I might reference?

[aero3113]

Ok, now I really have trouble.

I found the number on the frame rail and it's not the same as what the engine number was. My car was originally registered to the ENGINE number, not the frame number or the serial number on the door frame or the body numbers on the fire wall.

I changed the engine about 12 years ago and didn't notice this. So after 25 years of ownership I have to get this corrected, but it is going to really be a hassle with DMV. From what I have been told this is now a red flag for DMV and they may want to add their own number to the frame and call my car a "Special Construction".

Any suggestions? Is there a list of engine number ID's that I might reference?

Since you have been driving like this for 12 years I would just keep it as is. Who is gonna know? Do you plan on selling it soon?

[JerseyHarold]

It might be worthwhile to buy your car's build card from Chrysler. That would be one official document that ties together the engine number, body number, and VIN.

[hotrodbob]

It might be worthwhile to buy your car's build card from Chrysler. That would be one official document that ties together the engine number, body number, and VIN.

That would be great. How do I get that???

[hotrodbob]

Since you have been driving like this for 12 years I would just keep it as is. Who is gonna know? Do you plan on selling it soon?

No, not for sale nor do I ever plan to. The fear is that if I get pulled over and the cop decides to check the registration number to the car.. It wont match and they will impound the car as stolen until I can prove otherwise. Then they will want it registed again with a special construction tag and current smog equipment. They are getting real hard nosed on this now.

[Frank Elder]

Bob I think you would contact the Chrysler historical society, google..etc I don't have the no# myself.

[hotrodbob]

I found this address on a Google search. Sent them a note with all the numbers and I'll see what they come up with. http://www.chryslerheritage.com/homepage.do;jsessionid=6532B30940A7400853997152B173C469

[mackster]

this is an interesting thread. I know some might think its a lil overboard to worry about it, but here in california and maybe other places they are looking for revenue and they are finding ways to get you to pay...beware

[hotrodbob]

this is an interesting thread. I know some might think its a lil overboard to worry about it, but here in california and maybe other places they are looking for revenue and they are finding ways to get you to pay...beware

I was at a meeting with Brian Brennan of Street Rodder Magazine last Tuesday and this matter and my car was discussed. He is very envolved in this matter as it effects any car that has been modified. I just want to mitigate the damage. MOPAR does not have a legal crate engine like GM does.

[mackster]

I was at a meeting with Brian Brennan of Street Rodder Magazine last Tuesday and this matter and my car was discussed. He is very envolved in this matter as it effects any car that has been modified. I just want to mitigate the damage. MOPAR does not have a legal crate engine like GM does.

right. I think you are right and smart to do so...I will also need to look into it. I was planning to try out different routes to get my car register here. I just wanted to avoid paying last owners due fees. but if I need to show proof, later on in life I might be in trouble. I agree with you bob. its a smart thing to do right now before anyone of us is against the wall...

[hotrodbob]

Thanks Mackster

[BobT-47P15]

That would be great. How do I get that???

I think the build card costs about $45.

I thought someone said something a while back about the Chrysler

Historical Society not doing that any more, or closing down, or

some thing that didn't sound so good. But maybe that was wrong

info.

[Adam H P15 D30]

Just buy a set of punch stamps and restamp the frame. It's not that difficult, I restamped the frame of my 47 after I pro streeted it and the back frame rails were in the scrap bin.

Mackster- Just get a VIN verification and make sure it hasn't been registered in 4 or 5 years. CA will drop it off the books and you only have to pay 3yrs or so??? of back reg.

Edited April 20, 2010 by Adam H P15 D30

[mackster]

Just buy a set of punch stamps and restamp the frame. It's not that difficult, I restamped the frame of my 47 after I pro streeted it and the back frame rails were in the scrap bin.

Mackster- Just get a VIN verification and make sure it hasn't been registered in 4 or 5 years. CA will drop it off the books and you only have to pay 3yrs or so??? of back reg.

thats what I hope to do now. it has been out of the system for three years...but the fees are over 1,000 dollars right now!

[hotrodbob]

Just buy a set of punch stamps and restamp the frame. It's not that difficult, I restamped the frame of my 47 after I pro streeted it and the back frame rails were in the scrap bin.

That is one of the things Calif DMV is looking for. It is illegal to stamp in VIN numbers unless you were the OEM (Factory). If you do and they catch it they bust you for fraud.

I sent a letter to Chrysler for the info. Lets see if it comes back.

A bill of sale is all that is needed in Calif to start the registration process. Vin verification can be done by CHP. It's not a tuff process, but my problem is that my car is registered based on the original MSO and Chrysler did not use the frame or serial number, but rather the engine number and I don't have the original engine any longer, so my registration is wrong.

[49roadster]

As a retired Calif. peace officer I can tell you, if you stamp numbers in the frame and get caught. You could lose the car. DMV will work with you and can issue a new VIN.

[49roadster]

By the way prior to 1955 California used the motor number as the VIN and you were required to notify DMV of a motor change in 10 days (as I recall)