VIN Numbers

[Floydflathead]

I hope the experts can help me here.  I have decoded the VIN tag on my C1-B6 1955 Dodge pickup, and the flathead 6 was replaced some time ago with a 1960 Mopar V8.  The original engine number was T33453635.  That is what is on my title and it's no longer a valid reference point.  Did Dodge stamp the vehicle numbers on the frame and did this match the one on the cowl tag?  Where are those numbers stamped on the frame?  Appreciate the help!  

[The Oil Soup]

Check on the drivers side frame rail forward of the axle

[austinsailor]

This shows why you need to get the numbers updated before changing the motor.

If it's registered under the motor number and you change the motor your paperwork isn't going to match anything. In some states it's easy.

In Missouri all I had to do was have a highway patrol inspect it, sign a form, and presto - my vin was the frame/body number, not the motor number.

In Missouri it would be simple to fix this problem. In olden days the way it was supposed to work was, whoever changed the motor was supposed to sign a form verifying it. You took that form and $2 to the license office and they changed the serial number. That is still on the books, so if you buy a vehicle and the motor that furnished the serial number is long gone, it should be a simple fix.

[townwagon]

This is a link to the locations of the frame number on a 1948 to 1953 truck:

 

http://www.townwagon.com/4853registry/help/framenumber.php

 

The numbers on your trucks frame will be a little further forward and the frame will look at a little different, but this should get you close. There should also be a tag mounted to the front of the firewall and that tag should have the model number, GVW, HP and the Serial Number. The Serial Number should match the number on the frame. Don't just glance at the frame and give up if you don't spot it. You will most likely have to clean the frame with a wire brush or a wire wheel in a drill to find the number.

 

Eric