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flatheadron
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-- 05-25-2012 @ 8:30 AM
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Does there exist and listing of 1932 Fords by VIN or Serial number and body type? In other words, could you tell by and stamped number on the frame what body style that frame was orginally built with?
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supereal
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-- 05-25-2012 @ 8:51 AM
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The short answer is no. The frame number is simply a serial number showing where in the production sequence the vehicle was. It can tell you the approximate time of the year of production, but that is it. If you are a club member, your roster book will show you the various models for any year. If you are fortunate enough to have comprehensive registration data, that may give you a clue as to the original build. The VIN, as we know it, didn't come into use until the 50's. Later Federal laws have blocked that info, anyway, even if it survived at the state level.
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flatheadron
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-- 06-01-2012 @ 8:31 AM
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Thanks for the reply. I have a chance to buy a chassis that is fairly complete with no engine/trans or body. Current owner has no title and I would like to ensure that it does not belong to someone else. He does not know where the chassis came from, was sitting at the back of the property when he bought the property. Trying to make out the stamped serial numbers on the frame. Chassis is in Michigan. Do not know how much of a hassle this would be when it comes time to register it in my name. Anybody out there have any experience with this kind of situation.
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supereal
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-- 06-01-2012 @ 10:00 AM
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Registering a vehicle that is a composite of several others is always a tricky proposition. Many use a valid former registration, while others seek a fresh title. Which is easier depends upon the DMV in the area. The problems with an existing registration is that the street rod hobby has raised a red flag regarding the actual valuation for tax purposes, and examination of the vehicle is often required by the licensing body. If an early car shows up with obvious modifications, it is unlikely the fee will as low as the original. If the frame number is legible, and used, you run the risk of a former owner making a claim. It happens. The owner of a fully restored pickup in our state lost his truck to a claimant who proved the original vehicle had been stolen over 20 year previously when he recognozed it at a show! I was once offered a car with a title, and when we ran a search before buying, found that it had been pledged as a loan security five different times, and two were still outstanding. The prospective seller swore the title was clear. If you can't get a verifiable title in the name of the seller, no matter how much you are interested, you are courting trouble. If you are assembling a car from parts, check the jusidiction in your state before you undertake the project. A "bonded" title may be your best choice.
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