The tailgate has the "under the roll" latch plate, so I wonder if the bed is also '51-'52 from the cab donor. As I recall, the flat bedsides were mid/late '50, the "under the roll" was '51 - on.

 

The title shows the 1951 Serial number on it and lists it as a 1949 truck

 

I'd suggest getting down to the DMV as soon as possible, possibly with the guy who sold it to you, along with any old registration documents.

 

If it's been 18 years that might be a task. Just getting it on the right VIN would be the goal. Might require an inspection to satisfy the DMV. Also, if it'd help, I can send copies of the Branham Automobile Reference Book from 1950. This is a reference widely used by State DMVs. Stu

 

With a consecutive unit number being this high, it's most likely a late '50 model, and if it is the bed would be correct for the truck. The tailgate change corresponds with the side change as the entire assembly was revised. F3 beds were 8 feet long and several inches wider, and have different details so it's definitely not from the cab donor.

The most likely story is someone had two trucks, one F1 without a title and one F3 with a title. F1's being worth more, and not everyone being knowledgeable on numbers and specific details, it was a simple swap to make a desirable truck with a title.

 

Thanks for all your help on this.

 

What numbers/letters are stamped on the cowl? They are often hard to read and some of the characters may be stamped upside down.

 

Pete

Where are you talking about?

thanks