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I've asked about title info before, you guys were a lot of help.
My title is gone. I found out the VIN on my 78 doesn't match my registration, the one on the frame is gone apparently, I sanded it down (sanded, not ground) and rubbed with chalk and there is nothing.. just too much rust.
What are my options? I'm sure the doors came off something that has been crushed a long time ago, but it's just a VIN plate. Was wondering if I would try to apply for a lost title for the vin on the door?
Could I even buy another truck and switch out the door plates and just pretend the new title is for my current truck?
I'd like to do this the legal way.
The vin on the door is for a 74 (or something, an older one), 2WD with a 6cylinder engine, my truck is a 78 4x4 f150 with a 400. I have no issue buying another truck just for the title (I need a parts truck anyways), but I'm not sure if that's legal.
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Jim England
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2012 Escape Ltd FWD, 2005 Explorer Sport Trac 2WD
2004 Escape Ltd FWD, 1996 F350 7.3L CCLB DRW,3" DP,4" Exhaust, Cat Delete, 6637
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No, no VINs on the dash for 78s I don't think? At least there isn't on mine.
I'm fine just re-registering the truck, I don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon.. I'd just feel safer having everything 100% 'right' in case something ever happens to it.
I don't trust insurance companies, they seem to look for any out that they can get.
My 78 and 79 both had the VIN stamped on the top side of the frame rail in front of the crossmember on the pass side. both of mine were pretty prominent, although after installing my IFS kit in my 79 I was forced to remove it when boxing the frame in.
I really had not looked anywhere else.
Was there a line assembly sheet on the underside of your seat? Mine was not very good shape but was tucked betwwen the seat and the spring.
A 1978 originally came with a VIN on the dash, although it might not conform to modern VIN standards. If its not there the dash has been swapped out or the previous owner removed it for some reason. Newer vehicles have hidden VINS throughout to assist in recovering stolen vehicles and parts, but the '78 doesn't have them.
To be legal in Indiana you need to get a VIN on your dash. Simply buying another truck and pretending its that one can get you in trouble. Even if you could do that, just not having a visible VIN is immediate grounds for impounding the vehicle to verify the VIN and if the vehicle is stolen.
You can go to the BMV and apply for an "M-VIN" number, or manufactured VIN number. Since the truck is assembled from multiple trucks and the true original VIN is unknown, Indiana will assign you one. They will also make a VIN plate, slightly larger than a true factory one, that starts with an "M" and has a unique VIN number. The BMV will affix it with the proper rivets to your dash. From then on you will be legal and can transfer ownership, drive on public roads, etc. just as you could with a factory VIN plate.
*edit*
Here is the IC code relating to MVINs and how to apply for an identification number. Note that, as I stated above, the inability for a police officer to verify the VIN from the exterior of the vehicle is immediate grounds for impoundement of up to 48 hours to verify the vehicle's status.
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