German authorities are kind of strict. As we are already having some minor difficulties with the custom paperwork for our barn find F150, originally imported by a US-Citizen from Denver/ Colorado to Germany via Rotterdam in the late 80ies a "real stamped VIN" would be nice to have.
What we have, is the sticker on the B-post of the passenger door. That is better than nothing. We haven`t found a tag around the windshield! Although we are not having an after-market newer windshield with tinted rim that might hide the tag. No, we can see the complete tin frame. The dashboard looks original too. I know that it is popular to have covers fitted there when the sun destroyed the surface, but ours is fine.
I also tried to find numbers at the side of the frame rail below the passenger seat (found this advice in an older thread). Problem is that we cannot move the truck at the moment and it sits in a small spot.
Maybe someone has an idea.
If not I have to convince customs, that the guys in Minnesota only put the stickers on the doorposts.
Gruesse aus Deutschland
Silas

 

The vin number on the frame is only a partial one on this year trucks anyway. This is the first year of 17 digit international vin numbers. The one on the frame is only 11 digits long.

The one on the dash "seen through the windshield" is rivited onto the cab and is the one most used by authorities. There may be something under the windshield blocking it's view. Dirt, leaves, etc can get into there pretty easily. The tag is black with black letters and matches the paint surrounding it, so it is really difficult to see it. There is an rectangular indent in the dash pad on the lower drivers side at the lower edge where the tag is rivited to the dash metal. You can just feel it by sticking your fingers into the bottom drivers side edge between the dash pad and the windshield.

 

If the windshield has been replaced the black part around the bottom is probably blocking the vin#. the 87-92 trucks use the same windshiel except for the vin "window" is in the wrong spot and most glass companies just use the newer windshields to cut down on inventory. You may be able to see it with a real small mirror, might help to remove the dash pad (10 minute job)

 

Thank you ! I will have to look again. Light wasn`t good in that barn and what you describe sounds like a way smaller numbertag than I exspected.
I will give it another try in a few days (car is not so close to my home)and let you know.
Silas

 

the tag's about 20mm x 100mm