On my f1 My tag on the firewall is pretty sad, but readable. I notice that some companys sell these blank tags. Is this not illeagle in some way? I guess my question is if I wanted to redo my firewall should I replace the tag or leave the original tag and just put a firewall cover with a new tag and leave the old tag there but covered. Or does it mater with a vehicle this old? I do have original title but frame numbers were long gone by PO many years ago. And I dont know if there are any areas else where numbers might be put. Only original part of the frame is from the middle of the doors back. I hope I am not being a pain, Just want to do it right without causing problems down the road.
Thanks in advance. Ron

 

Buying a blank tag would mean you'd have to stamp your own numbers. Gotta wonder if that's legal anywhere. Instead I recently bought a new glove box tag for my '52, properly stamped, from A. G. Backeast (http://www.datatags.com/ ). In my case I didn't have the original tag (he calls it a "rating plate"). Late '51s and '52s didn't get the firewall tag when new and used only the glove box tag. Early '51s like yours have both firewall and glovebox tags same as the '48-'50s. I sent A. G. Backeast a copy of my title and a photo of the tag I needed with what to enter in each block. Cost me $100 and I got it about a week.

My frame numbers match my title, so I didn't have your problem. You might want to see what your DMV says about it before doing anything. Stu

 

Don't see how it's illegal since you have the title and the original tag that match each other. I plan to go to A.G. Backseat to have the tag for my 52 made. Originally, I bought the 52 tag from Chuck's Trucks before A.G. started making them. He's only charging me $50 to stamp my tag since I already have one. He also told me that he needs to see a copy of my title to verify ownership.

Get a hold of A.G. Backseat and get what you need from him.

 

All I have is the firewall tag and there is a set of larger numbers stamped on the firewall but don't match tag. Glovebox lid did not have a tag, but one look like it use to be there. What are the set of number stamped on the firewall?

 

Thanks guys I will look up AG backseat.

 

The numbers stamped on the firewall include such information as the assembly plant, color code and production date code, etc. If you post those here, there are people here like mtflat, and others, with the secret decoder ring.

 

Different states have different laws and regulations. According to Julie, in CA you can stamp your own frame numbers(which I find amazing in a state that's so highly regulated). In WA, that is the sole responsibility of the Washington State Patrol. Anyone else doing such "vin modification" would be in serious sheep dip, whether you have title or not.

 

Hi folks,

Weeeeeellllllll, I have to clarify what I said on the other thread a little to prevent any misunderstanding as I generated over there. I guess I made the mistake of making a general statement instead of providing every nit noy of detail and the world went ballistic on it.

What I said was: In California, if the DMV assigns you a new VIN you can stamp it on your frame. If you are going to quote, folks, please quote accurately.

According to harleymsn - a career Law Enforcement Officer, it is illegal to transfer a manufacturers VIN [from one truck to another] or reuse that VIN if the frame has been changed (whether "changed" in that case means "modified" or "replaced" - the entire frame or just the part with - possibly one of several- VINs on it, is still being argued). BUT, I trust his input! He says better safe than sorry and I agree.

In my case the DMV told me to restamp the original VIN because I had the title, proof of the original vin from a prior VIN check on record with the DMV, and the metal tags on the truck, and everything matched. HOWEVER, I've been told (vehemently) that that was wrong and illegal for the DMV to direct and for me to do. So, what do you do? Me, I follow instructions from people in positions of authority - especially when they won't complete the process if you don't. But, you make the call in your own case.

But that's frames not plaquards - back on subject!!!

As was mentioned, each state is different in it's laws and what they look for with regard to title and registration. (Stolen vehicle ID is an entirely different subject and process). And as long as the serial number stamped in the frame is legible, in California, they don't give a rats behind what the metal tags say or if they are even there. Normally, these tags can be replaced as long as you have documentation as to the original numbers for the people who make them - sometimes they require a copy of a title, etc. Who is to say if the person doing the job is making a new tag or restoring the original?

These folks do advertise these services, and have for many years. So one would assume if they were illegal, they would get shut down. It's the same as license plate restoration - legal or not?

Again, it differs from state to state.

 

Thanks for the replys, guess I will call DMV to see what to do about having the frame restamp. As far as the tag. I will leave it for now till I talk to DMV and get it sqared away. The title is in my name so I see where it goes from here.

From what I know it use to be a half ton and I think it use to be originaly Green

Tag reads RHF1M27H6243
Fire wall imprint - F1R1RH21243*RLC.

So if someone can tell me what it means would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Ron

 

Are you sure you didn't flip-flop those numbers?
This is what is normally on the tag.
F1 halfton
R V8
1 1951
RH Richmond CA plant
21243 serial number

Firewall usually includes stuff like here:
RH Richmond plant
F1 halfton
M color meadow green - is this correct?
27H August 27 assembly date
6243 vehicle down the line

 

Yes I got that reversed, Thanks MTflat for decoding it for me. Yes there is green under the layers of primer and YUK (purple)
Or were you asking if that was an "M" on the fire wall. (it is)

Ron

 

One thing to understand... removing rivits from a VIN (serial #) plate and re-riviting it on is illegal. VIN plates aren't suppost to be removed at all...

 

I had A.G. do both tags for me they look great and he got them quickly to me after he got back from vacation (i knew he was going) Very happy with him http://www.datatags.com/

 

Ron, yes I was asking if the original color was green. Glad to be of assistance.

Moe, these aren't actually VIN plates in the modern sense.
The firewall tag is called a data plate and it's attached with twist pins, not rivets. It contains the serial number and a list of patent numbers pertaining to the vehicle.
The plate that is found on the glovebox door is called a rating plate. It has a bit more info especially in 51 and usually has axle, trans, model, etc codes along with the serial number.
The only legal number on these trucks is the stamped serial number on the top frame rail.

Tim

 

MTs right - frame. The plates are not VIN plates as they used on a GM/Chevy or possibly other makes.

The firewall plate is the "Patent Data Plate" (The so called VIN on the firewall is not a VIN at all...it's a FoMoCo BUCK TAG which usually cannot be translated // Used by assembly line workers only to make sure the installed parts match what was ordered.- NumberDummy)and the glove box door plate is the "Dispatch Compartment Door Rating Plate" They are not VIN plates. As a matter of fact there was no such official term as VIN (except perhaps that used in the Kelley Blue Book) in the 50s. These are Serial Numbers. There was no consistant legal format for VIN numbers between various auto manufacturers until 1981 when the 17 place VINS were made law.

Prior to that (Starting in 1957) Ford used an 11 place Serial Number that Kelley called VINS - Ford called them Serial Numbers.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...nfo-on-it.html