I had bought a 1971 F 100 bumpside Ranger back in January more or less sight unseen. Finally got it on the road and drives like a dream. I dug out the title the other day so I can title and register it, and noticed something very strange on the title....in particular, the VIN #. The VIN listed on the title is NOT a Ford VIN #. I know that all of the older Ford trucks VIN numbers start with F. Mine starts with a K, has 2 letters and 5 numerical digits. Something tells me that this is NOT a valid VIN # for this truck, and have the feeling that it will get noticed when I take it down to the dept. of motor vehicles because it is an out of state title. Also, there is no data plate on the drivers' door. Is there any other location on this truck where the VIN # might be? Thanks for the help, guys...

 

Last time I ran into something similar, I had the title transfered to my name in the original state with no tag purchase. Then had my state issue a title for it. There is a possibility there was an issue( built from different vehicles) at one time and a vin was issued in that state. States vary greatly in titling laws. It cost me an extra $80, but no problems or questions asked.

 

I bought the vehicle in MN but live in WI so hopefully there will be no issues with it. I do know for a fact that this truck is built from different trucks, so that`s probably it. I sure love driving it, as it brings back so many childhood memories. Thanks so much for the input!

 

Check on top of the right front frame rail near the alternator.... If there's no VIN there, then there **should** be another one on the frame under the cab... basically directly below the passenger seat. Tough to see though....

 

It might have had a mechanic's or storage lien on it at one time and whoever posted the lien was able to make up their own VIN # due to the fact they didn't have access to the original title. I have seen it done in my state before. With trucks this old, some DMVs won't even look twice when a title with oddball #s comes in.
Look behind the speedo for a builders tag that came from the factory with all the #s or attached to the lower back of the cab. The one I found was the original color of the truck also.

 

Ive ran into it when tittle as a street rod virginia makes you make your own vin up

 

People cannot make up their own VIN's. If this was the case, there would be a gazillion stolen vehicles legally registered by thieves.

When a vehicle is stolen and recovered...if the original VIN has been altered, either law enforcement or the DMV will issue a new VIN.

Usually there will be a plate attached to the door face where the original Warranty Plate was located, will have the VIN stamped on it, and who issued it.

1961/80 F100/350 11 digit VIN's begin with an F, as do some F500/1100's. Other F500/1100's could have a different first letter.

1964/72 VIN: The first digit K refers to a diesel engine in an F600/1100 or L series truck.

The Warranty Plate on US & Canadian assembled trucks of this vintage is located on the left door face below the latch (or on some, on the inside of the glovebox door).

Any other plate found on these vehicles, whether on the firewall, seat, pickup bed, under the dash, whatever...is a buck tag.

Codes stamped on buck tags are used by assembly line workers only to assure the correct parts...that match the specific vehicles order...are installed on the vehicle.

A buck tag has the VIN stamped on it, many have wheelbase and a color codes. Other codes are gibberish, cannot be decoded, as they only apply to the assembly line.

No FoMoCo vehicle on the planet is registered by using a buck tag

 

Here in Washington, when a rebuild or homemade vehicle is submitted for titling and approved a new VIN is assigned...the new plate is state issued with the state seal and the number stamped on it. It is riveted to the body shell...or cab in the case of trucks. I recently saw one of these tags on a 68 or 69 Ranger that was minus the Ford Warranty plate...


- cs65

 

You must create a vin when making a kit car and street rod from scrap parts in Virginia state police should inspect for safety And theft of parts same for home made trailers in virginia if you swap the body to a different frame you must register as a custom car and it takes the year from the completion of the state police inspection there for you become the car maker and must make your own vin if you don't and use a different title you face a big fine and jail time.

 

Yes, that is true and I wasn't insinuating that it is possible. I was replying to a question by the OP.......
Just trying to save some hard work to find the original VIN.....

 

May be easier to register in your state as a street rod or custom would check your local dmv laws first may save some aggravation in the long run.