VIN issue...kinda nervous
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Freshman User
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VIN issue...kinda nervous
'77 F150 351M 4wd. I bought this truck long distance, paid to have it checked out by a third party company before purchase. Got the title and bill of sale with it. Apparently didn't look over them closely because after a lot of work I'm getting ready to put 'er on the road and the VIN on the door (which is the one I was originally given) doesn't match the one on the title and bill of sale.
My '77 manual says the VIN for title/registration purposes should be "stamped in the engine compartment on the right hand frame side rail" (which I assume means right hand side frame rail). I can't find it. Help.
My '77 manual says the VIN for title/registration purposes should be "stamped in the engine compartment on the right hand frame side rail" (which I assume means right hand side frame rail). I can't find it. Help.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
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From: Raphine, Virginia
Nervous? I'd be pissed! Find that vin# on frame rail. If it doesn't match, it's illegal. A door could have been replaced, but you should have been given the frame number and title matching. Just because people do this, does not make it right or legal. You as the buyer are the one that suffers. I would do anything needed to go back on the seller. Also the third party company. If E-bay, I'd file a claim immediately.
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Believe me, I realize that possibility. I'm just trying not to get ahead of myself here. Yes, a door could have been replaced. If I can find the number on the truck itself and it matches the title/bill of sale #, everything's cool. Which is why I NEED to find that thing. I've looked @ both sides, but when I read "right" with regards to the engine compartment, I take that to mean to your right when you're standing in front of the truck looking under the hood, correct?
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
Yes. I'm not familiar with trucks that much, but here is a picture of location on a 66-77 Bronco. Really hard to see it, as it is not stamped very deep. Right on top of frame. Someone else needs to verify location.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
The right side is the passenger side. The VIN is stamped on the top of the rail. It can be anywhere between the radiator support and the firewall but commonly is found about inline with the alternator.
It can be stamped lightly and difficult to find/see. Get a wire brush or wire wheel and go to work, get some degreaser too.
There is a second, hidden VIN, also located on the top right frame rail. This one is usually about 10"-12" behind the front cab mount.
It can be stamped lightly and difficult to find/see. Get a wire brush or wire wheel and go to work, get some degreaser too.
There is a second, hidden VIN, also located on the top right frame rail. This one is usually about 10"-12" behind the front cab mount.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
Here are a couple of pictures of what you're looking for. The first is the engine compartment location, you can see the edge of the spring mount in the picture. The second is the VIN that's hidden up under the cab.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Montgomery, IL
If you are really worried about the door tag just go to Marti Auto works (Marti Auto Works - Concourse Quality, Hobbyist Price) and order a new one with the proper vin.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
I would replace the warranty plate only if the frame VIN matches the title. That's the only way you can avoid possible legal problems in the future. If the OP did that and the frame VIN doesn't match and later on he sells the truck, he'd be doing the same thing that was just (possibly) done to him. He (with good reason) didn't like it and neither will anyone else.
Plus, if he gets pulled over and the cops check the VIN (granted, not likely, but possible) 1) He'll have a lot of explaining to do. 2) They'll more than likely impound if not confiscate the vehicle so there will be towing/storage charges. 3) If the vehicle was a reported stolen, even from years ago, there'll be a lot more of explaining to do.
Not trying to rain on the OP's parade or argue with Poison, just want the OP to understand the possibilities of his actions.
If the frame VIN DOESN'T match the title, if it was an E-Bay purchase, contact them.
If it was a private party transaction, I'd look at what kind of guarantee the third party inspection service has (if any). I'd deffinitely start by contacting the seller.
Plus, if he gets pulled over and the cops check the VIN (granted, not likely, but possible) 1) He'll have a lot of explaining to do. 2) They'll more than likely impound if not confiscate the vehicle so there will be towing/storage charges. 3) If the vehicle was a reported stolen, even from years ago, there'll be a lot more of explaining to do.
Not trying to rain on the OP's parade or argue with Poison, just want the OP to understand the possibilities of his actions.
If the frame VIN DOESN'T match the title, if it was an E-Bay purchase, contact them.
If it was a private party transaction, I'd look at what kind of guarantee the third party inspection service has (if any). I'd deffinitely start by contacting the seller.
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Freshman User
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I found it, and it matches thank God. Found both the one near the cab mount and finally the one in the engine compartment. Thank you all very much, especially mike. Y'all go buy yourselves a beer and pretend it's from me haha.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Loganton,Pa central Pa
I just spent $90 bucks for my dad's truck as the Vin tag as well as original door was missing and the weight sticker was eroded off the door jamb. The tags should be here in a week or so. Since my original door was missing, I am totally thrilled to get the Marti report and tags. I have the original paperwork and know 100% this is the truck dad had,so now I wanted to put the last piece of the puzzle together.. I would order the correct tag anyways to keep trouble away further down the road..