VIN Problem
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 513
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From: WA
VIN Problem
Hello folks. Doing some research before actually driving to look at and potentially buying a nice ‘65 F250 and ran into something that I had not seen before. I asked the guy to send me a picture of the title (have not gone to see the truck in person yet because it is a 5 hour drive). The “I beam” badges on the side say F250, the leaf springs and rear axles are definitely 250/heavy duty axles (don’t look like 100 axles), but the first three of the VIN on the title and VIN plate are F10 which equates to a F100 (from the research I have done) So...is this an issue that I should “worry” about? The title looks fine (unmolested) and says “3/4 ton” and all I can think of is someone changed the VIN plate somewhere along the line. I don’t think someone would have gone to all the work to change and F100 into an F250 (axles and badges) some time in the past, but. I could be wrong. I don’t think registering it would be a problem for me (it is in Oregon and I am in Washington and I don’t have to get an inspection but a sharp DMV person might catch the F10 and 3/4 ton difference). But worried a bit about resale later on in life. The rest of the VIN decodes fine as far as the 352 that is in it. Thoughts? Thanks.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 373
Likes: 18
From: N.W. Indiana
There is a local truck where I live that's titled as a 64, but everything about it says 65/66. I know my 64 has a VIN tag on the drivers door so my guess is his door was replaced at some point. I've seen and talked to him at a couple of car shows and he has no idea.
I guess my concerned would be if selling it to someone who lives in a state that would verify the VIN stamped on the frame. I don't know what states do that, but that is the only instance I could see causing a problem.
Best of luck, Pat
I guess my concerned would be if selling it to someone who lives in a state that would verify the VIN stamped on the frame. I don't know what states do that, but that is the only instance I could see causing a problem.
Best of luck, Pat
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 708
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From: Pahrump, Nv.
I agree with F 100 '64 the vin on the frame tells everything, the door could have been changed with another tag. There a lot of years that people could have changed axles, differential, you just don't know. Anything is possible. So the front and rear are eight lug? Not sure if your seller knows where the vin is on the frame, maybe he could shoot a pic of it and the vin tag before you make the drive?
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 513
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From: WA
Thanks Pat and Thrifty. I will have the guy locate the VIN on the frame and see where that leads. I am betting the door was changed and the frame VIN starts with F25. If I am right I will ask him to get a corrected title before I make the purchase.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,259
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It certainly sounds like the door has been replaced and the tag is wrong. I would def ask that the owner check the chassis # and move forward accordingly. All states have their differences but I would figure that most will use the door tag for titling purposes. In a pinch, I believe you can have a door tag made to match the chassis info (or whatever info you choose).
Here's something else to consider- My '65 F250 is no doubt a 250 and shows correct info on door tag. Chassis stamp starts off with "F10". All other digits match door tag exactly. Back then, lots of mistakes happened on the line as well.
Tony
Here's something else to consider- My '65 F250 is no doubt a 250 and shows correct info on door tag. Chassis stamp starts off with "F10". All other digits match door tag exactly. Back then, lots of mistakes happened on the line as well.
Tony
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 513
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From: WA
Thanks Tony, never thought of the chance that the door tag could just be stamped wrong. I did find it a bit coincidental that that engine happened to be right on the door tag. I asked the guy this morning to attempt to find the number on the frame rail down from the alternator. If that one starts with F25, I will just assume the door was replaced at some point and somehow when it was titled last time they just used the door tag. I am worried that the title may have the wrong VIN and that could cause issues in the future not only with registering, but insurance as well.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 373
Likes: 18
From: N.W. Indiana
You're welcome, if I remember correctly the VIN is stamped on the top side of the frame just rear of the front passenger tire. I don't know how easy it is to see with the truck assembled. I had the front doghouse assembly off when I read mine.
Pat
Pat
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
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Chassis stamped in 2 places. Both on pass side top of frame. 1 under cab, the other just below area of alternator.
Tony
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Seattle
I doubt the VIN would be checked closely if you are simply walking into the DMV and transferring title within Washington State. Even out of state transfers have gone smoothly for me. Likely only if you need to get an inspection by the State Patrol will they even check the frame VIN. But, it is nice when they line up with each other (Title - Frame VIN and Warranty Plate info).
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: WA
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Doors are the same 1961/66, 1967/69 F800/1000. Warranty Plate riveted to the left door face below the latch on 1963/66's and on these 1967/69's.
People replaced damaged left doors with used doors. 99.9% of the time, they failed to install the original Warranty Plates on the replaced doors.
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