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VIN location '72 E300

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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 07:17 PM
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VIN location '72 E300

Any help on finding the hidden vin stamp on 1972 econoline PDV would be greatly appreciated!!!
 
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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 07:30 PM
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Thread moved to Van forum.

PDV--parcel delivery van?

So are you a cutaway, or just the cowl, or cowl and windshield...?

I take it there is a full frame?

Have you looked at the RF section of the frame near the front wheel?
 
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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 07:38 PM
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I've tried to check the RF but the top of the frame has the floor attached. Way back someone also undercoated things
 
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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 07:44 PM
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Hhhmmmm.

You've had it a while--any question about the VIN on the title being correct?

Unless you go at with goggles, a wire brush, mirror, and a couple of long days under it....

Try the rear crossmember if you can.

How is this thing made BTW? IIRC they were unibody as vans....maybe it's just a unibody floor pan?
 
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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 07:53 PM
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I was going to swap the driver's door and took the plate off, and the sticker is damaged, now I'm trying to sell it and trying to prove the vin is on the vehicle. I know the vin and it's on the title and I have the tag, but no proof on the vehicle.
I think it is a unibody



 
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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 08:10 PM
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Maybe on the front cross member?

 
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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 08:32 PM
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I have to clean through all the grime and stuff this weekend to look for it pain in the ***....
 
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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 08:59 PM
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More locations to try. Long shot.....

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-location.html

Also, if you pull the engine cover, can you see anything of a "frame rail" beside the engine on the RH side?

https://econoline1968-74.com/vehicle-identification

"12 inches behind the shock...."
 
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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 09:12 PM
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HEY! I'm happy as ****! I found it way easier than anything!!!!! Check this out

After searching all over the web, I found this explanation:
"In previous years the VIN was stamped into a metal tab that was an extension of the cowl metal. It was not viewable from the exterior of the vehicle. The reason for making it viewable from the exterior so the police could run it through a data base for stolen vehicles without gaining access to the inside of a locked vehicle."
BINGO right in front of my face!!
Thanks your help!!!


MOD EDIT: the metal tab is visible with the hood up, just to the left of the hinge and wiper arm.
 
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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 09:17 PM
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Excellent and thanks for posting the pic.

 
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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 09:34 PM
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I hope someone else can use this info and does not waste an entire Saturday (like someone I know) looking for it and trying to photograph the remnants of the sticker.




Of course, I also wish I wasn't selling it...But hopefully, someone will dig it and keep it going. I'm the 2nd owner (22 years). Damn good truck, that's for sure.
 
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