Cab swapped along with VIN

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 22, 2023 | 06:02 PM

2002cclb

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Jan 2023

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Cab swapped along with VIN

I recently bought a 2002 F-250 and discovered the title is for a 2004 F-350, however the VIN on the truck matches the title. The seller's explanation was that the cab was replaced by a previous owner and the title was changed through the state (Michigan). It is a green title, not "salvage" or "assembled". Obviously it didn’t start off under that VIN when it was new so it must have been officially done right? I guess what I'm wondering is, is this the way it should be done? Right now it is insured as a 2004 F-350. I have been told by multiple people in the industry that if the title matches what's under the glass, it's ok. Is that really the case? Thank you for any help in advance.

Jan 22, 2023 | 06:14 PM

2001F350dualwheel

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 1,487

Likes: 217

I always thought it was illegal to vin swap. That’s how Boyd Coddington got in trouble. Normally a vin follows that vehicle for life. When it’s disassembled and crushed at a junkyard the DMV is notified it’s been crushed. FYI a VIN umber can also be in multiple various locations on a vehicle not just under the glass

Jan 22, 2023 | 08:02 PM

Old and soft

More Turbo

Joined: Aug 2021

Posts: 714

Likes: 336

Wouldn't the vin follow the cab with the tag riveted on the dash? I know air cooled beetles have the vin stamped on the wish bone, title follows the pan, not the body.

Jan 22, 2023 | 08:12 PM

2001F350dualwheel

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 1,487

Likes: 217

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old and soft

Wouldn't the vin follow the cab with the tag riveted on the dash? I know air cooled beetles have the vin stamped on the wish bone, title follows the pan, not the body.

Right…for THAT cab. Taking as in removing the VIN from one cab and moving and mounting it it to a different cab is what is actually illegal. A VIN follows the original vehicle it was assigned to by the manufacturer. Maybe Michigan laws are different…..but you can’t have a 2002 vehicle that has a 2004 title. If that’s the case where is the 2002 VIN and title? It can’t just disappear.
i stay away from any vehicle that has a muddy title. But that’s me.

Jan 23, 2023 | 12:22 PM

GN1220

More Turbo

Joined: Jun 2016

Posts: 690

Likes: 75

From: Kansas City, MO

Call your local highway patrol and they will give you the facts regarding VIN tags/titles in your state.

Jan 23, 2023 | 03:54 PM

user 195474726373

Tuned

Joined: Aug 2022

Posts: 388

Likes: 87

Highway patrol sounds like good advice but you might also ask someone at a body shop who has done this type of work.

Jan 23, 2023 | 04:11 PM

Dan V

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 5,647

Likes: 891

From: north of Minneapolis, MN

In MN the vin follows the cab. But if you put an '04 cab on a '02 frame, you're really required to have it inspected, then the vehicle would be considered reconstructed and the new title would reflect that.

FYI, there is a VIN on the frame, which, if discovered can cause a problem....seeing that they don't match.

Trending Topics

Help! 292 exhaust manifold needed

50

658
Bad trouble with axle shaft snap ring

46

655
23+ Regen Strategy & iDash Observations

36

693
This is prolly a 1 page thread at most

110.2k

6M
2020 6.2 6spd - Dealer says to replace transmission!!

16

457

Jan 23, 2023 | 04:36 PM

OverheadCram

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2021

Posts: 1,735

Likes: 1,116

I have done quite a few cab swaps over the years as an ASE certified shop and the states the trucks are primarily titled in (CT, MA, NH, NY, RI, and VT) all require the vehicle to legally have a rebuilt title. Those are the states im aware of, but my bet is most will be the same. I highly doubt anyone is going to investigate if you just register the truck as an 04 with the title you have, but im not a legal advisor on the matter.

Some other information, when I turn a truck in for scrap they always require proof of ownership for the cab and bed. I purchase a lot of trucks from the auctions and use them for parts, I never register the trucks and the only way the yard will take the cab or bed whole is with a title or registration in my name. I can turn a chassis in no problem though.