I agree -- DMV said the police would need to verify the VIN, and I doubt they're just going to take my word for it.

My VIN (it's theoretically a '53) is further back than the 48-52 (which I think were near the shock mount?). If you drop a plumb line down from the firewall, it would hit pretty much the middle of my VIN. It was probably 6-8" forward of the cab mount, on the passenger side.

I just want to find a way to remove the paint without removing metal. I'd like to know what the VIN says before the police/inspector arrive, and I so desperately want to verify what year I actually have...

 

You could always dab a bit of chemical paint stripper on the area and let it go to work. That'll take it down to bare metal without hurting anything but paint.

 

Very true. I know plenty of people swear by aircraft stripper, which (I hear) can be picked up from AutoZone. The acetone wasn't cutting it, so I need something stronger.

 

Don't use sandpaper, use a scotchbrite pad. Stamping displaces the metal to the sides and up, if you sand it will remove the ridges around each letter/number.

 

MEK should remove the paint.

 

Ford likes to hide serial numbers.
On the '60's era vans, they even had one stamped under the doghouse.
Just one of many places they put it.

 

Would love to see a photo. I have a 54 and I can't find a vin anywhere.

 

Am I assuming correctly that the inner fender must be off to see the see the numbers on a 53 to 55 truck?