5EPA79373 does this look correct?

 

Nope!
for 53 should read: F10+(letter for engine size)+3+(letter for assembly plant)+(5 number serial #) Typical: F10D3A12345 Translation: F10=F100, D=215 CU in I-6, 3= 1953 model year, A=Atlanta plant, 12345= 12,345th 1953 truck built.

 

Thank you for the great info, I just bought this 53 and the seller sends me a form from the DMV in CA called a vehicle transfer and reassighnment form and up top it has vehicle identifaction # and thats whats written in there, im trying to get the Title organised, so hopefully the title has the correct Vin#

 

It may have had a new Vin # issued by CA MV.

 

Yes it seems its the only # on the truck, where is the Vin normally located?
Seller has lost the title and this vehicle transfer form, from the DMV in CA is supposidly to allow me to get a new title in my name, as i now have the power of attorney on the bill of sale in my name , Dont ask me which way i go from here

 

Sorry you are having problems - but it is the seller who has failed to follow the state requirements. I expect he never did have a good title.

The requirements are listed at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/vr.htm

I don't know how you will get the truck through customs without a good VIN. It is possible that the seller has the paperwork for a salvage title, but the state will not issue one without the vehicle passing a state inspection. At that inspection site they rivet a new VIN to the left door sill - the owner never touches the new VIN number plate.

If he had truly lost the title he would have filed for a lost title - but if he had not paid license fees for a few years the fines could add up to hundreds of dollars. At this point some people file off the VIN, and remove the data plate, trying for a salvage title.

You will need to contact (email works) the California DMV for help - unless you held back payment to the seller until you received a good title.