If you found a truck without a VIN (thus needing a state issued one), would you title it the year you thought it was or the year that you used parts for?

Like if you thought it was a '53 honestly, but used things like a '55 grille or whatever, would you consider it a '53 or a '55?

 

I'd probably go with '53. At that age what does it really matter? The only problem I can see coming up is if you titled as something other than a '53 you might run across some one who considers him/herself an old Ford truck expert and will pick every inaccuracy a part. If it came time to sell it be open with the potential buyers about the history. It probably wouldn't matter then either but it's always wise to be honest about this stuff. Most old vehicle guys know what it takes to build a old car or truck and realize most vehicles are made up of many.

 

I agree with Bob. But I thought of another couple of points. Are you CERTAIN it has no VIN - none on the frame rail - EITHER side?

I see your point here. Lets say you buy a frame from a 53 with the Serial number ground out and put all the chassis and body parts off of it from a 55 - is it a 53 or a 55 - and who is to SAY.

The process of legally ASSIGNING it a year has some variables. And once you get a number assigned to it, that number (unlike the number Ford issued originally) will probably not have a code in it to deliniate the year of the vehicle. So the year you pick and the number probably wouldn't provide food for dispute later anyway - only the year you pick and they print on the title.

If you build the truck out of a significant majority of parts from one year, I would choose that year when getting a title/registration. But if it's made up of a hodgepodge of parts from say 53, 54, and 55, I might choose the year with the highest resale value - being prepared of course to tell potential buyers that it is a "mut."

Besides, what is the difference between a 53 and a 54 front fender.....the only difference could be as little as one was made (for example - don't know the yearly production cut off dates) July 10, 1953 for the 53 model year, and the other was made from the same mold July 11, 1953 for the 54 model year. Year specific parts like the grills of course are different, but I think you get my point about a majority of the parts on the trucks in a series like 48-50 or 53-55.

 

I'd have to use the old - Liar Liar Pants on Fire.

I have a rear deep dislike for people that misrepresent - Like buying all aftermarket parts (Including body) and call it a 1934 Ford because it looks like one.
Call it what it is - It's a 53 but I put a 56 Grill in cause I really like it.
Or when some one says - Hey thats a 53 with a 56 Grill - You respond with - And?

 

The idea is going off of not actually knowing for certain. For example, since it's easier, the 47-54 Chevy truck cabs are almost completely identical, granite a difference can be found from a 51-53 and the 54s, but we're talking just a vent door on the cab being gone. So there is at least a 4 year stretch where you would have no idea if it was without a VIN.

Thats mainly the basis of the question, it's not like a '67 verse 68 Mustang where there are enough details to tell the difference, but if you bought a cab and the only reason to believe it was a certain year was just what the owner said he thought it was... no VIN, no title, no nothing, just an unidentified cab.