VIN tag..I need HELP!
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
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VIN tag..I need HELP!
I have a problem with my VIN tag. My original is gone. It's a 76 hiboy that has been in my family since new. The problem is, I have owned it since 87 and have replaced everything but the front axle. I replaced the cab and bed with a 77 F150, I dont have the title for that. My truck has the 77 150 VIN tags on the firewall, drivers door, and bed. I replaced my rotten frame 3 years ago with a 75 hiboy frame, I can get that receipt. I ordered a door tag from Marti Auto Works, they did not offer a VIN tag for the cab or bed. I have the title for the 1976 original truck. Please take note, this happened over 20 years, not overnight. I dont care about me, I can explain where I purchased the parts, worst case scenario, I lose the truck. I want to pass this truck on to my son, he know's nothing about it. I dont want him getting jacked up by the law thinking it is a stolen truck when I pass on. Let alone I just put about another 6K in the engine and driveline this year.
Was there a VIN tag on the firewall in 1976? If not, I should be good to go with Mati's door tag I'd think. Any sugestions?
Was there a VIN tag on the firewall in 1976? If not, I should be good to go with Mati's door tag I'd think. Any sugestions?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 106
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From: Los Angeles, CA
I could be wrong, but I think the metal tags on the cab and on the bed which have the VIN are only used during the assembly line manufacturing process. The are not the official VIN identification labels.
The official (legal) location of the VIN is the plastic label on the driver's side door jam. So if you have this label and the metal warranty plate that is rivited to the door, and this VIN matches your title, you should be fine.
The other legal VIN location is on the right side frame rail. Since you changed your frame, make sure you keep your receipts, in case you ever need to prove where this frame came from.
The official (legal) location of the VIN is the plastic label on the driver's side door jam. So if you have this label and the metal warranty plate that is rivited to the door, and this VIN matches your title, you should be fine.
The other legal VIN location is on the right side frame rail. Since you changed your frame, make sure you keep your receipts, in case you ever need to prove where this frame came from.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,626
From: The Shenandoah Valley
I have a problem with my VIN tag. My original is gone. It's a 76 hiboy that has been in my family since new. The problem is, I have owned it since 87 and have replaced everything but the front axle. ..... I want to pass this truck on to my son, he know's nothing about it. I dont want him getting jacked up by the law thinking it is a stolen truck when I pass on. Let alone I just put about another 6K in the engine and driveline this year.
Was there a VIN tag on the firewall in 1976? If not, I should be good to go with Mati's door tag I'd think. Any sugestions?
Was there a VIN tag on the firewall in 1976? If not, I should be good to go with Mati's door tag I'd think. Any sugestions?
My '77 has the original VIN plate on the driver's side door, there is also a laminated sticker still in the jamb as I recall.
Sucks the frame and all the original cab are gone, under the law here you no longer have that '76 as the front axle isn't numbered nor is it a significant portion. You'ld have to go to DMV and make application for a new vin which would entail an inspection for confidential vin which was on the frame, etc.
Is there a vin on the "new" cab or doors? Title to that is .... where?
It's gonna be tough, but there's a lesson there.
Keep up with the vin folks.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 790
From: Simi Valley, CA
I could be wrong, but I think the metal tags on the cab and on the bed which have the VIN are only used during the assembly line manufacturing process. The are not the official VIN identification labels.
The official (legal) location of the VIN is the plastic label on the driver's side door jam. So if you have this label and the metal warranty plate that is rivited to the door, and this VIN matches your title, you should be fine.
The other legal VIN location is on the right side frame rail. Since you changed your frame, make sure you keep your receipts, in case you ever need to prove where this frame came from.
The official (legal) location of the VIN is the plastic label on the driver's side door jam. So if you have this label and the metal warranty plate that is rivited to the door, and this VIN matches your title, you should be fine.
The other legal VIN location is on the right side frame rail. Since you changed your frame, make sure you keep your receipts, in case you ever need to prove where this frame came from.
First used in 1970, the white Safety Standard's Certification Label is on the B pillar, if it's missing...it's no big deal. This has the VIN, production date, and other misc info on it.
Ford glued these labels on...they cannot be removed by hand without destroying them, but the glue eventually dried up, and they fell off.
The Warranty Plate is riveted to the left door face below the latch. This plate has the VIN and codes for the: WB/COLOR/MODEL/BODY/TRANS/AXLE/YEAR (on some)/GVW/DSO.
Ppl replaced damaged left doors with used doors. 99% of the time, they did not install the original Warranty Plate on the replaced door.
While this isn't a common occurence, it's not uncommon either.
What IS necessary in most states to prove ownership: The frame VIN has to match the VIN on the registration.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
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[Is there a vin on the "new" cab or doors? Title to that is .... where?
Thanks to all for the replies!
I bought the bed and cab from a guy about 50 miles away several years ago. He said he was selling it for a older friend and he would get me the title within the week. He didnt, and now I cant remember how to get to his home. The bed and cab were rusty pieces of crap. I paid $200 bucks for both. But, it has the VIN tag on the door that matches the tags on the bed and cab.
I'm going to put the Marti tag on the door, get the receipt for the frame, then go from there. BAD idea?
Thanks to all for the replies!
I bought the bed and cab from a guy about 50 miles away several years ago. He said he was selling it for a older friend and he would get me the title within the week. He didnt, and now I cant remember how to get to his home. The bed and cab were rusty pieces of crap. I paid $200 bucks for both. But, it has the VIN tag on the door that matches the tags on the bed and cab.
I'm going to put the Marti tag on the door, get the receipt for the frame, then go from there. BAD idea?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 790
From: Simi Valley, CA
I bought the bed and cab from a guy about 50 miles away several years ago.
He said he was selling it for a older friend and he would get me the title within the week. Uh huh...
He didn't Of course not...so what else is new? and now I cant remember how to get to his home.
Even if you could find the seller, all you'll get is more excuses.
He said he was selling it for a older friend and he would get me the title within the week. Uh huh...
He didn't Of course not...so what else is new? and now I cant remember how to get to his home.
Even if you could find the seller, all you'll get is more excuses.
I've never been "bitten" because I know better. People lie...like rugs!
This "I'll get the title to you within a week" or whatever jazz is the usual excuse when someone claims they have the title...but in reality...do not.
If they are seliing parts for themselves, or for a friend, they should have the title in hand. If not...PASS!
Did you get some sort of SIGNED receipt from the seller for the parts you bought? Prolly not.
Before spending another cent, I would suggest contacting the DMV and run whatever VIN's you can find thru the system...to see if they match trucks reported stolen.
If you try to register it without doing a title search...and it's been reported stolen, you'll lose everything.
You may be arrested...and then have to prove in court...that you were an innocent bystander.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 3
From: Halifx Pa
YES!, receiving stolen property is the same level of offense as stealing that same property.
And your right, if you run the vin, and it does come back stolen you run the risk of arrest, or at least loosing the property as it was reported stolen way back when. As Bill said unbeknownst to you if it was stolen, you will loss it for sure.
Even if the original owner is found, it is possible they are setting in care facility drooling on themselves, and would be of no help to you and YOUR truck.
I recently noticed on flEbay there is a F150 in decent condition, but no title only a bill of sale. Which is really hindering the price, and naturally so.
bottom line: If something is not right, or don't sound right, if probably isn't. Now to get it right, you will end up with no hair on your head, and no money in your wallet. Hopefully through all of this law enforcement doesn't change your address for you.
Keep us posted on how you get it sorted out, and best of luck with it!!
And your right, if you run the vin, and it does come back stolen you run the risk of arrest, or at least loosing the property as it was reported stolen way back when. As Bill said unbeknownst to you if it was stolen, you will loss it for sure.
Even if the original owner is found, it is possible they are setting in care facility drooling on themselves, and would be of no help to you and YOUR truck.
I recently noticed on flEbay there is a F150 in decent condition, but no title only a bill of sale. Which is really hindering the price, and naturally so.
bottom line: If something is not right, or don't sound right, if probably isn't. Now to get it right, you will end up with no hair on your head, and no money in your wallet. Hopefully through all of this law enforcement doesn't change your address for you.
Keep us posted on how you get it sorted out, and best of luck with it!!
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
The number that most (all?) state DMV's go by is the VIN number that is stamped on the frame. The warranty plate on the door and the cert. sticker on the door jamb don't have any standing when it comes to title work, they are both too easy to change.
To get the proper title you have to go by the frame VIN. This is stamped in two locations, ones not readily accessible, the other is stamped on top of the right frame rail about inline with the alternator.
Clean up the frame and get the number. This will be the number you have to use for the correct title.
Once you get it titled properly, then you can contact Marti and order the correct warranty plate and cert. sticker.
To get the proper title you have to go by the frame VIN. This is stamped in two locations, ones not readily accessible, the other is stamped on top of the right frame rail about inline with the alternator.
Clean up the frame and get the number. This will be the number you have to use for the correct title.
Once you get it titled properly, then you can contact Marti and order the correct warranty plate and cert. sticker.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
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Thanks guy's for the info, good and bad. I can get the receipt for the frame from the junkyard that sold it. I'm about 98% sure I can find the guy's house where I bought the cab and bed if I have to. AS I stated before, this project has been 20 years in the making. Bought a replacement frame, had it powder coated. Years later replaced the bed and cab with a rusty one. years later Performed body work paint. This year, complete drive train rebuild, posi front\rear, etc. NOWWWW I decide to worry about the paperwork..
I figure I'l at least get the receipt for the frame next week to prove it is not stolen, then go for you all's advice from there.
Thanks
Rich
I figure I'l at least get the receipt for the frame next week to prove it is not stolen, then go for you all's advice from there.
Thanks
Rich
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