Hello again all. My '47 F truck was an F4 or F5. It has the VIN number on the frame rail. However, I am mounting the unit on a different frame (posted elsewhere), therefore, when the DMV guy comes to do the Street Rod Inspection, he will not find a cowl tag (or anything) that shows the VIN information. I wrote to Data Tags and they said I need to find out what an original tag had on it. What would an original tag have, if indeed they had an original tag at all. If they didn't, what should I do? I am trying to sell the old F4/5 frame, so it could be that I will not be in possession of the proof of VIN when the time comes for the Inspection. Thanks. oldrodder43

 

The only tag that had a VIN numner would have been attached to the inside of the glove box door. That tag had the GVW of the truck, along with model number, and the VIN number.

By the way, the pre '48 trucks are not F series trucks, that came with the '48, not before. Our trucks are just trucks...haha.

 

Well Suh, thanks for that info, my Friend. I will check again, but can't recall seeing anything on the glove box door. But if so, that would still leave me the dilemma of it being changed to a 1/2 ton?? I guess I better call the DMV to see what they want me to do. Many thanks

 

Leave it to me to ask the question about what is meant by being changed to a 1/2 ton. The VIN already tells you that it is a big truck -- where does the 1/2 ton change come in? Are you just looking to have a big truck down rated for DMV purposes? Just curious, since I had an issue with my VIN code not matching the size of my truck. I was going to try to title it with the VIN that indicated a Tonner but then I bought a titled 1/2 ton parts truck and solved the dilema. NowI don't have to go through any hoops.

Sorry for that distraction, but I do have a question about Data Plates then. I looked at their website, because I would like to get a data plate for the glovebox -- neither of my trucks had one. I also got the impression that they didn't do the pre '48 data plates (yet). Does anyone know if there is a good picture of an example plate for them to work with so they could recreate one?

Charles

 

Soule46, go to this web site there is a picture of a vin tag. http://www.mercurypickup.com/1947fordusbuilt.htm

 

Thanks, I think that page will help out alot.

So for the '46 1/2 ton V8:

GVW = 4700
Engine # = VIN (without any dashes?) 699Cxxxxxx
Model # = 69A-83 Does the Model go on the line or in the boxes at the end of the line -- there are only 4 boxes?

Do you know what the size of the plate is LxH?
Do you know the size of the font?

I don't know if they have all this info but I would like to be prepared. Thanks again.

 

Thanks to all for the info, however, none of this so far covers my truck. When it came to me it was a 1 1/2 or 2 ton model, had 134" wheelbase on a dual wheel chassis. I have taken it off and am mounting it on a chevy mini truck frame, so my dilemma! Do I still ask for title with DMV as marked on original frame, a 1 1/2 or 2 ton, or do I ask that it have the rating of the new carrier, a half ton (or less) mini truck? That I think addresses the questions from soule46, and thanks to loholland for that website url on mercury/ford pickups, however, it only goes up to a 1 ton. I may be splitting hairs here, but knowing the potential for a loooonnnnngg holdup from my State DMV, I'd rather have all my ducks in a row before I get to the pond!! Thanks everybody. oldrodder43

 

Oldrodder, Sorry for hijacking your post, I just thought it would be a good place to get those answers since you brought up having a data plate made. I think the answer to your post is probably more of a local gov issue. In MN you can get a title for most any old car without any inspection. But they may have you buy a bond to protect the state if someone later claims the vehicle:

Vehicles with No Proof of Ownership: When tangible proof of ownership cannot be established, and no record of the vehicle can be found on file in the central office, (vehicle records are maintained for a seven year period), the following items are required:

* A bill of sale signed by the seller. The bill of sale must provide a complete description of the vehicle (year, make, model, and vehicle identification number[VIN]), the name of the purchaser, and the date of sale. All owners must sign.
* Application to Title/Register a Motor Vehicle (PS2000) completed by the purchaser.
* A statement of facts, written and signed by the seller of the vehicle. This statement must give as much information as possible regarding the history of the vehicle and indicate why there is no documentary proof of ownership. It must also contain a complete vehicle description (year, make, model, and VIN).
* A signed statement from purchaser that s/he agrees to defend and protect the state of Minnesota against any and all future claims of ownership.
* Photographs showing all sides of the vehicle (photographs are not required on utility trailers with a gross weight of less than 6000 pounds).

Note: The Department may require that the purchaser obtain a surety bond to protect the State against any possible claims of ownership.

There is another class of title in MN "reconstructed":

Vehicles that have been reconstructed, or specially constructed, are subject to a motor vehicle inspection.

Vehicle identification numbers must be left on all parts. If an identification number appears to have been tampered with, or has been removed, a title may not be issued.

So in MN I would try to just title the big truck then do the reconstruction.

But of course that is MN, I think if you cannot find suggestions from someone in your state, you should talk to the DMV people, their's is ultimately the only opinion that matters.

Good luck.

 

On my commute home I thought of one other thing. I remembered that Datatags.com says that you might have to show proof of ownership first.

" Real cars only need apply! We will not help with hallucinations or dreams!

Proof of ownership, pedigree check, required in some cases.."

So for me, since I have a title there would be no problem getting them to make me a tag.

When you contacted them did they suggest that they might require proof of ownership for your case / did it sound like they would accept your current situation?

 

Good morning Soule46. Nope, I didn't look at it as though you were taking over the post, indeed, I regarded it as constructive input, after all, that's what these forums are for, in my humble opinion. Good input. Great thoughts, things I never would have thought of, until the moment when I needed more documents for the DMV! HA! I appreciate all of your input as well as the others who posted too. This morning I intend to call the State of Maine DMV to question them on these items. Many thanks, have a great day! oldrodder43

 

Although it was not as drastic a change I reduced the size of my truck from an F-3 (3/4 T) to an F-1 (1/2 T) but then I used the same frame...just shortened it. I am still using the F-3 VIN and the DMV here doesn't seem to care about whether the truck is a 1/2 ton or 3/4. Perhaps you should hold on that original frame until your registration is resolved. You might be able to use the number off the old frame and then just grind it off before you sell it.