I recently acquired a 1947 dodge pickup. I also have a VIN plate. The number on the plate is serial 81120282. Does this plate go with the 47? thanks in advance

Lon

It's in the ballpark. Looks like a 1945 WC 1/2 ton

Thanks folks.
The VIN plate is actually in my pocket!!! Took it off a 46 cab that I bought. The 47 complete truck I have-doesn't have a plate. Just trying to figure out which way to go. Title it to the plate? title it with numbers from the frame (with ebag plate to match)? Just trying to see what the serial numbers came back as. How can I look those up? Any suggestions?

If the 47 doesn't have a vin plate, why don't you ask the state to issue a new vin number for the truck? The state of Tennessee issued a new vin number for my 55 pick up. They also provided a vin plate with the new vin number.

I went thru this with a 37 Dodge PU.....no vin tag and truck titled by the engine number and the engine was long gone.

As I found out after buying a shop manual, the frame is also stamped with the vin. It took about 1/2 a day at DMV to get that all straightened out but I now a legit paper on it.

Now if a sharp LEO decides to check numbers on the truck, which do you think he's going to go by, the stamped numbers on the frame or a tag that's held on with 2 screws? You can do what you want, but personally I kind of like knowing before I put a bunch of money in a project that I actually own it with good paper.

Laws vary greatly from state to state but finding a frame number and talking to DMV is where I would start first.

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm in Murfreesboro, TN so I may go with getting a new VIN and title issued.

Where is the VIN stamped on the frame? Where on the engine? The 47 is a complete truck at the moment.

thanks again.

OK-I checked the frame in front of axle on left front. no numbers. I did check the engine-here's what is stamped on the engine pad
TII2*I04079* ( not sure if the I's are not actually 1's.)

What year does the engine appear to be from? thanks

i would tread lightly with DMV and law enforcement questions and also be wary of asking for inspections----99% of LEO dont know what they are looking at---and the 1% that have had a little training are the experts that will be inspecting your vehicle and finding any little fault( because if they find fault it justifies their position) and they may refuse you and maybe even impound the vehicle...

dabeast2,

Thanks for the info. yes, I'm in Murfreesboro, TN. I just may call the county clerk to do that. I'm just trying to figure out the year the best way I can.

thanks

Okay, good luck.

keep us posted on how you make out with this topic and good luck to you,,,,

In VA, the state police handle things like this. I have found them very supportive of car enthusiasts. There is no need to try sketchy ways of getting VIN tags as long as you have documentation of purchase/ownership and contact them -before- you proceed. They have helped me remove and replace VIN tags for a restoration, use a vintage VIN tag that did not come with the car, get a completely new VIN tag, correct title errors (transposed VIN numbers), and so on.

They aren't after the average car guy, but are looking for criminal types who engage in VIN fraud. The key to success is working with them, not trying to slip something by them.

its nice to hear there are places where good stuff happens to good people...