Hi, I'm looking for some help in identifying the 1947 chevy pickup I just bought. The problem is that when I put in the VIN from the title on an internet VIN search, (to find out the exact model) the result is "non existant VIN" The VIN plate is unreadable (from corrosion). What I do know is this: it's a 4 speed; RIng and pinion looks to be 2:1, though this doesn't seem right; Axel is a full floater, 8 lug; rear spring perches are mounted on the outside of the frame; rear wheels are 17 in, front are 16 in; Engine is standard straight 6 with one barrel. Any advice anyone could send about how to narrow down the model number and how to track down the VIN would be greatly appreciately. Thanks for the help. PhotoMatt in California
vin number Sometimes if you remove the vin plate from the door post, it is possible to read the stamping from the backside.
Old Chebbys Matt ; Firstly : WELCOME ! (note clever use of Chevrolet Blue there ) If you post up how many leaves are in the springs and how many lugs hold the wheels on , one of our resident Big 'Bolt experts will likely know what you've got there . I've had pretty good luckin cleaning the old VIN plate with mechanic's hand cleaner on a rag over my finger ...... Sometimes you can gently polish the plate with abrasive metal polish , the paint and print will come off but the stamped in VIN should then be de-codeable . The reason your VIN search came up blsnk is : these oldies use too shorta VIN for the computer to match , since 1982 all VIN's must have , uh I forget but IIRC it's _13_ digits , not to worry . Your VIN isn't anywhere else on the frame nor cab . It's an Alpha - Numeric deal that once you have it , we can decode for the year model , series , GVW and plant it was built in too . if you look in older posts you'll find lots of detailed info on Tune Up , ALWAYS begin with a valve adjustment and don't assume that rusty greasy lump under the hood is bad , even though it only has 35 # compression in 5 cylinders ~ you can still tune it and make it run ' As New ' .
If it is a pickup, it's one of three models, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton or 1 ton. 8 lug wheels make me think it's either 3/4 ton or 1 ton. Measure the wheelbase. If 116", it's a 1/2 ton; 125", it's a 3/4 ton; 137", it's a 1 ton. As Nate says, try polishing the ID plate and get the actual serial number then we can figure it out for sure.
Thank You every who has replied. Answers to responses, 8 leaves to the rear spring pack and wheel base seems to about 125(measuring by ones self) As for the stampings on the plate;6ER-G space space space 1103. Thank you
I think I have it figured out. "6" means your truck was assembled at the Oakland, Ca assembly plant. "ER" means that it is a '47 3600 truck (3/4 ton). "G" means that it rolled off of the assembly line sometime in July '47. The remaining numbers are a sequencial number. The fact that you said that the wheelbase is 125" +/- confirms that it is a 3/4 ton. Hope this info helps and BTW, welcome to the nut-house! Ken
Thanks for the information. It is very helpful. As for the nut house, I work in an area where there are thousand of acres of nuts (almonds and walnuts). Glad to be part of this nut house, though. Matt
