Hi fellas, I've been looking but haven't found what I need or understand. I have two trucks a 1948 3100 with body tag and engine serial number (have engine but won't be using it) but no title. Also I have a 1951 3600 no engine but do have a clear title for it. The VIN on the title does not match the body tag on the drivers post. It's my understanding that the VIN used is the engine serial number. So even though I have the title not sure how I can prove the title goes with the truck because no engine. The 48 3100 frame and probably cab is what I will build, So my question is when or if I am able to get a new title what number is used? Engine or Body tag. And if it's the engine serial number and that motor is not used how do you prove ownership? My intention is to use the best of the two trucks in making one. Wanting to do the right thing but not sure how.Then at some point I'll probably sell the cab I don't use. The DMV doesn't seem to grasp my situation and keeps giving me conflicting info. Any help appreciated.
WARNING ! if you tell the DMV what you're up to , they'll ensure you never get a good title ! . remember I warned you if you decide to get cute later on..... Begin building your cab & chassis , as soon as you have it in running condition , trailer it to the local DMV and ask for a title correction because you've replaced the engine it used to be titled to ~ don't say anything silly like you never had the matching engine etc. , etc. ! When the lady comes out to verify the VIN , if she doesn't use the door post's numbers , ask her if she can so you won't ever have to go through all this again ~ 99 % of the time , that'll do the trick . Generally keeping your mouth SHUT is the smarter thing to do . DON'T use pop rivets to attach the VIN tag ! use the original funnly looking screws and leave the tag all grubby until you have a title in your name , in your hand then you can replace the old tag with a nifty re-pop one and at the same time , remove the left wheel and inner fender , stamp the VIN on the title , onto the top of the frame rail so it'll be visable when the truck is assembled.... Depoending on what state you're in you can also simply run a " Mechanic's lein " on it to get title , take time and costs more but it'll use the VIN on the doorpost tag from the jump .
If you are in Tennessee you can use the nameplate number and apply for a lost title. Or, you can use the title you have and buy a door plate from Classic Chevy, go by the local machine shop, and have them use there metal dies to stamp the numbers from the title onto the door plate. What Nate said is correct if you live in one of the states where the government has to tie you down and beat you with red tape every time you want to do something simple. Good luck, Gator
Listen to Nate, NEVER--repeat--NEVER volunteer ANY information to the DMV. It is a game to see how many times they can run you back and forth and round and round. You know NOTHING of the history and what you have is what they see. You found a nice straight cab and a good frame and put the running gear on it. You know NOTHING of the old engine, trans, rear, etc. Of course you have bills of sale for everything. "I didn't get that with it" or "I don't know" are keystone phrases. Your worst mistake is trying to be helpful. I am 180 degrees different from this attitude with ANYONE but the DMV. A lady at the local DMV has grown old with me so I will bypass the first available to deal with her. She knows I have the vehicle sitting on a trailer right outside so there's no chance of running me back and forth, have every form with every "i" dotted and "t" crossed, and after 40 years, know how to counter every trick. She just pulls out the title form and starts typing.
