Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

I have the main body off of the frame - soda (sanded) and primed. I can’t find any manufacturers numbers / letters on the frame or cross members.

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

The serial number should be stamped on the top of the left frame rail, about where the front of the cowl is mounted.

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

thiswork

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

The characters Ford used are relatively large at 1/4". They always begin and end with a star character on model As. They are sometimes rather shallow stampings but can generally be seen as long as the frame hasn't been pebbled with corrosion. Blasting tends to make them less visible than sanding with fine paper. I usually find them before cleaning the frame. Paint can fill them in so that they are barely visible.

If they aren't in the spot previously posted, then it's doubtful you will find them anywhere else. Ford did offer replacement frames back in the day and they didn't have any numbers. Dealers were supposed to stamp them with the KR Wilson stamp sets.

If you do happen to find them, I'd suggest making a pencil rubbing on paper. Photographs wont't hurt but some DMVs only accept the rubbing for titling purposes. If it's already titled then it should be no problem until the next owner comes along.

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

Mine were not stamped very firmly into the steel, and I had to really rub a bunch before it came clear. Also, mine were probably done one day by someone who may have had a bad day for one reason or another. They were unevenly spaced and uneven top to bottom. Maybe the guy who stamped the frame was new on the job. The car was assembled in the Twin Cities plant.

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

Good information - thank’s

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

While all frames were supposed to be stamped at the factory, some did not get stamped so if you have a frame with no numbers, it still may be original to that car.

Chris W

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

Also, if I remember right, some plants did not stamp their frames.

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

It has been said cars made in Canada were not stamped - don't know. Some may disagree, but while you have it apart, and if it is titled, might stamp on the numbers. In a perfect world, the numbers on the frame, engine, and title should all agree. Again, if already titled (in your name), might also consider restamping the engine if the number is not the same as the title. This will simplify title transfer if eventually selling to a buyer out of state. Restamping different numbers is something of a touchy subject - but it is legally your car and your call.

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

This is close to what I just saw on one of the crime TV stations, only they said the numbers, being harder stood out after using the acid. While the color of the acid mix he used was about the same, the detective may have used a different acid in the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld4hJmxP9Zk

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

I have restored a few Model A's over the years, mostly '28-'29 models, and each of these had serial numbers stamped on the left frame rail; however, my current project is a '31 Cabriolet and it did not have a stamping on the frame. I purchased this car from the son of the second owner, who purchased the car in 1936 (and no indication of any frame swaps or repairs were evident upon disassembly), leading me to conclude that it was never stamped at the factory. I have a friend who is also building a '30 model, and it does not appear to have ever been stamped either. Hope this helps.

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

All engines were assembled constructed, tested and
numbered at the Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd plant
in Windsor, Ontario. Engines and frames were stamped with
matching numbers through late 1928. Thereafter, frames
were no longer stamped with the engine number. (Engine
numbers on early frames were stamped on the left hand
side, same as USA, directly below the cowl area and are not
visible unless the body is removed.)

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

We could find no numbers on my 1929 Roadster PU frame. Since then it has been sandblasted and painted.

Re: Factory VIN - ID Numbers
 

Canadian model As certainly could have made it over the border. The engine numbers always had "C" as the first character and generally "A" was always second but after that, there can be any number of alphabet characters. This site link has a listing.
https://www.mafcgb.org.uk/engine-cha...ers-explained/

If the engine is gone or replaced then all a person has is characteristics of the chassis to go by. Bodies are easily swapped around as long as the radiator mounts fit with the model year of the body. No number leaves it wide open for paperwork problems here in the US. I'm not sure if Canadians experience difficulties of this nature or not.

If I purchased a Canadian one with an engine number consistent with the characteristics of the car date wise then I would stamp the frame to match. At least there would be some ID on the car besides the engine.