Cut out the serial number on the drivers side rail

[Jack Jenkins]

I am working on a 36 fordor. I cut off the serial number on the front drivers side rail to install a steering gear box. I plan on welding the plate with the number on it in the same area but it may not look factory.

Can this cause a problem down the road? I already have the title.

Thanks.

Jack

[tubman]

Actually, in most states, that constitutes "Grand Theft Auto". Before doing anything, I would seek proper legal advice. I don't think you have done anything illegal yet, but doing what you intend probably is.

What's chances of getting caught? Not much, but I wouldn't take a chance. The end result is you will probably end up with a state issued VIN unless you can find the right people at the DMV. It all depends on the state you are in, which would be nice to know.

[rockfla]

How close did you cut to the engine number, I would think IF you do a good job of re-welding it into frame, grind and smooth your welds enough to where no one would be the wiser!!!! OR, only the true "ford V8" affectionato would know!!!

[34fordy]

Your frame has the same number in two other places farther to the rear on the same rail. If you were ever required to prove the correct VIN I do not know if it can be done without lifting the body somewhat. I am sure that there are folks on this site that would know. If a person was playing a little hanky-panky then that would be different. Not insinuating anything!

[tubman]

I am not insinuating anything about ordinary people either. However, the DMV folks can sometimes be "Little Tin Gods" that can and sometimes will cause problems just for the hell of it. I ran into it once and would prefer to avoid it at all costs in the future. Be very careful dealing with them.

[34fordy]

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Possibly a conversation with your DMV before cutting would have made this simple. Wish you luck and success. I think (hope) most DMV folks will work with you if you follow the rules. Maybe even give you a break if you are not doing anything wrong. Possibly I am a little naive? LOL

[cas3]

I forget, is that in an area where the frame is doubled up? If so, gonna be hard to do a perfect job. As stated above, there should be another number or even two on the frame

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by tubman

I am not insinuating anything about ordinary people either. However, the DMV folks can sometimes be "Little Tin Gods" that can and sometimes will cause problems just for the hell of it. I ran into it once and would prefer to avoid it at all costs in the future. Be very careful dealing with them.

Florida "Especially". They strung a friend out for 3 years on a WWII Jeep.

[TJ]

Jack, you should have asked your question before you cut off the VIN (serial number). If stopped by an officer (stopped because your tail light is burned out) and he decides to check the VIN and finds it is welded on, your car could be impounded for a long time. It could be held until it could be verified on the other part of the frame(which is under the body). If I were you I would go to your local DMV and tell them what you have done and hope they will issue you a new ID number. Not sure where you live, but some states are nicer than others when it comes to these problems. Do not try to weld it on at this point. Take it with you to DMV and show them why and where you removed it. You may get lucky and get a sympathetic DMV worker.

[tubman]

I think there's an echo in this forum.

[ActionYobbo]

Dont ask dont tell

[tubman]

Originally Posted by ActionYobbo

Dont ask dont tell

That'll get you a long way. This is why it's important that we know where he is, both with his location and on his project. If he's in a state where they inspect the VIN before issuing a title, and it hasn't been done yet, yours is the worst advice possible.

[ford38v8]

I would think that taking the cut-off serial number to a DMV office in hopes of getting a sympathetic clerk would be asking for trouble. Assuming you do have a clean title, start with anonymous questions. If you are now just building the car, you may be in a good position to demonstrate the other two locations on the frame that have the serial number. In any case, strive for keeping the original serial number rather than a DMV issued number, if only because that number would be on a less-than-desirable, non-original plate riveted to your car.

[Newc]

Another ' illegal' method- the Ford stamps are for sale in the Pacific NW, often listed in Hemmings and at WA swaps. Some originals are so faint that they are unreadable. Newc

[rich b]

Kinda late now; but some questions are best unasked.

[cas3]

Not mentioned yet, what steering box did you use that made it necessary to cut the frame out?

[19Fordy]

Just wondering what would happen if you owned a car that had the frame repaired or replaced where the VIN number use to be because the original OEM piece of frame that "contained" the number was discarded due to an accident.

[cas3]

I went to an auction years ago to buy a 34 frame with title. Numbers had been cut out and welded in. The guy only owned an arc welder, and didn't know how to weld. Burn thru holes all over, then they "smoothed" it out with some 36 grit on a grinder. It was gross. One glance at that and the cop would be putting you in hand cuffs. Two guys bid it up to 900!

[tubman]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Just wondering what would happen if you owned a car that had the frame repaired or replaced where the VIN number use to be because the original OEM piece of frame that "contained" the number was discarded due to an accident.

This is one of the reasons that there are "State Issued VIN Numbers". People generally frown upon them, but they can save your ass once in a while. My "Homebuilt" T-Bucket has a VIN issued by Minnesota in 1966 when I originally built it.

[51504bat]

Originally Posted by tubman

This is one of the reasons that there are "State Issued VIN Numbers". People generally frown upon them, but they can save your ass once in a while. My "Homebuilt" T-Bucket has a VIN issued by Minnesota in 1966 when I originally built it.

State DMV assigned vin tags on a Model A that had an engine change are the only way to verify that the ID number shown on the title matches the number on the car. Without one you have to lift the body to check the ID number on the frame since the original engine/number is gone.