Where EXACTLY is the serial number on the frame?

[Lebowski]

I went to get plates for the Model A today and they wouldn't accept the number on the engine. They said it has to be on the body or the frame. After I got home I drove the left two wheels up on ramps and looked around on the left (driver's side) frame rail and couldn't find any numbers. I've seen some pics of it being on the top of the frame so how is anyone supposed to see it there? Is there anywhere else I can look? Someone suggested in another thread that the body has to be removed from the frame so please don't suggest that because I'll sell it before I do that. Where EXACTLY is the number on the frame? Thanks in advance....

[b ramsey]

got your ad ready?

[kwisor]

Hello
mine was under lt fender on top of frame you will need to lossen body and remove fender to find it if there is a lot of paint you will need to wire wheel off to see it behind the motor mount
Kevin
1930 MODEL A TUDOR
1923 MODEL T ROADSTER P/U

[ronn]

Hit a different DMV office.... a lot easier.

[Stinch]

My frame number is located between the left side engine mount and front running board bracket, adjacent to the front body mount. There is no predictable exact location, only a general area. Your results may vary.

[Willie Krash]

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I'm gonna stamp my frame as soon as I find some large number stamps. My guess is they just want to see a number.

[Mitch//pa]

i heard of guys stamping the side frame rail just to appease the dmv

[Lebowski]

I live in a small county NE of Louisville which only has two vehicle registration offices. I can't go to an office outside of the county that I live in. I'll try the other one tomorrow. If that doesn't work I may try to find someone to stamp the number on the bottom or side of the frame rail. I'll let you guys know what happens. Thanks....

[ford3]

the frame # will be any where from the front frame horn to under the body on drivers side, as was stated the fender sits on top of the frame so it has to be removed, get a good wire wheel on a strong drill motor and start cleaning, all the way to bare metal, start looking on top of frame near the steering box, if not there check just in front of the cowl, some times its just under the body, look real close some times they are stamped very light, going by engine # will not help unless its the same as frame #, you do not want two different numbers for one car, get the frame #

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Lebowski

I live in a small county NE of Louisville which only has two vehicle registration offices. I can't go to an office outside of the county that I live in. I'll try the other one tomorrow. If that doesn't work I may try to find someone to stamp the number on the bottom or side of the frame rail. I'll let you guys know what happens. Thanks....

This sounds like a good plan if you have a number on your title.

[whirnot]

I guess I am lucky, I have a VIN Number on the right firewall.

[Jim Mason]

I have some information on my site.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Lebowski

I went to get plates for the Model A today and they wouldn't accept the number on the engine. They said it has to be on the body or the frame. After I got home I drove the left two wheels up on ramps and looked around on the left (driver's side) frame rail and couldn't find any numbers. I've seen some pics of it being on the top of the frame so how is anyone supposed to see it there? Is there anywhere else I can look? Someone suggested in another thread that the body has to be removed from the frame so please don't suggest that because I'll sell it before I do that. Where EXACTLY is the number on the frame? Thanks in advance....

Hey Lebowski,
Ha, ha..'I'll sell it'...that's rich! Now can you post a pic and price !
Yeah, do a 'search' and this has been discussed (with pictures) endlessly.
The stamped number is approximately (give/take inch)..under the rear hood hold down clamp. I can email you pic, if that will help. Even tho my roadster body is on now, I stamped the exact number from top of frame ...to just below that location ON SIDE OF FRAME.
BTW..start unbolting. Hm, mabe one other way to get 'away' with the engine number....tell dmv that you have MATCHING numbers car and splain that . Hey, they might go for it...as guys buy cars with 'matching numbers'..I'm sure..without removing the body.

Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention...that I pulled the body to get the frame number, after the ca chp...said that that was what they would accept. Good luck

[Mike V. Florida]

What if it's Canadian?

[Donvito]

I would not rush to stamp a number on the frame. I have dealt with the DMV inspectors. They know exactly where the numbers are supposed to be. A person can get into trouble for altering the numbers on a frame. Let's say you stamped the numbers on the frame. Then the inspector says they do not accept those numbers, and force the issue to find the real numbers. The real numbers may not be the same at what is on your paperwork. Then you could have more problems. If you are cooperative and honest, the DMV should recognize that and be willing to work with you. I would go with the flow, do as the DMV asks, and play the game as they want to. I live in North Carolina. Every out of state antique car or lost title car is inspected by the Highway Patrol DMV inspectors. I try to only buy cars that already have a NC title, and I check to make sure the numbers match. I bought my 1930 Coupe in December. It came with a NC title and the numbers matched the engine block numbers. It was very easy for me to title and register, no inspection needed. In 2007 I bought a 1924 Model T without a title. NC has since become tighter on lost titles. The inspector came to my house and laid under the car, trying to find a frame number. They settled for the engine block number. I found out later that 1924 cars did not necessarily have a number stamped on the frame. I got my title and then built a custom rolling chassis for the car, with a modern four cylinder. I bought two reproduction brass body tags from Snyder's. I had the numbers engraved on them. I put one on the firewall and one inside the driver's door jamb. Good luck.
Mike

[1931 flamingo]

Look for the youngest guy at the next DMV office you go to, he may not know about the frame #.
Guy at DMV office in CT I went to came out and asked: "Where is it?". Lucky me.
Paul in CT

[Lebowski]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

Look for the youngest guy at the next DMV office you go to, he may not know about the frame #.
Guy at DMV office in CT I went to came out and asked: "Where is it?". Lucky me.
Paul in CT

Both offices are staffed by women in their 40s and 50s who have been working there for many years. If I can't get it done at the other office tomorrow I have the phone numbers of 5 MAFCA members in Louisville so I'll call them and ask for suggestions....

[1931 flamingo]

Good luck and keep us posted on how you make out.
Paul in CT

[mmindling]

Lebowski,

Here's an idea that might be worth a try.

Go the DMV with a copy of the Model A Judging Standards or any other publication regarding Model A, which has a clear, simple explanation of where the chassis stamping is located.

Then point out, also with document backup, that Ford built over 3MM Model A's and every one had the chassis number under the body.

Even if they are as stupid as you, how could any Model A be registered by your state DMV is the body has to be lifted and the chassis shown to the inspection.

Equally Frustrated,

Regards,

Martin Mindling Watertown Ohio *A 11739*

[Bruce Lancaster]

If I were to try something sneaky...I might just ask the DMV to tell me where exactly I need to look for the number they want. If they have no clue, they might well be happy with a nice number right by the steering where you can see it...
Your mileage may vary, as you are a bit out of the rust belt, but around here an awful lot of Model A's have only pits where the numbers once lived.