The Ford Barn

guyrube1 · 04-05-2017, 09:19 AM

I bought a 1935 5 window and some of the VIN numbers not legible because of rust and someone sanding the frame many years ago to repaint it. Where can I buy exact replica numbers to punch them back in and on a 35 did they use a "1" or an "I". The visible numbers match the title so I know it is right but I cant see them all and in California I know DMV will demand to see all numbers

texas webb · 04-05-2017, 09:30 AM

The DMV has methods to raise/verify the numbers.

Charlie Stephens · 04-05-2017, 09:47 AM

Call the DMV and ask them what they want you to do. They will probably want to raise them using acid. Don't restamp or you are asking for trouble. The 1 was an I.

Charlie Stephens

blucar · 04-05-2017, 10:43 AM

The correct size of a serial number stamp set is 1/8".. To duplicate an EFV8 serial number you have to have a five pointed star. Re-stamping over an existing number is very difficult at it's best.

Ball and Chain · 04-05-2017, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guyrube1

I bought a 1935 5 window and some of the VIN numbers not legible because of rust and someone sanding the frame many years ago to repaint it. Where can I buy exact replica numbers to punch them back in and on a 35 did they use a "1" or an "I". The visible numbers match the title so I know it is right but I cant see them all and in California I know DMV will demand to see all numbers

Try muriatic acid, its available at any lowes or pool place

Charlie Stephens · 04-05-2017, 01:07 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by blucar

The correct size of a serial number stamp set is 1/8".. To duplicate an EFV8 serial number you have to have a five pointed star. Re-stamping over an existing number is very difficult at it's best.

Size is only part of the story. The font needs to be correct. See the bottom of the page at: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_home.htm

Charlie Stephens

JSeery · 04-05-2017, 01:17 PM

I would check first, if they appeared altered in any way could be a big problem.

V8COOPMAN · 04-05-2017, 01:26 PM

You're playing with fire. Those CAL officials know the score on this "numbers" stuff. If there's any question, I'd ask anonymously FIRST, 'cuz they'll catch any 'doctoring' you do and the outcome likely will not be pleasant. DD

1931 flamingo · 04-05-2017, 01:47 PM

Are the numbers visible in one or both of the other locations??
Paul in CT

Randy in ca · 04-05-2017, 04:22 PM

Any numbers visible on the top/front of clutch/transmission?

guyrube1 · 04-06-2017, 08:05 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, it is a later model flathead, but the trans might be original so I will look on the bell housing for the number. I cant believe some knuckle head almost sanded off all the numbers.
I have heard horror stories about California DMV and the VIN #'s. I guess they have to be completely visible.

JSeery · 04-06-2017, 09:03 AM

The numbers are still there even if the surface is ground down. The impact of the punch upsets the metal below what you see on the surface. There are methods posted on both the Barn and the HAMB about how to "raise" the serial numbers. I would guess your best bet is to go through one of the third parties to title your vechile.

rotorwrench · 04-06-2017, 09:23 AM

The metal being displaced by the stamp has its grain changed and hardened more than the surrounding metal so certain acids will make the numbers reappear.

Reproduction stamps are available but I have no idea how close they are to the original characters. They're way expensive too. Best to try and verify the numbers with all other means before muddying the water. There should be numbers farther to the rear of the left rail that can sometimes verify the front set but they won't have the 18- on there. The guys that stamped them at FoMoCo didn't always get a good shot at it so many times they are very hard to see. That and crusty rusties plus overzealous "restorers" over the multi decades since stamping took place doesn't help either.

Detonator · 04-06-2017, 03:44 PM

In California the DMV doesn't do the VIN check, it's done by the CHP or a licensed independent registration service. In my area, you used to be able to drag your stuff out to the local CHP office and they'd come out and sign it off. Now, they require you to make an appointment. With a six week wait for an appointment, I opted to step up and pay a registration service. They came right to my shop and were very easy to deal with. You might consider talking with one of these services first.

04-05-2017, 09:19 AM	#1
guyrube1 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 21	1935 5 window VIN I bought a 1935 5 window and some of the VIN numbers not legible because of rust and someone sanding the frame many years ago to repaint it. Where can I buy exact replica numbers to punch them back in and on a 35 did they use a "1" or an "I". The visible numbers match the title so I know it is right but I cant see them all and in California I know DMV will demand to see all numbers

04-05-2017, 09:30 AM	#2
texas webb Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: San Antonio Texas Posts: 636	Re: 1935 5 window VIN The DMV has methods to raise/verify the numbers.

04-05-2017, 09:47 AM	#3
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,070	Re: 1935 5 window VIN Call the DMV and ask them what they want you to do. They will probably want to raise them using acid. Don't restamp or you are asking for trouble. The 1 was an I. Charlie Stephens Last edited by Charlie Stephens; 04-05-2017 at 10:21 AM.

04-05-2017, 10:43 AM	#4
blucar Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 2,464	Re: 1935 5 window VIN The correct size of a serial number stamp set is 1/8".. To duplicate an EFV8 serial number you have to have a five pointed star. Re-stamping over an existing number is very difficult at it's best. __________________ Bill.... 36 5 win cpe

04-05-2017, 01:17 PM	#7
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: 1935 5 window VIN I would check first, if they appeared altered in any way could be a big problem.

04-05-2017, 01:26 PM	#8
V8COOPMAN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Shore of LAKE HOUSTON Posts: 11,135	Re: 1935 5 window VIN You're playing with fire. Those CAL officials know the score on this "numbers" stuff. If there's any question, I'd ask anonymously FIRST, 'cuz they'll catch any 'doctoring' you do and the outcome likely will not be pleasant. DD __________________ *Click Links Below* __ ▼ *'35-'36 W/8BA & MECHANICAL FAN* *T5 W/TORQUE TUBE*

04-05-2017, 01:47 PM	#9
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,397	Re: 1935 5 window VIN Are the numbers visible in one or both of the other locations?? Paul in CT

04-05-2017, 04:22 PM	#10
Randy in ca Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,673	Re: 1935 5 window VIN Any numbers visible on the top/front of clutch/transmission?

04-06-2017, 08:05 AM	#11
guyrube1 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 21	Re: 1935 5 window VIN Thanks for the suggestions, it is a later model flathead, but the trans might be original so I will look on the bell housing for the number. I cant believe some knuckle head almost sanded off all the numbers. I have heard horror stories about California DMV and the VIN #'s. I guess they have to be completely visible.

04-06-2017, 09:03 AM	#12
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: 1935 5 window VIN The numbers are still there even if the surface is ground down. The impact of the punch upsets the metal below what you see on the surface. There are methods posted on both the Barn and the HAMB about how to "raise" the serial numbers. I would guess your best bet is to go through one of the third parties to title your vechile.

04-06-2017, 09:23 AM	#13
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,543	Re: 1935 5 window VIN The metal being displaced by the stamp has its grain changed and hardened more than the surrounding metal so certain acids will make the numbers reappear. Reproduction stamps are available but I have no idea how close they are to the original characters. They're way expensive too. Best to try and verify the numbers with all other means before muddying the water. There should be numbers farther to the rear of the left rail that can sometimes verify the front set but they won't have the 18- on there. The guys that stamped them at FoMoCo didn't always get a good shot at it so many times they are very hard to see. That and crusty rusties plus overzealous "restorers" over the multi decades since stamping took place doesn't help either.

04-06-2017, 03:44 PM	#14
Detonator Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santa Cruz Posts: 391	Re: 1935 5 window VIN In California the DMV doesn't do the VIN check, it's done by the CHP or a licensed independent registration service. In my area, you used to be able to drag your stuff out to the local CHP office and they'd come out and sign it off. Now, they require you to make an appointment. With a six week wait for an appointment, I opted to step up and pay a registration service. They came right to my shop and were very easy to deal with. You might consider talking with one of these services first. __________________ Seabright Hot Rods