The Ford Barn

billybronco1 · 12-05-2012, 08:10 AM

I found a chart on line but can't make sense of it. My vin# is A43033 and should be a 1929 Model A but I can't find it on the chart - can some one help tell me year & month or supply a chart - thanks

lookin-backtexas · 12-05-2012, 08:16 AM

Your engine would have been manufactured in March 1928.

Here's the engine production chart from MAFCA:

http://www.mafca.com/data_eng_production.html

newshirt · 12-05-2012, 08:16 AM

Here is a lookup app that may help: http://www.modelahouse.com/cgi-bin/enumbers/numdate

Looks like your engine number is from Mar 8, 1928. The frame number was originally the same as the engine number, but many engines were replaced so the two may no longer be the same.

billybronco1 · 12-05-2012, 09:14 AM

Okay thanks I see March 1928 by plugging in my vin#
For registering & titling is it the engine number they go by?
Where on the engine can this number be found?
Should the body/frame number match and maybe the transmission - where are those numbers?

The title on this car says its a 1929 but according to the vin (engine#) its a 1928

newshirt · 12-05-2012, 09:27 AM

You'll have to check with your DMV for registration details. Each state may be different.

The engine number (which may be irrelevant for registration) is located on the driver's side, just under the head, in the middle.

Your engine and frame numbers may not match. Many don't, unless the state requires the engine to be restamped. There is no transmission stamp, only engine and frame. The frame stamp can only be seen by lifting the body.

Ultimately, you should probably register using the VIN on the title.

billybronco1 · 12-05-2012, 09:35 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Ya, using the title as it is would make it easy for getting a new title in my state but is it a 1928 or 1929 I guess is the question. The current title says 1929. When you say lift the body do you have to take the body off the frame to see it? Thanks

Steve Plucker · 12-05-2012, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billybronco1

Ya, using the title as it is would make it easy for getting a new title in my state but is it a 1928 or 1929 I guess is the question. The current title says 1929. When you say lift the body do you have to take the body off the frame to see it? Thanks

Go to my website www.plucks329s.org and there look up Additional Studies. Then go to Letters, Numbers and Codes. There you will find some usefull information on looking for what it is you are questioning.

We no absolutly nothing about your car. Can you provide us with some history? Is the engine number the original number or a restamp?

What body style is it? There are some key things to look for in determining just where your car falls into the assembly of things.

One item you can start with is getting the MARC/MAFCA Restoration Guidelines and Judging Standards. This alone will help you to determine where your car stands in the assembly window.

Maybe it is something that was peiced together...maybe not. The more you understsand about your car, the better off you will be.

Pluck

Rowdy · 12-05-2012, 12:04 PM

If you already have a title I would not stir up a can of worms with the DMV about non matching numbers as you may end up with an "Assembled Vehicle Title" or something simular. If preparing for an inspection check your frame number and make sure it matches the title before inspection. In Nebraska they only consider the engine number, but the people (Sherriffs Office) that do the inspection do not know how the state statute reads and basicly accept whichever number you present them. Luckily I have a numbers matching chassis so I could present either number to them inspection without any worries. Most Model A's are not likely to be numbers matching. This is only a problem when the people doing the inspection know the laws in their state well. Rod

Tom Wesenberg · 12-05-2012, 12:33 PM

Every owner should have a copy of the Restoration Guidlines and Judging Standards. You can look in there to see the many small changes between the 1928 and 1929 Model A's. These would also be seen in the SERVICE BULLETINS, another book every A owner should have.

Do you have the split brake system, or do you have the single shaft going across the frame for the brake rods?

billybronco1 · 12-05-2012, 01:10 PM

Brakes have been converted to hydraulic - I have not taken ownership yet just trying to do some home work to have a better idea of what I'm buying, I will be picking up this weekend. BTW its a 4 door sedan - thanks

1931 flamingo · 12-05-2012, 05:26 PM

I wouldn't stir things up, make sure the engine # is visible and matches the title/reg, then retitle and register it. I believe MA will be OK using the engine # as the VIN. Bought mine north of Worcester, and main reason for doing it was that it was registered and titled. All I had to do in CT was have a VIN verification done and got lucky with the DMV Inspector who didn't have a clue.
After you get it most of us would like to see pictures.
Paul in CT

billybronco1 · 12-05-2012, 07:53 PM

Learning a bit more - the engine number matches the title and there is a Briggs vin number plate on the fire wall. Its a four door sedan with three windows on each side, so I'm told its a Briggs body - sound right so far.

If everything makes sense that its a 1928 I would like to title as such and know I have a 28 I guess I have to get into some more details about the car. Once I have it I can dig into it deeply.

JeffPeters · 07-29-2016, 10:14 AM

New to this site. Bought a Model A yesterday. Body missing but everything else is there. Would the DMV care what body is on the frame since it's all frame numbers? I have more than one option. Also any tips on registering an assembled vehicle like mine would have to be? I guess that was the same question phrased differently.

700rpm · 07-29-2016, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffPeters

New to this site. Bought a Model A yesterday. Body missing but everything else is there. Would the DMV care what body is on the frame since it's all frame numbers? I have more than one option. Also any tips on registering an assembled vehicle like mine would have to be? I guess that was the same question phrased differently.

Where are you located? Your state DMV will have your local laws on registration. Do you have a title?

Charlie Stephens · 07-29-2016, 10:39 AM

I would be concerned about the VIN matching the title. When you are stopped by the police they sometimes check the number and compare it to your registration, if not you may be in hot water (at least in California). If your car was stolen and recovered the police would look at the VIN number and not know how to contact you. If your car is in an accident your insurance adjuster might say "we didn't insure that car".

Charlie Stephens

barnstuf · 07-29-2016, 11:36 AM

I am in Massachusetts also. With the engine number matching the title you will not have any problem. Trying to correct the year of the car will create problems you do not need. It is possible to amend a title flaw but my advice is to take the easy route for now. Also be advised that sales tax on private party sales must be paid within 21 days of purchase. If you are not registering the car right away fill out the registration form for title only, pay the sales tax, get a title, register it when you are ready. Saves lots of grief and expensive sales tax penalties that accrue after 21 days. Good luck.

Marshall57 · 07-29-2016, 04:19 PM

The best case is to have a matching set of numbers between the frame and the engine and title. Anything less adds to your possibility of trouble. If only the number on the frame matches the title, you have the second best situation. If only your engine matches your title, that would be bad in most cases.
The worst possible is having a title that matches neither the frame or the engine, which could end up being the case if you have the engine match the title and at some point replace the engine.
The problems were touched on in post #15, and I would add that there might be a time when you would like to sell it. Without a title with the correct numbers, this is a problem and could get worse.
One more thing, you say that you haven't taken possession of it yet? If not, make sure your not buying a huge ball of trouble for yourself later on.
It would be best to clear up as much as possible when you buy the car or truck.

Mike V. Florida · 07-29-2016, 10:38 PM

Here are the rules for MA.

http://www.semasan.com/semaga/TagTitleToolbox_MA.pdf

patroll · 12-26-2018, 02:35 PM

I have a 1928 Model A Ford dad bought in 1974 , the title serial numbers are AA803318 its a Tudor sedan anybody can look that serial number over ? Looks like a late 1928 built Model A . The motor was changed at one time to a 29 or 30 motor

Bob C · 12-26-2018, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patroll

I have a 1928 Model A Ford dad bought in 1974 , the title serial numbers are AA803318 its a Tudor sedan anybody can look that serial number over ? Looks like a late 1928 built Model A . The motor was changed at one time to a 29 or 30 motor

That engine is a late December 1928 AA truck engine.

Bob

12-05-2012, 08:16 AM	#2
lookin-backtexas Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Georgetown, Texas Posts: 396	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured Your engine would have been manufactured in March 1928. Here's the engine production chart from MAFCA: http://www.mafca.com/data_eng_production.html __________________ Fred Carlton Life Member AACA 44 year member MAFCA Editor of The Restorer magazine, official publication of MAFCA 12 years Life Member Dallas Model A Ford Club (44 years) 23 year member & founder Lone Star Model A Ford Club Chairman 35th Model A Ford Texas Tour 1998 (state convention) Chairman 42nd Model A Ford Texas Tour 2005 (state convention) Charter Member Ford Model AA Truck Club If you aren't driving your antique car frequently, you might as well be collecting clocks!!!

12-05-2012, 08:16 AM	#3
newshirt Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 868	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured Here is a lookup app that may help: http://www.modelahouse.com/cgi-bin/enumbers/numdate Looks like your engine number is from Mar 8, 1928. The frame number was originally the same as the engine number, but many engines were replaced so the two may no longer be the same. __________________ Ray White

12-05-2012, 09:14 AM	#4
billybronco1 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: MA Posts: 570	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured Okay thanks I see March 1928 by plugging in my vin# For registering & titling is it the engine number they go by? Where on the engine can this number be found? Should the body/frame number match and maybe the transmission - where are those numbers? The title on this car says its a 1929 but according to the vin (engine#) its a 1928

12-05-2012, 09:27 AM	#5
newshirt Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 868	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured You'll have to check with your DMV for registration details. Each state may be different. The engine number (which may be irrelevant for registration) is located on the driver's side, just under the head, in the middle. Your engine and frame numbers may not match. Many don't, unless the state requires the engine to be restamped. There is no transmission stamp, only engine and frame. The frame stamp can only be seen by lifting the body. Ultimately, you should probably register using the VIN on the title. __________________ Ray White

12-05-2012, 09:35 AM	#6
billybronco1 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: MA Posts: 570	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Ya, using the title as it is would make it easy for getting a new title in my state but is it a 1928 or 1929 I guess is the question. The current title says 1929. When you say lift the body do you have to take the body off the frame to see it? Thanks

12-05-2012, 08:10 AM	#1
billybronco1 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: MA Posts: 570	Vin number identification when manufactured I found a chart on line but can't make sense of it. My vin# is A43033 and should be a 1929 Model A but I can't find it on the chart - can some one help tell me year & month or supply a chart - thanks

12-05-2012, 12:04 PM	#8
Rowdy BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gothenburg Nebraska Just off I-80 Posts: 4,893	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured If you already have a title I would not stir up a can of worms with the DMV about non matching numbers as you may end up with an "Assembled Vehicle Title" or something simular. If preparing for an inspection check your frame number and make sure it matches the title before inspection. In Nebraska they only consider the engine number, but the people (Sherriffs Office) that do the inspection do not know how the state statute reads and basicly accept whichever number you present them. Luckily I have a numbers matching chassis so I could present either number to them inspection without any worries. Most Model A's are not likely to be numbers matching. This is only a problem when the people doing the inspection know the laws in their state well. Rod __________________ Do the RIGHT thing - Support the H.A.M.B. Alliance!!!!

12-05-2012, 12:33 PM	#9
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured Every owner should have a copy of the Restoration Guidlines and Judging Standards. You can look in there to see the many small changes between the 1928 and 1929 Model A's. These would also be seen in the SERVICE BULLETINS, another book every A owner should have. Do you have the split brake system, or do you have the single shaft going across the frame for the brake rods? Last edited by Tom Wesenberg; 12-05-2012 at 09:16 PM.

12-05-2012, 01:10 PM	#10
billybronco1 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: MA Posts: 570	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured Brakes have been converted to hydraulic - I have not taken ownership yet just trying to do some home work to have a better idea of what I'm buying, I will be picking up this weekend. BTW its a 4 door sedan - thanks

12-05-2012, 05:26 PM	#11
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured I wouldn't stir things up, make sure the engine # is visible and matches the title/reg, then retitle and register it. I believe MA will be OK using the engine # as the VIN. Bought mine north of Worcester, and main reason for doing it was that it was registered and titled. All I had to do in CT was have a VIN verification done and got lucky with the DMV Inspector who didn't have a clue. After you get it most of us would like to see pictures. Paul in CT

12-05-2012, 07:53 PM	#12
billybronco1 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: MA Posts: 570	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured Learning a bit more - the engine number matches the title and there is a Briggs vin number plate on the fire wall. Its a four door sedan with three windows on each side, so I'm told its a Briggs body - sound right so far. If everything makes sense that its a 1928 I would like to title as such and know I have a 28 I guess I have to get into some more details about the car. Once I have it I can dig into it deeply.

07-29-2016, 10:14 AM	#13
JeffPeters Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 1	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured New to this site. Bought a Model A yesterday. Body missing but everything else is there. Would the DMV care what body is on the frame since it's all frame numbers? I have more than one option. Also any tips on registering an assembled vehicle like mine would have to be? I guess that was the same question phrased differently.

07-29-2016, 10:39 AM	#15
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,031	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured I would be concerned about the VIN matching the title. When you are stopped by the police they sometimes check the number and compare it to your registration, if not you may be in hot water (at least in California). If your car was stolen and recovered the police would look at the VIN number and not know how to contact you. If your car is in an accident your insurance adjuster might say "we didn't insure that car". Charlie Stephens

07-29-2016, 11:36 AM	#16
barnstuf Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cape Cod MA Posts: 2,840	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured I am in Massachusetts also. With the engine number matching the title you will not have any problem. Trying to correct the year of the car will create problems you do not need. It is possible to amend a title flaw but my advice is to take the easy route for now. Also be advised that sales tax on private party sales must be paid within 21 days of purchase. If you are not registering the car right away fill out the registration form for title only, pay the sales tax, get a title, register it when you are ready. Saves lots of grief and expensive sales tax penalties that accrue after 21 days. Good luck.

07-29-2016, 04:19 PM	#17
Marshall57 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Elko Nevada Posts: 217	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured The best case is to have a matching set of numbers between the frame and the engine and title. Anything less adds to your possibility of trouble. If only the number on the frame matches the title, you have the second best situation. If only your engine matches your title, that would be bad in most cases. The worst possible is having a title that matches neither the frame or the engine, which could end up being the case if you have the engine match the title and at some point replace the engine. The problems were touched on in post #15, and I would add that there might be a time when you would like to sell it. Without a title with the correct numbers, this is a problem and could get worse. One more thing, you say that you haven't taken possession of it yet? If not, make sure your not buying a huge ball of trouble for yourself later on. It would be best to clear up as much as possible when you buy the car or truck.

07-29-2016, 10:38 PM	#18
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured Here are the rules for MA. http://www.semasan.com/semaga/TagTitleToolbox_MA.pdf __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

12-26-2018, 02:35 PM	#19
patroll Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 2	Re: Vin number identification when manufactured I have a 1928 Model A Ford dad bought in 1974 , the title serial numbers are AA803318 its a Tudor sedan anybody can look that serial number over ? Looks like a late 1928 built Model A . The motor was changed at one time to a 29 or 30 motor