Motel T vin#

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: Motel T vin#
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary Holman on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 07:04 pm:

Hi I have a 1917 touring model T that has a 1926 motor installed. I understand that the vin# is found on the motor which I need to register the vehicle but the motor has been replaced. Now what do I do to register this as a 1917 which it is. Previously it had been registered as a 26 probably because of the #'s but I want it to be registered as the 1917 it is. Can anyone help


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Val Soupios on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 07:18 pm:

Good luck! Trying to explain the situation to the dolts at the motor vehicle department is like trying to piss up a rope!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By William Bennett on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 07:40 pm:

Hi Gary, First of all, do you have a 1917 engine to install in your vehicle? If you do, start by installing the correct engine. This would preclude the use of an electric starter if you wanted to keep the vehicle totally correct. There are other options; Install a 1917 engine with a 1919 or newer transmission cover and simply keep the battery charged with an external charger, or convert the magneto to charge the battery. I do know some people re-stamp engines and frames to achieve the "correct" serial number. I would caution you in doing so as tampering with V.I.N.'s is a felony in most states!! Good luck! I'll keep an eye on the post and try to offer assistance or suggestions.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Henry Petrino in Modesto, CA on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 07:44 pm:

I know you said you want it registered as a 1917, but my TT is a 1918 truck. It has a 1923 engine. I just registered it as a 1923. The only people who know the difference are the folks on this forum and me.

Just my $.02 worth.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Strange on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 07:57 pm:

There is another person on the forum who is attempting to locate a "junk" engine of the correct year of his car so that he can use the number on the "junk" engine to get a correct year title and registration for his car (he wants to sell the car but is having difficulty because the car is not currently titled). The theory being that if someone notices that the number on the replacement engine doesn't match the year or the VIN on his title and registration, he can point to his "junk" engine and say that it is the original engine that was replaced because it was ... junk.

Perhaps that person will see this thread and let us know how that process is working (or has worked) out.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Eckensviller on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 08:05 pm:

If you really, really wanted it registered as a 17, I would find a junk 17 engine, register that then strike that serial number into a plate that I'd stick somewhere on the car. I suppose the cleverest place would be on an oversize rad pipe gasket that covers the number stamped on the 26 engine.

In reality though, nobody but you and the DMV need to know it's registered as the wrong year, and the DMV won't have a clue anyways.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Dimock, Newfields NH, USA on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 08:20 pm:

The problems that people describe in getting titles to there T's when they change motors is very interesting.

I have a 1919 T with an original motor and a back up 27 motor I am thinking I should get a Model T brass plate from Langs, stamp the motor number on it and put it on the fire wall .
That way the dweebs will not have a clue when I change the motor while the original is being rebuilt.

additionally I have a 1931 model a with a 30 motor that is junk and a 31 motor that needs rebuilding. I am waiting until I get the 31 motor rebuilt before I register it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Strange on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 08:28 pm:

If someone chooses to go the junk block route, be mindful of the difference between calendar year and model year:

http://www.dauntlessgeezer.com/DG90.html

Also, here is a link to a table showing engine number ranges by month for each year of production:

http://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/sernos.htm


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill dugger on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 08:49 pm:

Gary: Well here in California I assembled a 1919 Touring-it had never been Titled or on the road. I also had a 1919 engine,and it was rebuilt , when I was ready to rumble I went to the local DMV office and got the necessary paper work to get a VIN#. In my case the engine #. Took the car (trailered) to the CHP(HIWAY PATROL) they verified the number, then to the DMV to finalize the paper work for the title. Also at the same time I put YOM license plates on the car. Job done no problems.

A few years later I put together a DEPOT hack 1917. Had a 1917 engine, and when ready took it to the same CHP office verified the engine #, did not even take the hack to DMV and in two weeks had the title..
If and when I have to change the engine I will have to get the paper work from the DMV and put the new engine # on the paper work and have it verified and either the DMV will send a new title or an addenden showing engine change.
Good luck and KEEP IT SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE. Check with your Department of Motor vehicles or what ever they call them in your state. It cant be all the bad
Bill Dugger MTFCA #14079


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Treace, North FL on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 09:22 pm:

Easy to do in FL :-)

Too bad most state DMV make it hard on antique car hobbyists.

Now you do need a valid title or out of state current registration to get a Model T titled in your name.

But later if you wish to change the motor, you just do a self made testament of the new motor number and a new title (with cost) will be issued for the new motor number.......have done this a couple of times.


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