Can anyone tell me where to look for vin on a 1926 model t Tudor? Thanks

Just below floor board riser on pass.side of car.(Top of frame)

Can this be viewed by the dmv easily with floorboard removed? Thanks

To avoid unpleasant surprises, check it yourself first to make sure it matches the number on your title!

Yes.
Also, the frame number should match the engine number.

As a note; The frame number wasn't used until December of 1925 (26 model year) so an early 26 wouldn't have the frame number.

Thanks. This forum is a treasure of knowledge. Larry

And if you don't see it the number stamped on the top of one side of the frame, look at the top of the frame on the other side. It has been documented that they were also stamped on the other side sometimes once Ford began stamping them.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off

I have two '26 cars. One assembled in early December 1925 (Tudor), the other in March 1926 (Touring). Neither one have stamped frame numbers. So when did they start? Or did different assy. branches start at different times?

Kevin

A lot of times the S/R numbers on the frame were stamped lightly, take a wire brush and remove paint, grease. I think Ken is right on the date Ford started putting a S/R number on the frames.

Mike,

I have brushed, cleaned with solvent,and tried rubbing paper lightly over it after lightly greasing the frame...no number, either side, either car. That's why I wondered if all the assy. branches put frame numbers on or some did it later than the main facilities did. Seems like every time you try to make an accepted rule about Model T production, Ford throws you a curve.

Kevin, you have learned a lesson, perhaps unwittingly. Nothing about model T's is ever set in concrete. There are so many variables involved in their manufacture and distribution that anyone making a definitive statement risks being proven wrong by one or many exceptions.
I usually begin with, "In my experience......"
End of argument!

Allan from down under.

Even so, you will find frame numbers on cars above 12,861,044 more often than not. It's also not uncommon for engines to be replaced due to a cracked block, especially the '26. And, the car could have been assembled from parts. That happens a lot but the body can generally be dated as there were numerous changes in 1926.

For instance; Early 26 Tudors had riveted-on carpet on the back seat heal panel. Late models didn't. The carpet may be missing but the rivet holes remain. Or someone may have glued the carpet on a later model but the engine number is early.

There's also changes to the rear window and back seat framing as well as changes to the windshield and windshield header. The head lights and light bar changed at least three times during 1926. Some variations occur between body makers too. Dating a car is like nailing Jell-O to a wall but if the engine number matches the number on the title, few folks give it a second thought. It only counts if you're building a points car. Even with that, many of the changes are hidden in a finished car.

Typical late 1925 (after Dec 12) Improved Car frames are stamped with the engine number on the upper rail.
Check both sides, near the front running board strap support.

Only the Improved Car frame ever got engine number stamping, earlier frames won't have any numbers.

This stamp was found on the driver's side frame rail, most times its on the passenger side.



Typical location.

Just got this '26 frame this week, nice one, but missing the running board braces.

Here is the engine # stamp on this frame, passenger side top frame rail. Now if anyone has a May 6, 1926 engine block with this same number to part with, I could build a 'number's matching' Improved Car