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Classic/Antique Car Repair/a car without a VIN number

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Expert: - 9/24/2008


Question
Hello, I recently purchased a 1963 chevy bel-air from a guy that had no title. It's a junker but I wanted to see about maybe getting a bonded title for it. My problem is it looks like the VIN number was removed from the door jam and I can't get in touch with the guy that I got it from.

Answer
Under the hood, look under the weatherstrip near the cowl, or any other place they have a piece of rubber mounted on sheet metal.  We used to hide a vin number under the rubber part.  Stamped in the metal and then painted.  Also, look on the transmission for a number that is similar to the vin.  If you find a number in either place, go to the license place and tell them your problem and what you were able to come up with.  They should be able to fix you up.
Good luck.
jack

Mike, that chrysler Proving ground down there used to report to me for many years.  That's a very nice place to live.  I was down there on a few road trips before we built the grounds, and for a few meetings after.
Have fun.
jack

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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jack bahm

Expertise

Only repair type questions on the 1928-1931 Ford Model A.

Experience

Owned one when I was 15 yrs old, and now have owned 5. Still own and play with 2 of them.

Organizations
Oakleaf region of MARC. Model A Restorers Club. I have put several Model A videos on the Oakleaf site that may be of help. Things like how to start the A, how to Time it, how to troubleshoot it.. Go to oakleafregion.org and you will find them. jack

Publications
"More than you need to know about cars." Just a small book for Car Nuts. Blurb.com "Model A Ford Tips and Hints" Blurb.com 2010 Many Model A movies that can be found on youtube.com/jackbahm

Education/Credentials
BSME LSU, 1958, Masters of automotive engineering from the Chrysler Institute of engineering, 1960, MBA Mich State, 1976. Worked as an engineer at Chrysler from 1958 to the end of 1991.

Awards and Honors
Two patents while working in auto industry.

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