Missing VIN Advice (1950 Willys)

[Mr.Puff]

I am looking into buying a 1950 Willys CJ-3A. It has a Chevy 350 V8 from a 1980's Comaro, new warn overdrive, automatic transmission, new steel body, great paint, great top, roll bar, lifted, upgraded springs, big tires, etc... The thing is perfect and runs great. However, there is a problem that comes with the new body.

Apparently the VIN on these old Willys is solely on a plate attached to the firewall. This Willys lost its plate with the old body. The title is from Washington and is signed, and the plates match the year and model of the vehicle (the color doesn't). Unfortunately the vehicle has also not been registered since 2007 because the current owner has a dealers license and can use single day permits.

I'm going to call a classic car DMV expert on Monday, but I also want your opinion's on here. Deal or no deal? Has anyone dealt with a similar experience? Will I just get a new VIN after proving the Willys is street worthy?

[Rick V]

Did you look on the frame for the VIN? Here in Va you could simply run antique tags and then you wouldn't have any issues. You can always get it re titled as a new construction but then you would have to make it a 2011, and have to smog it and all that nonsense.

[Turboo934]

In the early 50's cars were registerd by mortor numbers, not chassis numbers.

[johnco]

Several ways to do it. You can jump thru all the hoops the DMV will throw at you and get new title, you can buy an old title "Historical document" on ebay from another vehicle or at a swap meet, buy some vin plates from someone like Speedway Motors, stamp your numbers on them and rivit it to your frame, and a couple other ways. my 26 Fod is registered as a 1918 using an old title and I got the number stamped and rivited on the frame. most rat rods just buy the old title. My friend just bought one for his 49 chevy fo $200 but I've seen them go as low as $50. more info here:
Title talk - KillBillet.com "The Rat Rod Forum Dedicated to fun, low budget, traditional, rusty, patina Rat Rods and Old School Hot Rods built with junk yard parts."

[Gretch]

I have a willies firewall.......... it will never be registered........ prolly has not been registered since the mid eighties. It is either a 49 or 50.

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by Gretch

I have a willies firewall.......... it will never be registered........ prolly has not been registered since the mid eighties. It is either a 49 or 50.

That is info better left to a PM. Illegal activities like that will get you yelled at, Just saying

[Gretch]

Originally Posted by Rick V

That is info better left to a PM. Illegal activities like that will get you yelled at, Just saying

You ASSuming illegal activities, does not make it so.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Turboo934

In the early 50's cars were registerd by mortor numbers, not chassis numbers.

Not strictly true. It varied by state and vehicle manufacturer.

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by Gretch

You ASSuming illegal activities, does not make it so.

Cute, I see no need for calling names here, I simply pointed out that your post could be taken as an offer for a firewall, with a vin, that could be used to change another vehicle. That is against the law in every state.
This has been discussed here before and, since this board is public it is not in the best interest of those in charge to allow this type of behavior.
If you have a problem with someone pointing something out to you, and you feel as though you need to be 7 years old, I recommend doing it with a PM. JMO.

[Rick V]

Re: 1950 Willy's Jeepster VIN
According to the manual " The engine serial number which starts at number 65411 is located on the front upper water pump boss on the cylinder block and the chassis number plate will be found on the left frame side rail at front end or on the right side of the drivers seat on the floor riser."