Thread: Looking into buying a 1938 Ford

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Originally Posted by skylerc

The frame was bad when he bought it and the vin is on a plate made by a jeweler which will be mounted on the firewall

You're playing with fire there, my friend. Michigan has not adapted the SEMA model, and their laws/regulations are quite complex. Anyone who inspects that car will know that a VIN made by a jewler is not correct for that car. VINs in that era were stamped on the frame and various places per the following:

Quote from HAMB: VIN, V-ehicle I-dentification N-umber, for early Fords from 32-48 is found on the original transmission bellhousing above the inspection cover(pull floorboards to see this one),and near the front crossmember rivets on 37-48 cars and 37-47 Pickups. The number can also be found on top of the rail under the post at the back of the front door and at the rear crossmember on top of the rail.

Since all the VINs were on the frame for your '38, and you have a new frame, putting a new one on the firewall just wont pass muster. Having the original frame may help, though. Since you have the original frame and a legit title (I assume) you may be able to work it out. Still worth checking with the DMV, though.