Technical Help with evaluating a '51 for sale

Hello all

So I've been trying to find a place that could help me with information on cars that pre-date Elvis becoming a household name, and this forum came up first on the search. So wondered if anyone could help me translate this data plate and see if it matches a car that I'm looking at.

SO I've found a '51 Ford Custom convertible for sale nearby. with the original "three on the three" and the 239 cid Flathead. I'm mainly trying to see if the data plate matches what's on there. I've included it as a picture for review.

Also this is apparently a Canadian car, which may mean it may be a Meteor model...or not.

 

BTT

 

Are you trying to buy it or sell it? For a value, those who know about that kind of car, will need to see pics of many things and a solid description.

Edit: speed reading for me sucks, seems your a potential buyer, but above info will assist in a valuation.

 

Oh sorry, yes I would be looking to buy. I'll updat eht parent with some pics and a description.

The main idea of the post was trying to decipher the data plate. My attempt to find resources online to decode it were very confusion, like nothing matched at all.

 

You may try over at www.FordBarn.com as well.

 

Doesn't appear to be a Meteor, but just a regular American version. I'm not sure if the vin # at that time period tells you more than just the production number. What info are you trying to get?

 

Canadian numbers are usually different than US numbers, and pretty much all the info online is for US numbers. No wonder it doesn't make sense.

 

just for fun, look at this thread...short but sweet. Good luck.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/vin-plate-decode-on-canadian-1951-ford-custom.1024933/

 

Basically if the drive train is actually original, paint, that sort of thing.

Agreed. It's like a microcasm of the internet. If it's not American, you're in for a rough time.

Oh nice find. Will give them a shot along with the Barn Find folks. That link I did try (the one that went on in length about the vin number fun the writer had), but mine doesn't match those at all. I'm thinking that the data I was told was wrong, but considering how worn that data plate looks, I'm not surprised.

 

As you can see, that 'data plate' is attached with screws, its not original to that car. I have 8 49-51 Ford cars and none have a plate like that. Ask the seller what that plate is.

 

The main thing is does the serial number match the title? HRP

 

he has to find the real serial number first

 

Meteor has a different grille.

 

So according to them it is, the numbers the same as it is on the title. I'll bet money that the folks at the MTO just saw that and ran with it. I've found them ot be pretty unknowing of anything pre 17 digit VIN.

Where would the VIN be other then there? I'm having a look at it on Sunday so figure it'd be good to confirm

 

since you have a plate with your serial number that matches the title, go with it. In my 55 years of driving antique cars (only! no modern cars) I have never had anyone look at my serial number

 

It doesn't have the style of data plate shown on this webpage?

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialno_49-59VINdecode.htm

Here's some decoding information:

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialnumber-patentplate_49-59partA.htm

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialnumber-patentplate_49-59partB.htm

 

The cars actual serial number should be stamped on the diagonal brace in front of the right side of the radiator if it's US production.

I'd check that first.

 

Sadly it doesn't. Like the numbers are all wrong, which is really weird. Like on a page that someone linked earlier, it should start with something like 1B..... but instead its a 47

 

Go directly to the Frame as mentioned. There is a diagional brace with the Ford factory numbers stamped on it. If they don't match the Title, I'd be nervous. I can get you a photo if needed.

 

I’ve never had any dmv person or insurance company that didn’t.

 

I noticed that the maroon doesn't match the red. It looks like the exterior was repainted.

 

I'd greatly appreciate it. My experience is more with 60's cars so any help would be appreciated.

Oh? Could you Identify where? I'm concerned I've missed something obvious.

 

The interior and engine bay are red. The exterior is maroon.

 

Like some people said have the seller or you go and check on the top of the frame rail for the stamped VIN, then compare to the title. Otherwise start walking away slowly.
stamped VIN are on all Ford some on the left some of the right dep on truck or car.

Also note that in some states if you are transferring it in, they want to see the VIN in two spots. some office in CA do this. but the rear deal is just the main VIN on the frame.

UPDATE the INTERNET says a bit differently, check the opposite of these circles.
apparently "For 1948-51 Fords the VIN plate is located on the glove box door and on the left side of the frame near the steering gear mounting bracket. The information on the rating plate is the VIN number."

also http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialno_49-59VINdecode.htm


but who knows- maybe someone with a shoebox will chime in

 

The VIN and title depends on which state or province he'd register it in, if he buys it. Note that I'm not saying to not check things out.

If it's nearby enough, I suggest you go check it out (I see you're going this weekend) to see if you like it in-person, take more pictures, look into the VIN, maybe go for a test drive- then think about it.

 

It's like an hour away so it'll be a destination on a nice sunday drive. I'm looking at this one, a 51 Meteor, a 40 plymouth, and a 63 Polara so it'll be an eventful day. I can share the others if anyone would like to see?

 

If something is wrong or goes wrong with that flathead, are you going to work on it or have someone else work on it? This seems like a potential issue with this car.

 

Nah, we don't like pictures of old cars.

I'm voting 40 Plymouth, if it's a coupe (and if it's not a street rod).

 

I'd give it a shot. I actually found manuals for working on cars from the 30's to 50's that my grandfather had so that I'm hoping would make it easier. If it's something serious I'd have to take it to a shop

Talking to someone on the phone and they're like "what the heck is so funny?"

 

Sorry, bad information here.

1. As mentioned before, the only easily seen serial number is on the diagonal brace in front of the radiator on the right side on '51 passenger cars.

2. The "UPDATE" quoted pertains only to '48-'51 pickup trucks, NOT to passenger cars.

Please don't post clearly erroneous information on thhreads where people are trying to determine the authenticity of their (potential) purchases.