I just bought a 47 stylemaster. Problem- Came with a 46 title. Did not check it because I do not think they had VINS until the 50's. Maybe a chassis number somewhere. I just do not know where to look. Want to change the title to a proper 47 and need info on how to do that or if I should. Vehicle is tagged and registered, just want to avoid dumping my hard earned dollars for nothing. Any help would be great.
The Vehicle Number on '46 - '48 Chevy cars is under the driver's side of the front seat. Yes, really. I've owned a few. They've had VINs since the first car in the 1890s - it was called either the Engine Number or the Vehicle Number, depending on the state and/or the manufacturer. The term "VIN" really didn't take hold until the mid-'50s. If the numbers match and the title and engine number or vehicle number matches what is on the title right now, leave it be!!! So what if the year is different? That was common in the day, as many States registered the car as the year is was originally SOLD as new, rather than the model year. This was common up to the very early '60s.
yep just titled mine last week.it was about 12 inches from the bottom on the passengers side A pillar.
Is the vin right on the '46 title? If it is, why bother? If you go find a '47 title, it won't match the existing vin anyway, which would seem to put you more at risk of losing the car I would think.
I was out in the shop for a few minutes to check, and I found TWO locations on my '48 coupe! There is a plate on the passenger's side door pillar, right below the bottom door hinge, AND a stamping on the DS floor underneath the driver's side of the front seat. I'll have to pull the seat to get a pic of it. I was able to get the passenger side door open (it's been stuck!) and there was the plate. This is the very first '46-'48 I've had that actually had a plate there, and I've owned five, total.
Should be on the passenger side floor pan just in front of the seat. This would be an example of a '47 Chevrolet Serial Number 2EJC10116 2 = Assembly Plant (in this case Terrytown, NY) E = 1947 J = Stylemaster C= Build Month (March) 10116 = Build Sequence The assembly plants in Baltimore (14), Los Angeles (20) and Janesville, WI (21) had two digit numbers (Example - 21EJC10116). Some states titled the car by engine number. For 1947, this would have been on the right side of the block just behind the distributor. EAA1001 or EAM1001 E = 1947 A = Passenger Car Engine A = Flint, MI M = Tonawanda, NY 1001 = Sequencial Build Number Some states used either of these numbers but if it was sold in the fall of 1946, it was titled as a '46. It was based on the year it was sold. If the plate is still there, it should be good enough to get a title. I think reproduction Serial Number plates are available.
not trying to steal your topic but was wondering...on my 50 chevy someone cut the top off(I believe the vin was on the drivers side door jamb)and was wondering if the cowl tag has the same # anyone?
49-57 Chevrolet SERIAL tags were on the left A-post, the number may be stamped into the frame or elsewhere but the cowl tag contains no data related to the serial number. No car had a VIN until the feds forced it on the carmakers in 1968; before that it's a serial number that is used. Most DMV systems don't recognize a difference.
thanks for the info,I was told there may be a serial # on top of the drivers side frame,I tried to look with a mirror and flashlight but couldn't find one
Odds are you'll need to dig it out with a wire brush. Some people just find another tag and use that.
I also have a 1946 stylemaster that I need help with decoding. My serial number and all info on cowl tag has all number, no letters. Any of you guys good at decoding cowl tags. serial number is 6121910519. Any help?
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