I'm in the process of getting my Mercury insured and the agent seems to think that the vin number is too short. I located the number on the driver's side frame by the crossmember and found a 4 digit number between 2 stars that jives with my ***le, actually 3 numbers and 1 letter. Is a Vin this short common on other fords or mercurys in 1940, or was this car significant in some way. It seems to be just a regular 4 door sedan. I believe it came from canada if that makes any difference. Any one know how these were numbered? Thanks!
The numbers are stamped on my 40 Ford frame near the front crossmember. There is also another set stamped on the same frame rail on the riser in the rear. This set of numbers on mine were short the first couple digits. Not unusual. Try this link. http://www.wnyrg.org/tip.html or http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialnumbers.htm
Numbers for 239's would be low, but already above 100,000 for USA cars...low because these were serials for a seies that began in 1939. I think you have confirmed Canadian origin, and the stars confirm you have the whole thing. Canadian numbers were done in short series with letter or letters to denothe the series, and I believe each of several series for a year would begin with one. I have some limited # info for Canada somewhere...will dig, but your number is almost certainly correct for Canada with those stars. Do you have the transmission to confirm things??
Yes , I do believe I have the original transmission in the car but haven't checked for numbers on it.
The original primary number (copied onto frame at ***embly) should be on the transmission right above the clutch inspection window.
He could be confusing your serial number with a 17 unit vin. Your number isn't a real vin, never was never will be. Sometimes to get them to work in a computor system you have to add 0's.
The Jalopy Journal
