Actually, the term VIN, came a long time, many years, later. At the time and for many years hence DMVs called it a Motor Number.
T's had serial #'s stamped on the engine, some 26-27's had numbers on the right frame rail in the area of the original brake cross shaft.
would that # be the same as the ***le # ?--I have an aftermarket frame and no numbers--have a plate that says body number with ***le number on it ---don't know if I'm legal???