Why would my state use cowl tag numbers instead of the door jamb numbers on the title? Will it effect my ability to sell the vehicle? 64 chevy? State of Michigan...
50 states - more than different answers - sometimes the local registrations officials make up the rules on the fly...
Start with your local office and then your State, as mentioned you can get different opinions even within the same system
This is so very true Seems like every office in Minnesota follows different set rules helps if you know somebody.
If the current title uses the COWL number (p.s. What the heck is the cowl number - got a picture?), just keep on driving it. This is similar to trying to correct the year of manufacture on an old car title - Why open the can of worms?
You can go back to the MVA after it is in your name and ask for a appointment with a inspector in the garage for a correction. Explain the problem to him and he can inspect the vin tag and the trim tag on the car. Then he should provide paper work to correct it for you. If you ever have to get a state inspection or car insurance in the future it could be a problem if it isn't corrected now as everyone goes by the vin number.
It's been said hundreds of times on here but there were no actual "VIN" numbers on cars built before the late 60's with the numbers used as vin numbers being the body or engine serial numbers. Scroll down on this pfd and it shows the serial number info, where it is and how to read it. This is for full size 64 Chevy. https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/do...information-kits/Chevrolet/1964-Chevrolet.pdf If that link doesn't work go here https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/ Click on Archive Click on vehicle information kits click on the appropriate Chevy or Chevy truck tab scroll down the list of years on the next page that opens Click on the appropriate year and model Go to and scroll down on the pfd. The top pages are usually blank so you have to scroll down a bit.
@Mr48chev Thank you! I've had a crash course recently about the trim/ cowl tags and door jam serial numbers which I guess is commonly referred to as the VIN and how to de-code them. So, if the title has the numbers from the trim tag and NOT the numbers from the drivers door jamb it's ok and I don't have to worry about it when I try to sell?
@squirrel I think it was me! I've been lead to believe that this can be a major issue and I'll need to contact the police. I'm terrified I was conned an could lose my car.
It wasn't until years later that the fed govt mandated that all vin numbers have the same format. States seemed to be helter skelter as far as what they used. That the title matches one of the distinctive numbers on the car says that that is the car the title is for and it could be corrected by inspection if needed.
Thanks again! I did think that was a possibility too! This does make me feel a bit better about it. Could you recommend a reliable classic car VIN/ serial number checking site?
Yes I did. Ignorance is bliss. However, I like to sleep well at night and wouldn't if I thought something was going to somehow come back to haunt me. Thank you.
Heck. I bought a vehicle with a clean Michigan title. When NC inspectors inspected it, they determined that the top of the vin tag had been sheared off, I guess when it was restored. I had to get a NC vin number assigned and get a bonded title. It took almost 10 months due to Covid and the NCDMV dept. is still screwed up but at least I FINALLY got a title. I said all that to say, depending on where you are, a correct and clean title still might not get you a rubber stamp. I would get it straightened out, however. It is clearly wrong.
@rockable Ok, this is good to know! That's crazy it took so long! I'm guessing it might take me just as long to get this straightened out. Thanks for the warning!
@squirrel This tag is NOT my tag but it's almost identical. If I 'm decoding this correctly they used the Year, Body Type, Plant Number and Unit Number.
Another source of help, may be a national club dedicated to that brand of cars/trucks. They have been through this multiple times, in every State, & then some. Join, or at least ask them for info. Studes are always fun... No VIN, but have a Serial#, & a Body#; they aren't the same, not even close. I is used as a 1. Among other things. The club has documented these things from the factory, so the States have to accept them(as they have in the past), regardless what some low-level peon wants you to believe otherwise. Serial tags in different locations, depending on the year. If you get a know-it-all, don't argue, thank them for their time & do what you should've done in the1st place. If your local DMV can't won't help, then Go to(preferably), or call, the main DMV in the State located in the capitol, & find some old(est) employee there, be nice, & explain the problem. Bring the documentation & offer to show them(if needed) & allow them make copies for their records. They have probably dealt w/this before, & can help get you on the correct path to change, = paperwork/etc. There are actually some very nice & knowledgeable folks in the various DMVs. You job is to find one. Might take some time & effort, maybe a discussion w/a supervisor, or their supervisor. But it can be done. Marcus...
The Jalopy Journal
