My father just bought a 1947 Ford coupe. In Connecticut all we need to register the car is a title, bill of sale, and a trip to the DMV for a vin verification. Where on the frame should we look for the ID #'s ? Thank you for any help you guys can give.
I the body is off the frame: On the same rail it may be stamped mid-way (under the door area), and on the top of the rear kick-up.
Vin # is also stamped into the flat space at the top of the transmission where the transmission bolts to the engine. Here's a helpful thread. Open and scroll down. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_serialnumbers.htm and this https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35505 Scroll down to posting #6 here to see location of VIN # on transmission. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=248899 There always the remote possibility that your transmission doesn't have a stamp. That would indicate that the transmission case was replaced with a Ford case available to dealers. The VIN # would have been stamped on the shiny surface at the top of the transmission. Here is a photo of a case that does not have a number. Came out of a 1947 Ford.
19Fordy, I think I know why I can't find it. Looks like someone has painted or primed the frame and it must be under the black paint. What is the best way to remove the paint without messing up the stamped VIN? Thanks!
I know that it sucks to have to do this, but a razor blade. Preferably one with a handle. Flipping one ain't fun. The number should be between the front cross member and the steering box mount. These were stamped on a moving assembly line. If your number is not there start working towards the back of the car.
Safety Razor blade is good idea. Put a little paint thinner on the paint to soften it first. DON'T DO ANY GRINDING OR SANDING. at all. A brass wire wheel would be ok, not steel. Wear safety glasses as razor blades often snap off. After you find it, take a photo.
After I found mine under a layer of grease and dirt, I carefully went over the area with a wire brush. Then I took one of those paint pens you get in the craft section at WalMart and dabbed a little paint into each number, and wiped off the top with a rag so only the imprinted numbers retained paint. After that dried, I sprayed clear paint over the area so it would be visible for a long time.