Help Decoding Frame Code

[Craig 85]

Check with your local DMV or Highway Patrol and see how VINs are titled. In California, VINs are titled by the frame, not cab. Others on the forum have said their states go by cab. Start there first. I would just ask the general question, don't get too detailed with them on what you have.

 

[DanMcG]

So you got a 76 title and vin tag, with a 78 frame and a 83 cab. I think I'd just run with what ya got, getting the state involved could turn into a can of worms.

 

[Termite_Delight]

So you got a 76 title and vin tag, with a 78 frame and a 83 cab. I think I'd just run with what ya got, getting the state involved could turn into a can of worms.

Get rid of the '83 Vin... You don't want 2 Vins on the same cab!

 

[Biggnate81]

Get rid of the '83 Vin... You don't want 2 Vins on the same cab!

This was my thought. This truck has been one surprise after the other

 

[AuroraGirl]

as long as the vin tag is in the correct location on the right cab for its year, so 76 title would have the tag on the door frame, yes? And if that tag on the door frame is 76, I would title and operate it as a 76 which it currently is. However, you must then remember to order your interior parts for an 83(dash pad, cluster trim, etc) and also since its 76 it might not legally need a 3 point seatbelt (75 didnt need it, not sure first year of requirement) but thats the only safety requirement i could see applying. Maybe a cat if you are worried about emission compliance. Definitely smog the engine to a 76 requirement if you had to for testing.

Oh, and if you buy frame parts, whatever might apply, sort by the year of your frame. Im not sure what differences could apply but you never hurt to know. Maybe keep this info and pass it on if you decide to sell it.

 

[Colin]

76 + 78 + 83/3 = 79.
Just tryin' to help.

 

[Biggnate81]

as long as the vin tag is in the correct location on the right cab for its year, so 76 title would have the tag on the door frame, yes? And if that tag on the door frame is 76, I would title and operate it as a 76 which it currently is. However, you must then remember to order your interior parts for an 83(dash pad, cluster trim, etc) and also since its 76 it might not legally need a 3 point seatbelt (75 didnt need it, not sure first year of requirement) but thats the only safety requirement i could see applying. Maybe a cat if you are worried about emission compliance. Definitely smog the engine to a 76 requirement if you had to for testing.

Oh, and if you buy frame parts, whatever might apply, sort by the year of your frame. Im not sure what differences could apply but you never hurt to know. Maybe keep this info and pass it on if you decide to sell it.

That's the plan @AuroraGirl I'm wanting to make it look a a 76 model. Most of the parts are interchangeable I beleive except for the cosmetic stuff. I'm hoping I can make the 76 hood and fenders fit. Definitely dont have to worry about smog here thank God.

 

[AuroraGirl]

That's the plan @AuroraGirl I'm wanting to make it look a a 76 model. Most of the parts are interchangeable I beleive except for the cosmetic stuff. I'm hoping I can make the 76 hood and fenders fit. Definitely dont have to worry about smog here thank God.

Thank god for hydrocarbons. (thats a joke) but in seriousness, the amount of these trucks without smog equipment(which are making the trucks emit more physical emissions(particulate) and use more gas) have such a low impact compared to the creation of new vehicles. Does a new truck emit less? Yes. Will it be trashi n 10 years and need to be replaced yet again? Yes. The impact of my truck is far less than the new toyota prius. Now, if new cars were of high quality, then overtime their impact would be way lower, but they just arent gonna be around in 40 years while mine is gonna be around 40 more.