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Joined: Nov 2004
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Hi Folks,
I bought a 51 Styleline Special Spt. Cpe from a guy in Kansas back in 2001 as a builder. As I restore it, I've been curious as to the car's history (who owned it, where, etc.). While cleaning out the inside, I stumbled upon a dealer envelope from Miller Bros Chevrolet in NE and SD (they had 4 dealers). I contacted the KS,SD, and NE DMVs, paid my fees and had title searches done. I was only able to find the guy who sold it to my seller in KS and he was unwilling to tell me anything. The SD and NE searches came up empty. So here's my question--I used the body number (51-1227) to search in KS because that's on my title and had a little luck. The NE search turned up one owner using that number too , which was not my car. I then tried searching for the serial number (5JJ-C 6504) and again came up empty in SD and NE. Does anybody out there know what numbers the States used back in the 50's? Did it differ by state? Did they use the body number and Serial number, or one or the other?? I've run into a dead end. I wonder if anyone else has info on how to search for a car's owners? The guy's story about finding his dad's 65 Chevy inspired me. I don't have the buckolas to hire a private det..
Oh, and btw--if anyone KNOWS this car, please contact me!!
Thanks
Rick
"Never time to do it right the first time, but always time to do it over."
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VCCA members have access to a list of over 50 Technical Advisors who can help you with your car. It's worth the price of membership! While you can get a lot of information for free in this forum, sometimes the info that you REALLY need is only available from the right person. This is what "The World's Best Chevrolet Club" is all about!
JOIN THE VCCA TODAY!
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
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Most states for vehicles prior to ~ '55 used the engine number on the title. That may get you more information.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Nov 2004
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ChatMaster - 1,000
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ChatMaster - 1,000
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Was that the casting number (starts with "38----"??
Rick
"Never time to do it right the first time, but always time to do it over."
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
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Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
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Should be stamped on a raised boss next to the distributor. You can see it just to the left of the distributor on my '38. ![[Linked Image from i47.photobucket.com]](http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f167/Tinys1938/Im001283.jpg)
Last edited by Tiny; 12/10/11 11:10 AM.
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
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Joined: Nov 2004
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ChatMaster - 1,000
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Thanks for the great photo , Tiny.
I see it. Unfortunately, my car didn't have the original motor in it when I bought it--someone swapped in a '52 235 in. I guess I could have tried it anyway, but I scrapped it and installed a '54 235 so that avenue is closed to me.
Very informative though. Thanks again.
Rick
"Never time to do it right the first time, but always time to do it over."
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,113 Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 1,000
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One more thing--you'd be interested to know I bought the car in Geneseo, Kansas--probably not far from you! The previous owner before my seller was in Lyons, KS.
Hope you haven't gotten much snow yet on the plains.
Happy Holidays.
Rick
"Never time to do it right the first time, but always time to do it over."
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,113 Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 1,000
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One more dumb question--did GM provide engine numbers anywhere else other than the engine block? As my car didn't have the original engine, would I be able to find that number elsewhere in the car? Otherwise, I guess I'm s.o.l..
Thanks
Rick
"Never time to do it right the first time, but always time to do it over."
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Joined: Nov 2007
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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My engine number is written in some service literature found in the glove box.
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet.
1953 Belair Convertible
1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan
2015 GMC SLE 4X4
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Joined: Nov 2004
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ChatMaster - 1,000
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You're lucky. No love there for me. My glove box only had rat poop and a gazillion holes in it!!
Thanks anyway.
Last edited by chevdude51; 01/12/12 08:36 PM.
Rick
"Never time to do it right the first time, but always time to do it over."
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