VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 NUMBER OF MODELS MADE IN '32

You won't....unless the VIN is on your title. Back then, some states used the engine serial number on the title, others used the VIN number, while others used neither. So, the only hope you have is that your title has the VIN number on it. If not, you will never know what it was. :( :eek: :( :eek: :( :eek:

Just a comment/question... I'm under the impression that the term "VIN" is a relatively new term. I doubt that it was used more than 10 or 20 years ago.... ??

If that's the case, then what was the proper term for the vehicle identification number back in the 1930's?

I have an original Sales Contract for a 1931 Chevrolet by General Motors Acceptance Corp. It describes the car with the following fields:

• Type of Body
• Model Letter
• Motor No.
• Manufacturer's Serial No.

So, my assessment is that the last two items were the normal numbers that were used to describe a car... not a "VIN" number. It would appear that there was no single identifier, but rather TWO numbers that were used to uniquely identify a car.

:confused:

Yes, "VIN number" is a relatively new term as you pointed out Billy Boy, however, we use that term so that dudes will know what we are talking about. "Manufacturer's Serial Number" would be a more proper term to use, but hardly anyone relates to it today except for really, really old duffers. Hum....hey Billy Boy....how old are you anyway?? :confused: :confused: :confused: :rolleyes:

CHECKED MY TITLE AND IT DOESN'T HAVE A NUMBER LIKE YOUR EXAMPLE, JYD. I THINK WHERE I LIVE THE STATE USES THE MOTOR NUMBER AS THE "VIN". THANKS FOR ALL OF THE INFORMATION GUYS. IT WAS GREAT. :) :)

Sure, glad to help! By the way, in California and here in Oregon, in the old days, they also used the engine serial number on the title as well. :eek: :(

HEY JUNKYARD DOG, I GET VIN MIXED UP WITH VINE, WHICH RELATES TO GRAPES IN THE MAKING OF WINE. MAYBE THATS MY PROBLEM WITH THE POP POP COMING OUT THE TAIL PIPE. TOO MUCH WINE AND NOT ENOUGH VIN??????YA :arrow: :arrow: :arrow: :arrow:

I believe I own this car now. Bought it in Gainesville / FL.

Still trying to find when car was manufactured.

Title has as VIN # 3037113, does that tell me something?

Regards,

My32Chevy

The number listed is the engine number. Prior to 1955 most states used the engine number for registration.
Your serial number is under the floor mat, right side, next to the door opening. The serial number will contain the month the car was assembled and where.

Thanks, but engine number is 836573 L 22 1 and I can't find tag. Will contact previous owner and see if it was removed/lost.

Thanks again,

Behind the fuel pump you will find a stamped number. See if that matched the title...Joe

That number is 836573, below it L 22 1 and below it the Chevy logo (tie). It does not match the title number.
Thanks,

That number is the casting number and date, not the engine number.
As noted the engine number is STAMPED into the raised pad next to the fuel pump.
L 22 1 indicates the block was cast Dec 22 1931.

The number on the title 3037113 is the engine serial number. First engine assembled in December 1931 was 2980954. First January 1932 assembled engine was 3046760 so the original engine in your car was assembled in late December 1931. The "L 22 1" casting date is consistent with that time period. If you look closer (may have to scrape off some paint) you should find the engine serial number on the machined pad just aft of the fuel pump. If the original engine it will be 3037113.

Dave Dawn put together a database of early sixes and found that 2-4 weeks after the engine was built the car was assembled. So that would put your car in early to late January. If the assembly plant was close to Flint (Atlanta?) it would most likely been built in early to mid-January as it would not take a rail car that long to get the engine from Flint to Atlanta. If Oakland then it might be a week or two later.

The car should have some of the early characteristics like straight cut gears in the transmission (also early trans serial number). The Body No. on the Fisher Body plate will low also.

Possible that it is not the original engine also. The actual serial number on the front floor will have the month that the car came down the assembly line.

I'm not aware that Don Boltz should his 1932 coupe. Last I heard he still owned it.

HI Skip. Glad to see your still kicking. I have not been on the chat site for a long time. Yes I still own my 32 Chevy. For $100.000 dollars I possibly would sell It?????????????????Maybe one day I will show up at your place and guzzle up some of that good beer suds. Take care. Don

Hey Don! Long time no hear! Anyway, I figured that My32Chevy was mistaken about the car that he owns and I pretty much knew that the car in question was not yours and that you still owned your '32. Thanks for the confirmation!

Stop by anytime and we will soak up a few suds and check out some Elvira photos!

What about the canopy express 1/2 ton? That was a passenger chassis? Also 1931 was the first year of chevrolet using there own canopy express body- buying out a contract company. There should be some numbers to support the production numbers as well - my 1931 came from tarytown, ny.

1931 Canopy Express is on 1/2 ton chassis. Sedan Delivery is on a passenger chassis.

Wow!!!! Based on my math....I'm going to buy Don's 32 coupe for $100.000! So that is one Ben Franklin!

I think that he has more than $100,000 in it for the restoration.

He's the one that typed $100.00, not me! LOL!!!

Sorry Bruce. You must of been dreaming numbers and accidently left out another ZERO. I Hope everything Is going good for you. Donny Two Shoes, First one at the starting gate, Last one at the finish line????? I knew I should not of tied those shoe laces together.

Thanks for all help. Getting ready to start restoration of my 32 Chevy.

From fire wall tag:

Job No 32568
Body No AG 74
Trim No 19
Paint No 95

Trying to contact previous owner (second for this car) to find out if they still have the car ID tag as I can't find it where you told me it was supposed to be.

Job Number 32568: 1932 Cabriolet

Body Number AG 74: Car made in Atlanta, and it was the 74th cabriolet made in that factory in 1932.

Trim 19: Tan Spanish Grain leather with a Tan Teal top.

Paint 95: Bangor Beige and Haverhill Brown with Cream Medium wire wheels.