[jthdwilli]

I just bought a 1964 Ford F-100 292 V-8 Automatic Custom Cab that I plan to slowly restore. Here is my problem. I know the person who has the title...actually her husband had the title but he is dead but I am sure she has power of attorney. The problem is that I have found no VIN number on the truck. The main one by the glove compartment is missing and I have had no luck with other numbers allegedly located on frames. From what I can gather, the truck hasn't been registered in about 25 years although that may not be true so I am concerned that the title will not be in the records. The title is in Texas by the way. Question is: Since I know the owner or at least the wife of the late owner, is there a way to get the title without VIN numbers or is there neat little tricks to get the title. Any information would be appreciated.

[poncho62]

Go ask her....maybe she has all the info that you need.

[matt167]

if she has the title in her files just get it from her if not, see if u can get her to apply for a lost title in her name and have her sign it over, it makes it easier when u know the former owner, less hassles with that stuff. the body tag under the hood probably has the vin on it.

[KULTULZ]

Why would you buy a vehicle without a title? Did you at least get a Bill of Sale?

[jthdwilli]

I bought it because I knew the person who has the title and she said she would help me any way she could but the problem is that I have no information for her to get a lost title. Ie. VIN or frame numbers. Can you do it on name alone? What is the title isn't in the system any more. If she had the title in her files, she would have given it to me and I wouldn't have posted here for advice.

[jthdwilli]

AAAAAnd, she doesn't have the title, maybe I forgot to mention that. She is old, and her husband has been dead for a while. She didn't have much to do with the truck when he was alive. The truck has been sitting for some time. Also, I understand that after some time, titles are not kept in record. What do you do if that has happened? Is there something she can do to get the title?

[KULTULZ]

Did you actually buy the truck from this lady? If so, she should be able to apply for a duplicate title.

Say the VIN plate is missing? As mentioned before, does the truck have a buck tag? This will be a similiar plate usually located on the firewall or core support and will contain the VIN.

-TEXAS Motor Vehicle Registration and Titling-

Does it have an old set of tags on it or in it?

[jthdwilli]

what is a buck tag and you said core support, is that where the engine is supported below the harmonic balancer? And where on the firewall would you suggest I look, I have looked on the firewall but I could be missing it because I don't know where to look. Do you think she could get the title on name alone?

[KULTULZ]

A buck tag is a metal plate that has the build codes of the car on it to help assembly. It will most likely be painted body color and be approx. 2X4". The core support is the metal that supports the radiator. I am not 100% positive that your vehicle has one.

You need to contact DMV first thing MON and inquire about a duplicate title (or abandoned vehicle title). They will most likely want some proof the vehicle you have is the same that she had.

[jthdwilli]

That is the best help I have gotten and I appreciate it. Thank you very much

[KULTULZ]

-HERE- is a referring URL from another board that gives the location of the VIN stamping on the frame rail.

The factory number should still be stamped on the chassis rail. Pasenger side, top, just ahead of where the axle passes under.

Good Luck With It!

[jthdwilli]

oh well, I looked at the spot on the chassis, passenger side, just in front of axle and it isn't there. Not on radiator support, fire wall, or any other place. I think they all just melted off. Thanks for the help anyway. If you think of any other suggestions, let me know. I think I am just going to talk to DMV and see about an abandoned vehicle title or see if the lady can get title on her late husbands name alone.