F100 with identity crisis

[jet2rider]

First timer here and i need some help. Ok first, I purchased a 68 F100 SWB 4x4....major score right!!! well as I found out later it was a convert from long bed to short bed...Ok, I can live with that. I had some questions arise I could not answer so I researched the VIN#. The title shows the truck to be a 1968
BUT the VIN decodes to a 1976 2WD. It looks as though someone has riveted a home made plate inside the drivers door. MY questions....

1. it is obvious this IS a factory 4WD be it long bed or convert. Is there somewhere else I may find a VIN on the frame or anywhere for that matter.
2. I think it is what is referred to as a bumpside? help with this please.
3. How can I fix these issues being it obviously is not a 76 2WD.

[fordman]

Pictures of why u think it was cut down to a short bed. And under the engine. The frame areas. And post a pic of this vim that was riveted on. Editing out the serial numbers. Also look on top if passenger frame in engine compartment to find the frame vin. Does the title match the vin.

[jet2rider]

the title matches the Vin on the tag which is on the drivers door. the tag is only about 3/4" x 3" long...looks fishy to me. But the title in writing states a 1968 Ford

[jet2rider]

we found a splice point just behind the cab on the frame and to look at the front section and the real section of the frame it is appearent they are from different trucks. I can not find any numbers anywhere on this truck not even anyplace they shoudl have been or evidence of. The picture I attached is the only numbers and these do match the title VIN even though it says 1968 truck.

[fordman]

That is correct numbers for a 68. http://www.fordification.com/tech/VIN68.htm

Yhat tag reminds me of the windshield tag. Maybe they lost the door plate and used the windshield tag in its place. Im not sure about the 4wd thing. Here is another link to show frame vin location http://www.fordification.com/tech/vin_find.htm

[Ranchero50]

So what is the question?

Looks like you bought a basket case with a questionable legal status. You'll have to figure out what you have and what your state requires for VIN documentation. It may be legit or it may open a can of worms. Proceed with caution.

I think Marti does repop metal tags but you are supposed to have a rubbing of your original tag for them to make you a duplicate.

[AZf100]

Wow, Sounds like a cluster. I Would buy a 68 frame and start from scratch if you really want it.

[bluef250]

The frame has 2 serial numbers. Bumpsides - Right side beneath the alternator and beneath the cab (need a mirror if cab is in place.) Do not know about dentsides.

Before doing anything, talk with your Department of Motor Vehicles and see what they need to get the truck registered. I know of several ways of registering vehicles in AZ when title is questionable. You want to figure out the best way that is least expensive. Your goal is to have a vehicle that you can drive or resell without having to worry about VIN and title.

The tag you posted is definitely a problem. Why ford every put the VIN on a moving part (the door) that is easily replaced has also been a mystery to me. Doors are cheap and if the door is what is checked then it would be quite easy to change the tag. The fame VIN is another problem.

The dent frames are same in the front, wider in the back than the bump frames according to what has been posted here. The cabs will interchange, the beds take more work.

Looks like a PO put a good bump cab and bed and on a good dent frame. Pretty easy swap.

[jet2rider]

I have an update. I found the VIN# F11YUV64*** on the frame and it still is not a 68 from what i can tell. I believe the frame is that of a 1975 F-100 4x4. Still not sure of the difference between a bump or dent side. I guess in a nut shell I have a cross bread truck i cant do much with. 75 4x4 frame..68 2wd title and it still has drum brakes. Can someone look at this picture and give me a possible year?

[jg09]

As far as bump vs dent goes...

[fordman]

Truthfully whoever put that body on that frame should have obtained either a builders title. Or a state teooper inspection to verify the ownership and document the frame / body swap. What u do is just take the title down and get a tag on the truck

[junkyardjeff]

As long as the title matches the number on the door I would not worry about it,your truck looks like it was put togather from different trucks which is no big deal so drive it and enjoy it. If it was mine I would try to get a reproduction vin tag since it looks like the original door was replaced and not worry about the wrong year parts,all my vehicles are pieced togather from parts from different years so its something I am used to. If you have to have one that was originaly a 4x4 then just drive the one you have until you find one and do a little more research before you go looking.

[AZf100]

That Looks like a 71 Grill, But you got all kinds of crazy stuff there, I Agree. get a tag and drive it.