Bought "new" 1951 Suburban, need title help

[decodan]

Hey everyone,
Just picked up a new project, 1951 Suburban. Trying to get title changed but running in to a little issue. The Burb is an original CA car which used the engine serial number as the VIN number. However the engine number now does not match the number on the title. I am guessing the engine was replaced at some point. My question is can someone help with the two different numbers.

Number on title is JBA494609

Number on engine behind distributor is DCA338423

Please help id years of the numbers and any other in info available.

I have looked online but cannot find anything. Thanks in advance, Dan

[Az. Hank]

Is there a vin # on the chassis or body that matches?

[Second Series]

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/models/engine.htm
JBA is 1951 Series 3100, 216ci Truck Engine and DCA is ? 1946 second design made in Flint Michigan, according to this webpage. I bought a truck in Texas with no title and no engine. I had to put an engine in it to get a title issued. I swapped that engine out and then moved to Washington. I got a Washington title. Years later I wanted to clear up the paperwork. I drove to the state inspection and told them my story, there were no records of the number on the title, or on the ID plate, so the officer issued me a new title that matched the ID plate. I was honest about the situation and the outcome was positive. Good luck.

[joedoh]

I agree with second series, call the DMV and be honest. kudos to you for straightening it out before working on it, most people take a done truck with no paperwork and cry a lot. a pretty truck is more suspect than a dirty one with rat nests!

most states titled on the engine number, and I guarantee they have run into this before. there will be a plate on the door jamb that has the body number on it, get it titled by that number!

[mr48chev]

Joedoh pretty well nailed it. Talk to the dmv and I'd suggest going as high on their food chain as you can get.

The engine number being from an older model might not be as big of a red flag as and engine number that is the same year as the burb in that it is obvious that it was changed and you aren't trying to pass off the burb with a title that didn't come with it.

If it has the old tags that match the title or match old registration slips that might be a plus especially if the nuts and bolts are rusted to show they have been there for years without being disturbed. Meaning that no one recently bought a title to try to pass off as belonging to that rig.

You might try and see if they will to Title purpose only on it on the transfer if it doesn't now run and drive so it can be driven in to be inspected or at least driven off the trailer to be inspected. Then you would just have to have a current inspection and proof of insurance when you are ready to tag it.

[decodan]

Thank you all.

There is a plate on the door but California used the engine number in the 50s as the VIN. I called DMV and asked if they could use the door plate number. I have to set up an appointment with State Police for inspection. They will issue new VIN if it is not stolen which I am not worried about. It is a one owner, I bought it from the daughter after her father passed. He bought it new. There were registration papers in glove box from 60s and 70s with the license tag number, and that is the tag number on the car still.

Paid a pretty high price but I spent more than the cost of this one repairing rust on my 1952 GMC Suburban, which is almost done.

Thanks again for the engine info, maybe if I relay that to police it will help. Why would someone steel a 46 engine to put in a 51. I get a 261 if I could find one.
Thanks, Dan

[mongocanfly]

you do know we need pictures don't you?

[b-mac]

Kansas DMV led me to the Highway Patrol, who were super helpful. Start making phone calls, and asking questions in the most polite way possible...worked for me.

[decodan]

Here are a few pictures. The 1951 Chevrolet Suburban and the 1952 GMC Suburban. The 51 will be stock. The 52 is a complete restomod.

[mongocanfly]

very nice....

[1project2many]

Agreed. Very nice.

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by decodan

Thank you all.

There is a plate on the door but California used the engine number in the 50s as the VIN.

Old news to many but mine came with orig engine. Both the door VIN and the engine VIN were exactly the same. I recently registered it in OR. Our DMV inspected the well worn original door VIN and called it good. They couldn't care less about the engine.

I may add yours is very nice. Brings back memories of traveling from LA to SF to PA and then Upstate NY in a 52 suburban. Lived, slept, drove and did other memorable accomplishments in that old vehicle. I understand its still where i left it in 1969 --- being used a horse feed shed near Seneca Falls NY.