willysmjeeps.com

I recently acquired a 1953 M38A1 from NY. The registration form (used in lieu of title) lists the VIN as "6155" whereas the original data plate he provided my has "61550" and the reproduction data plate he has on the new tub also is "61550". The State of Illinois wants me to get an appraisal, and pay about $400 to bonding company to bond for three years. NY DMV indicates they may be able to correct so I am sending all the info back to them through the seller.
Can anyone shed some light on what VIN number ought to be? Is there a national listing? Should it have 5 digits?
Thanks
Mike D

Mike,

Best to start with what numbers are what.

1-Serial numbers were used by all manufacturers through 1954. Serial numbers often varied in quantity of digits and they were not always identifiable to a specific OEM.

2-VIN was introduced by the manufacturers in 1954 and up thru 1981 there was no standard but they at least ID'd the oem and offer a serial number in their content.

2-VIN numbers were standardized by the US Government in 1981. They dictated the content of the VIN number using Interstate Commerce as their legal premise to control vehicle identification. These were mandated as 17 digit numbers that would offer ID info for several items and ended with an 8 digit serial number.

To be clear in your posted request VIN does not really apply. Your vehicle left Willys with a 5 digit serial number only. MD represents the model of the vehicle and XXXXX is the serial number.

Today most DMV's require pre-81 vehicles to add enough zero's to the front of their serial number to equal the 17 digits required today by federal law. So, your jeep is a make-Willys, Model-MD, Serial#-61550.

You should not have to post a bond to make up for a typo on your title. Whomever's name is on the title needs to take that title to that states DMV and point out the error and have it corrected by that state.

Wes
Thanks for the thorough reply
I have prepared a packet of info, letters etc to send to the seller who in turn will forward to the state of NY
Each and every turn provides a learning experience and I do so value your willingness to pass along your knowledge and experience

Mike