1952 M-44 Studebaker Deuce questions

[AndrewW9]

Hello all, I am new to this website and group, so if it is posted in the wrong spot I am sorry. I have found a truck on for sale which I would like to buy, but I need to know a few things first. It is a 1952 m-44 studebaker 6x6 which was axle chopped. It is powered by a 12 valve cummins backed by an allison automatic. I know the engine is clearly not stock, but did this transmission ever come in these trucks? it is also sitting on 46" michelin tires. Another big concern of mine is that it doesnt have a title. I know they were never issued one. It also doesn't have a vin #, just an identification tag, which I will attach a picture of. Is this the only piece of identification that came on these trucks? if so how would I go about getting it titled. I have heard of the Vermont titling option, but how does it work if there is no vin #? I would ultimately want to get it titled and registered so I can drive it on the road. Thank you for any help.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

Welcome aboard!
Find a bunk, stow your gear, and prepare to get underway!

I'm not very familiar with the M44's of that vintage.
However, I can chime in on your titling and VIN questions....

1. Title requirements vary from state to state. What state are we talking about? ( Your profile location lists only a zip code and the website rules say we need to display at least your STATE. And your city will prove quite helpful as well in preventing being asked over and over again.)

2. All vehicles DO HAVE a VIN, albeit seldom is it the civilian standard 17 alpha-numeric format you're accustomed to. The US Goverment Data Plate is a good starting place, but also look on the frame rails in or near the front wheel wells. It's probably metal stamped there as well.

3. ANY vehicle being sold without a title is a BIG RED FLAG! You always run the risk of an MV having been "misappropriated" from Uncle Sam. My advice is to insist that the SELLER obtain and provide a clear title or NO DEAL.... FINAL!

I'm sure others will contribute their knowledge and opinions as well.

Again, WELCOME ABOARD!!!

 

[AndrewW9]

Thank you for the reply, I changed my location now, thanks for the tip! Also I did a quick google search and it says vin tags weren't issued until about 1954, so is it possible that it never had a vin?

 

[davidb56]

No title means its a "parts" vehicle.

 

[porkysplace]

Welcome aboard!
Find a bunk, stow your gear, and prepare to get underway!

I'm not very familiar with the M44's of that vintage.
However, I can chime in on your titling and VIN questions....

1. Title requirements vary from state to state. What state are we talking about? ( Your profile location lists only a zip code and the website rules say we need to display at least your STATE. And your city will prove quite helpful as well in preventing being asked over and over again.)

2. All vehicles DO HAVE a VIN, albeit seldom is it the civilian standard 17 alpha-numeric format you're accustomed to. The US Goverment Data Plate is a good starting place, but also look on the frame rails in or near the front wheel wells. It's probably metal stamped there as well.

3. ANY vehicle being sold without a title is a BIG RED FLAG! You always run the risk of an MV having been "misappropriated" from Uncle Sam. My advice is to insist that the SELLER obtain and provide a clear title or NO DEAL.... FINAL!

I'm sure others will contribute their knowledge and opinions as well.

Again, WELCOME ABOARD!!!

It looks like that zip code comes back to Ohio.
so here a Ohio thread.

Registering a Deuce in Ohio issues.

Hello. My name is Roy and bought a 1987 AM General 2.5 ton tanker truck. I bought it from ebay, but the previous owner referred me to this site, and I assume he is a member, but I do not know his username. Here is my situation: 1. I bought it with a clean title from North Carolina. I live...

www.steelsoldiers.com

Vin number location m35a2?

I was wondering where hey hide the vin# and if it is located in two spots? Thanks. Jim

www.steelsoldiers.com

 

[NDT]

Your VIN is the same as the mfg serial number M14479 which will also be stamped in the frame by the left front spring shackle. Go to your DMV and have them run the number. If it comes back with no data, ask them the process for lost title.

 

[davidb56]

Lost/no title can be a nightmare when trying to get the required signature/s , especially if the last registered owner is unwilling, cannot be found or dead.

 

[fasttruck]

When built the truck had a gasoline engine and a manual transmission. M 211 GMCs were automatic.