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M416B1 vin an serial #'s

Discussion in 'Jeep Trailer Tech' started by digger7440, Jul 23, 2008.

  1. Jul 23, 2008
    digger7440

    digger7440 New Member

    Chico,Ca
    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2008
    Messages:
    4
    I have got the answers to all my questions that I posted.

    I like to thank all you guys that had a hand in helping me find the answers to my questions.

    Thanks again.

    Digger7440
    :flag:
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2008
  2. Jul 23, 2008
    Robert Bills

    Robert Bills Member

    Orange County CA
    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2006
    Messages:
    86
    There are no VIN or serial numbers stamped on an M416. The only numbers will be on the original data plate or painted on the trailer. As far as the USMC and 6 numbers painted on the trailer - those identify United States Marine Corp and the unit to which the trailer was assigned. Try the www.G503.com 1/4 ton trailer forum for an answer as to how to decipher these numbers. Unfortunately, the painted numbers will not relate to a year of manufacture.
     
  3. Jul 23, 2008
    digger7440

    digger7440 New Member

    Chico,Ca
    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2008
    Messages:
    4
    Thanks Robert. I'll try the web site you listed. You said the vin or serial # might be paited on the trailer. Would you have any idea where it might be painted on the trailer.
     
  4. Jul 23, 2008
    Robert Bills

    Robert Bills Member

    Orange County CA
    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2006
    Messages:
    86
    No, the numbers painted on the trailer identify the unit to which the trailer is assigned. The painted numbers are not a serial number or VIN. The only serial number on a military trailer is located on the original data plate. If that plate is gone, there will be no serial number or VIN.

    Are you the same guy posting on the M416 forum about your difficulties with the California DMV?
     
  5. Jul 23, 2008
    digger7440

    digger7440 New Member

    Chico,Ca
    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2008
    Messages:
    4
    If you are talking about on this site, no. But I have on yahoo's M416B1 group. I have ran into so many brick walls in trying to get my trailer registered here in Calif that it is unreal. CHP wont even inspect it. I've tried. I have a nice jeep trailer that sits at my house that I can't even use on road trips. If you have any advise...I'm all ears.
     
  6. Jul 24, 2008
    Robert Bills

    Robert Bills Member

    Orange County CA
    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2006
    Messages:
    86
    My advice is to go to a different DMV office and start over. The next clerk you encounter may be more helpful. Also, try have the DMV inspect the trailer rather than taking it to the CHP. (My rationale is that you need a clean slate, which will require that you deal with people with whom you have no history.)


    Your goal is to get a VIN. If you don't have the original data plate, one will need to be assigned by the DMV as the data plate is the only source for a number on an M416. (I note from the replies to your posts on the Yahoo M416 group and here that you have been given this info several times, yet you have asked again on G503 where to find the serial number on an M416. The answer is not going to change, and cross posting with the same question to various forums frequented by many of the same vehicle enthusiasts, after you have already received the answer, will brand you as someone with bad Internet manners.)

    It is my understanding from the posts on the Yahoo M416 group that you have already contacted someone at DMV headquarters in Sacramento, who told you that you need 3 forms. I hope you have that person's name and direct telephone number. If the 3 forms don't satisfy the new clerk you encounter at a different DMV field office, ask politely to speak with a supervisor and politely ask that supervisor if he/she could contact the person who gave you the information at DMV headquarters so that the three of you can work out a resolution. There are many M416 trailers registered in California. None came with VIN or serial numbers recognized by the DMV. All have been assigned a VIN by the DMV, evidenced by a blue sticker. This is not new territory.

    Finally, if that fails, go to an independent DMV registration service and pay them to get the job done. The cost is minimal in comparison to the time and trouble you have experienced.
     
  7. Jul 25, 2008
    digger7440

    digger7440 New Member

    Chico,Ca
    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2008
    Messages:
    4
    Robert,
    Thank you for all the in put. What you have talked about I have done. I have gone to 2 different DMV's and didnt get passed the front desk w/o being handed more papers. Tomorrow I am going to DMV and sh*ts going to get done.
    As for me asking the same question on the vin and serial #'s on different forums. Is that I found on the net a guy restored a M416 trailer and he said you'll find the vin and/or serial # in 3 different places on the frame. He had a picute of his trailer with the 3 areas high lighted. I removed the paint in those 3 areas and found nothing. That is why I have asked the same question on 3 different forums. It's not that I am not listening to what you guys have said. I was just puzzled why he would say it is there while others on these forums say its not.

    Thanks to all you guys that have responded to my forum. I have learned alot about my trailer in the short time I have owned it.

    Thanks again

    Doug
     
  8. Jul 25, 2008
    Robert Bills

    Robert Bills Member

    Orange County CA
    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2006
    Messages:
    86
    Doug,

    I hope you have better luck with the California DMV on your next visit.

    I asked a friend how he registered his M416, and he told me that he completed a Statement of Construction (form REG 5036) indicating that it was assembled by him from parts (section 2 of the form). He attached his bill of sale for the trailer itself, and the receipt for the tires he purchased as well as receipts for paint, hardware and supplies that he bought from Pep Boys, Autozone, Home Depot, etc. (section 3 of the form). In the "Statement of Facts" (section 4) he stated that he purchased trailer parts to build a complete trailer, mostly Viet Nam era military surplus for the M416 trailer, the prior owner had already partially assembled the trailer, and that the prior owner has lost the original paperwork from the U.S. government. In the Cost Information/Value section (section 5) he listed the purchase price of the trailer on the line for "purchase price for partially assembled vehicle," the cost of parts for which he had receipts on the line for "purchase price of component parts" and $25 for "value of parts not supported by bills of sale or invoices." In secton 6, he listed the name, address and telephone of the seller as the supplier of the frame and body. He was then sent to the CHP, which inspected the vehicle and affixed a blue mylar "VIN tag" with new VIN. The trailer is now registered, with DMV records indicating that it was "home built."

    Yes, I know that if you do this your statements will not be entirely accurate. However, you purchased your trailer from a government entity so you know it isn't stolen property, you did acquire all the pieces, you will probably have to (or already did) partially disassemble and then reassemble the trailer in your effort to make it road or trail worthy, and you are not trying to defraud anyone. Apparently, in California, this is one of the only ways you can register a military trailer unless you have the U.S. government form showing how the trailer was transferred to the civilian world. The DMV has rigid rules and procedures, so you will need to adapt what you tell them to fit within their framework. To paraphrase Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men," sometimes the DMV can't handle the truth.

    Robert Bills
    Orange County CA
    '46 Bantam T3-C
    http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/showgallery.php?cat=924
     
  9. Jul 25, 2008
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2007
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    3,294
    great info Robert :beer:
    Jim S.
     
  10. Jul 30, 2008
    Robert Bills

    Robert Bills Member

    Orange County CA
    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2006
    Messages:
    86
    Doug,

    How did your efforts with the California DMV turn out? Is your trailer registered yet?

    Robert Bills
     
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