Getting the numbers right before stamping repro plates

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Hello Jim,

If you are missing data to stamp on the plates, you may want to use the technique informally referred to as "counting heads." It is based on the ongoing study of period documents and photographs, as well as surviving vehicles.

See the thread Looking for Date of Mfg and Chassis S/N information for C15 where we basically did the same exercise for a C15 4x2 truck.

A particular useful source is David Haywards webpage with CANADIAN CHEVROLET GMC/PONTIAC SERIAL NUMBERS AND ENGINE NUMBERS found at https://hotrod.gregwapling.com/chev-...dian-chev.html. If you search for "WIRE-5" you will find a good few entries to compare with Lance's truck. As you will find out, the listed VIN is too short, but it may need reproducing on the data plate for registration purposes. This serial number must have come off a C60L, as Model 8442 stands for 3-ton/ 60-cwt 4x4 truck. Lance's is 15-cwt truck which was designated as Model 8444, built in 1943, hence "3 8444" which should be followed by a five digit serial number instead of three - ref. http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...7518#post27518

Here's a proper example listed on David's page:

GENERAL MOTORS OF CANADA C-15A-WIRE-5
CHASSIS MODEL C.HU-15441-M
CAB MODEL 13
CHASSIS SERIAL 3844438249
ENGINE SERIAL PR3978589
ORDER LV2571
DATE OF MFG JUNE 13 44

Personally I would leave the missing data blank, rather than make stuff up.