Engine Number

[lwa29]

I have a 31 roadster that has an engine number of "KA 40240 CAL". Then right below that number on the same spot is "P8236". The KA could be AA as it looks like it could have been re-stamped but it looks like KA. The car was in AZ some 25 years ago and getting a new title now in KS is turning our to be a very big problem. I've searched high and low and can't find any reference to the "KA" prefix or "CAL" suffix. I also see the number is not near large enough to be built in 1931. Any suggestions other than it was restamped? If restamped....anybody ever see those letters before.
The body is off the frame but unfortunately....I'm not able to find/read the numbers on frame rail.
Appreciate any help.
Thanks

[eagle]

I would make up a number that fits the bill and stamp it on the frame. Engine number is likely not needed.

[tbirdtbird]

the frame numbers get worn a bit. They will be on the left side toward the front near where the driver's foot would be. Using steel wool, scour the area, wipe with lacquer thinner, and using a mirror in the sunlight, illuminate this area and check again for numbers. Sunlight like this is the brightest light available. Angle the mirror. Illuminating head on will not show much

[Charlie Stephens]

Check the archives about raising the numbers using acid.

Charlie Stephens

[David BB 33]

Charlie - I have tried searching under "engine numbers","raising engine numbers", and can't come up with anything about this.

Thanks
David

[Barry B./ Ma.]

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Clean up that frame area as much as you can then if the number appears take a close up photo. That's what I did on my roadster and added it to the paper file for any future reference.

[lwa29]

Thanks guys. Former owner has now confirmed the frame was swapped out years ago and does not match engine no.

[John Duden]

I bought an engine that had the same time frame of assembly, found out the block was junk so the Early AA number I stamped into a newly rebuilt engine from swalms. Then i had the number changed on the title
John

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by lwa29

Thanks guys. Former owner has now confirmed the frame was swapped out years ago and does not match engine no.

So if you insist on being beyond critique, get a set of stamps and stamp the engine number on the frame.

I expect the State will not care that is or is not a "Ford" number.

Nor will they be lifting your body to confirm your truthfulness.

Or maybe the best solution is to get one of the aluminum "replacement" number plates and stamp the aftermarket engine number on that - and then mount it in some spot visible but near where the frame number would be?

When the inspector comes to verify the number show him where you put it on the frame with the statement "This is where all Model As are marked on the frame" (you can be within 2" of where that spot is - close enough and very unlikely for the inspector to dispute your statement.)

It's all a little bit of a game. State wants their money - state inspects to be sure they're not complicit on registering a stolen car - state gets their money.

We all go through the motions - driven by state registration/titling fees.

Joe K

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by lwa29

Thanks guys. Former owner has now confirmed the frame was swapped out years ago and does not match engine no.

Call your DMV and ask them what to do. I would expect (based on very old data and in California) that the DMV would have a 'Statement of Facts" form that the former owner could fill out and say he replaced the frame.

Charlie Stephens

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Joe K

So if you insist on being beyond critique, get a set of stamps and stamp the engine number on the frame.

I expect the State will not care that is or is not a "Ford" number.

Nor will they be lifting your body to confirm your truthfulness.

Or maybe the best solution is to get one of the aluminum "replacement" number plates and stamp the aftermarket engine number on that - and then mount it in some spot visible but near where the frame number would be?

When the inspector comes to verify the number show him where you put it on the frame with the statement "This is where all Model As are marked on the frame" (you can be within 2" of where that spot is - close enough and very unlikely for the inspector to dispute your statement.)

It's all a little bit of a game. State wants their money - state inspects to be sure they're not complicit on registering a stolen car - state gets their money.

We all go through the motions - driven by state registration/titling fees.

Joe K

Careful! We had read here where the DMV HAS demanded the body be lifted to see the number.