1956 Safeway trailer Vin location/plate

[wabbastang]

Hi all, I have a 1956 Safeway trailer that has been stripped down to the frame. I am hoping to find someone else with one that could show me where and what the Vin stamp or plate looks like.

I haven't been able to find it on the frame (it's only 4 digits on the title), and these seem pretty unusual, so haven't been able to find anything online yet.

I wanted to wire wheel it clean but don't know where it should be. At the same time I know some older trailers had it stamped on a welded or riveted plate, so don't want to waste time wire wheeling if that's what it would have had.

[Gdetrailer]

Serial number most likely was on the now missing trailer box, typically a sticker that was typically placed on the trailer box on the drivers side of the trailer.

Some manufacturers would stamp the serial number on the tongue A frame, some may have marked the axles..

Serial numbers and placement were not "standardized" into VINs on older trailers and often did not follow any real logic..

Depending on your states DMV, four digits can present a challenge to reregister and some states may require a brand new VIN to be generated.

So, I would hold off on making any permanent alterations (markings) until you check with YOUR local DMV, they will be a far better resource than using the Internet.

[JRscooby]

If it was me I would stamp the number off title close to back, left side of A-frame.

[BarabooBob]

When I build a trailer, (no title or license in WI if less than 3000 pounds) I use my wire feed welder and write my name on the frame. If you have a welder, it would solve your problem.

[USAFBILL]

Etch the number on the frame from the bill of sale..Problem solved

[gbopp]

Check with Tin Can Tourists or any other Antique or Vintage Travel Trailer Club.
They may have the answer.

[bucky]

Then don't go looking for trouble. Sound legal to me.

[wabbastang]

Yeah I figured it would be on the A-frame somewhere, but no sign so far. That's why i was hoping to fin a photo somewhere of one, so I'd have an idea of what to look for. Ultimately it doesn't really matter that much, but would likely make things easier down the road.

It definitely has a VIN and a title. I got it with an Oregon title (issued in 1970!).

[wanderingbob]

In that year many states did not require VIN as no titles were issued ! Many states did not require a title in 1956 !

[WayneAt63044]

I've had RV trailers where the VIN is stamped in the A-frame that leads to the hitch. No extra plate, just stamped into the top of the frame. Kind of shallow and a repaint could possibly obscure it.

[Lwiddis]

No idea but that frame looks very solid.