41 Convertible Info Needed

[John Hendricks]

I incorrectly recalled a posting from the old web site concerning serial numbers on the frame.  The serial number is on the front frame rail in PLY trucks but not cars.

[41PlymVert]

Thanks for all the info guys!

Jim, I believe that my grandfather had corresponded with you a few years ago about this issue. I guess a letter dated 1988 would be considered more than a few years ago. In the mess of paperwork dealing with the car there is the letter from you along with a blank serial plate and a blank body number plate (which I assume he acquired through you). In your letter I believe you stated that you were unable to find any information about the car in the club database but it might be worth a try. The engine number is P12-474570, the body number is 304-9942 (IIRC this is the 9942nd convertible?). If you come upon any more information please let me know.

Wm Steed, The reason I am so concerned with using the original serial number versus a state issued VIN is because of my grandfather. He is nearing 80 years old and is now having more trouble getting around and hasn't worked on the car in years. The work he has put into this car to keep it original inspires me. I know how much he would like to enter this car in a Plymouth 4 & 6 Cylinder Club show. I would love nothing more than to make this happen for him.

Again, thank you all for the help and information! 

[Jim Benjaminson]

Don't want to contradict John Hendricks post about the serial number being stamped into the frame - but thats news to me.  The engine number is stamped on the left rear frame rail from at least 1934 to 1949.  Early Plymouths up to about 1932 had the engine number stamped into the frame where John said a number is located.....and considering that some states used the engine number as the serial number, John would be "correct" although its really the engine number rather than the sequential serial number (or as they call them nowadays - the VIN, vehicle identification number)

[Wm Steed]

Bryan,
Rather than reply to the email you sent me yesterday about your missing serial number, I will reply to it here so that everyone can view my response. Maybe someone else can add to my comments.

For starters, Jim B's offer to research the data base of the POC to see if your car was ever registered in the club is a very good one.... You might get lucky

Secondly...... The absence of the serial number on your car is actually a very minor thing, especially since the body number is present. If you had the original number it would tell you absolutely nothing other than the factory it was built in. According to the Standard Catolog of American Cars,  the number range for model P12 is: Detroit 111xxxxx/113xxxxx, Los Angeles 326xxxxxx/329xxxxx, Evansville 201xxxxx/201xxxxx. It is my understanding that all convertables were made in the US so I will not list Windsor.

It is my understanding that all convertables were built in either Detroit or Los Angeles. You most likely know the region that your vehicle has resided in for many years so it would be a safe bet that if you are located in the Eastern US, that being anything east of the Rocky Mountains, the vehicle is a Detroit vehicle, where-as if you are in the Western US, it would be a LA vehicle. Data supplied by Chrysler Historical will only be able to tell you the day it was built, the original dealer it was shipped to,  what the original color (s) were and what factory installed  accessories the vehicle had.  There is a better than even chance that the accessories will not appear on the build sheet because most vehicles built in the 1930's/40's where shipped with no accessories to minimize freight charges. The dealers usually sold and installed all accessories.   

If you have to have the state give you an assigned VIN number, try to have them attach it to the right door jamb. You might even consider making your own VIN plate using the state assigned number preceded by the correct region number, they are  simple to make with a piece of aluminum.  I believe that Jim B. stated on another topic that he knew of someone that makes original looking VIN number plates.  I am not to sure if you should make a big deal out of the missing serial number, so long as the state is not trying to classify it as a reconstructed vehicle.


Today is the anniversary of my '39 Plym conv being shipped from the Los Angeles plant to a dealer in San Francisco , it was built on January 28, 1939....Bill

[John Hendricks]

The serial number should be stamped on the frame--I can't recall which side, L or R,but it will be around the front shock/spring mount.  U will need a drill and wire wheel and it won't be easy with the fender on

[Jim Benjaminson]

Any chance this car was registered with the Plymouth Club prior to your grandfather getting the car?  The club has kept track of engine/body/serial numbers on these cars for 50 years now.  E-mail me or post the body number here and I'll check our data base. 

[41PlymVert]

Bill, Thank you for that information. The body number does begin with 304 and the original engine number falls towards the end of the range you specified.

Over the time I have been away from this board I have used various channels within the hobby in an attempt to find the correct serial number for this car. In November of '06, I sent an email to the Chrysler Historical Society and was told that the ONLY way to trace any information on this car is through the serial number. I feel as though the only way this car will ever be finished is through the use of a state issued VIN (which I do not want to do).

If anyone else has any ideas or means to get information about this car please let me know. Thanks, Bryan

[Wm Steed]

According to the info listed in The Standard Catalog of American Cars,  the '41's had engine numbers and ser numbers.  The serial numbers were on a plate attached to the right door post, the engine number was on the left front corner of the block.  the numbers vary depending on where the car was built, Detroit, Evansville, Los Angles, Windsor.  Since your car is a conv. it would be a P12, model 304. There should be a plate on the cowl above the steering column that lists the model ( No 304)  &( Body No 00000). If your engine is an original engine it should have a number starting with P12-1001, ending P12-535085.

You should contact Chrysler Historical, they may be able to identify your car if you have the original engine number and body number....Bill

[41PlymVert]

Does anyone know if there is a way to figure out the serial number for a '41 Plymouth Convertible knowing only the body and engine numbers? The reason I ask is because my '41 convertible was originally titled to the engine number when my grandfather bought it. Back then (1972) he wasnt concerned that the serial number was missing but now that we want to re-title the car in PA we need the serial number. I have proof of ownership because the body and engine numbers match but I just don't have the serial number. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.