Vin # should be stamped on the frame,that will tell you 6 or 8, position of radiator, Fuel line from tank to engine inside frame 6 outside 8. I would think that CHP would know this. Sorry forgot that the CHP guys may not know of these. There are most likely more clues that other members will help you with.:anim_25: Feel for you I have just moved from NV to CA with a 56 chevy and a 63 nova. 3:Not easy.

 

If the original VIN tag is missing, then you will probably not be able to tell what the powerplant was originally.
Terry

 

On 57's the VIN tag is welded or riveted on drivers side A-pillar when you open the door. If your VIN# starts with a V it was originally an 8 cylinder. Here is a link that tells what the VIN# represents.

http://www.trifive.com/specs/19. Original Specs.pdf

If not on A-pillar than the frame is stamped under drivers seat. Did you get a title or past registration from the seller? Many cars have had their engines changed over the years. Can you get a notarized letter from seller that the car came with current motor? :anim_25:

 

On 57's the VIN tag is riveted on drivers side A-pillar when you open the door. :

vin tag was spot welded into position :anim_25:

 

I'm new, and I need a little guidance. I just bought my '57 from a private party in AZ. I have been trying to get it registered in CA for about 4 months. Won't bore you with comments about the DMV, but they sent me to the CHP because the vehucle didn't have an original VIN. The CHP was actually very helpful, but had conflicting information as to whether or not it was originally a six or a V8.
Question is: is there a way to physically check some feature that would be definitive proof (ie Engine mounts in a different place) grasping at straws here as I would really like to be able to drive my new toy!
Thanks,
Winemaker

Since you clearly state there is no factory original VIN on the body what do you have in the way of a VIN???

Some clues as to 6 cyl or V8. If the radiator is forward of the core support structure it was a 6-cylinder car. If the radiator is on the engine side of the support it was a V8. Also the throttle lever arms are different for 6 vs. 8. Someone above said V8 gas lines were on the outside of the frame rail and 6 cyl on the inside. I believe that the fuel line was only in the outside if the car had dual exhausts. Of course anything could have been changed over the years.

 

Registration Issues

The only "VIN" number I have is a "Serial Number" assigned by the Dept. of Transportation in Arizona. That is was is on the pillar and all the documentation and Title. That was not acceptable to California of course, they have to try to re-create the original VIN.
Do you know where exactly it is stamped in the frame?
Thanks for all the input!

 

Engine mounts. Both six and eights used front engine mounts that went into holes (about 1.5 inches in diameter) on each side of the front cross member. There are two holes on both sides of the cross member. The outer ones were used for the 8 cylinder and the inners for the 6 cylinder. So, you should be able to see some evidence of where mounts have been.

Your biggest issue right now is getting a good title. Don't spend a penny on the car until you get that sorted out.

The VIN on the frame is on top of the frame under the driver side rear seat floor board. It may be possible to see it with a thorough cleaning of the top of the frame rail and then using a mirror. I heard of one guy using a dentist's type mirror.

 

The VIN is also stamped on the frame in two places on top of the frame rail on the drivers side. One near where the door length ends, in the two door case, and the other near where the back seat starts (again in the two door case length wise). But it's next to impossible to see without taking the body off the frame.

 

The VIN stamped on the frame of your 57 does not indicate the engine or series designation, It will start with 57 then the letter indicating the assembly plant followed by 6 numbers.

I don't understand what the problem is with your DMV, You have a legal title and a legally assigned VIN that matches. I guess it is just another way for Commiefornia to reach in your pocket again for no legit reason.

 

The VIN stamped on the frame of your 57 does not indicate the engine or series designation, It will start with 57 then the letter indicating the assembly plant followed by 6 numbers.

I learn something new on this forum everyday.

 

do you have any friends in Arizona? if so use their address and do the title transfer in Arizona into your name. then after you get the Arizona title/paperwork go to AAA and use their dmv service to transfer it to a california title.

 

VIN verification



Even if it is titled in your name in AZ. it will have to have a VIN verification to be titled in California. All cars coming from out of state have to be VIN verified. That's why we here in CA. have to be careful about buying a car from outside of CA. that has had a frame swap. It creates a big headache.

Gordy

 

if you still have original radiator: if it is in back of the support it was an 8, if it in front of the support it was a 6. here is a 57 with an 8 that I had, all original. :anim_25:

 

Hmm.... Deja Vu.

 

I think I'd try a different CHP office. I went through that process many years ago, and if the vehicle already has a VIN assigned, that should be all they need. They do a VIN verification, sign the form, and back to DMV you go. As I said, I'm wondering if the CHP officer understands the process?

Do you know any local law enforcement officers? If I'm not mistaken, I believe any peace officer can do the VIN verificaiton.

 

Some good advice on here to help find you on your journey... I had a similar issue here in Oregon trying to get a lost title... for my 1957 Chevy... I finally got all the needed paperwork including a letter from a bank in California.

 

the VIN is stamped on the frame two places on the left rail under the driver's seat. with the body on the car the only way to see it is with a wire brush, light and mirror.

The VIN provided by AZ is probably a 17 digit number which does not indicate engine type. After all these years there is no way to determine the original engine for the car. Even previous bolt hole wear indications are not definitive.

Are we to understand that CA accepts the number but still wants to know what type of engine was originally installed? If you have a 235 six or 283 (or 265) eight with 1957 casting dates they should accept that as being original.

A more detailed description of your problem would have been helpful (what you have and what's needed).

 

Good luck get a title First Does the car have the gold D' s fender louvers on the sides behind headlights on fender. Chrome V or Gold V on hood or trunk . or Chevrolet script on hood? Mike

 

Back to Hotrodg's point about Gov't employees who find it entertaining to harass the public they serve by interpreting laws/codes out of context...

I experience it routinely dealing with Gov't cubicle workers.

I even have family members that I abhor visiting as they sit around during holiday gatherings discussing the best way to work the system to maximize their personal reward.... I've never heard one of them mention being proud by having done something good for the public they serve.....

My best story is having to contact my Congressman in order to compel the local Post Master to begin mail service to a 400,000 sq foot, 20 story Hi-rise building that had it's brand new and first tenant move in.....

She kept quoting some obscure bit of text from a manual she had that stated she didn't have to provide USPS to a new building until it was at least 50% occupied. She refused to provide full copies of the manual and it took the Congressman's intervention to get her to comply. I was then treated to another barrage of hoop jumping to fix minor things since I had pissed her off.

If you have any chance of working around any government agency by utilizing an authorized deputy then i suggest you spend the coin.... your money will be well spent....

 

Back to Hotrodg's point about Gov't employees who find it entertaining to harass the public they serve by interpreting laws/codes out of context...

I experience it routinely dealing with Gov't cubicle workers.

I even have family members that I abhor visiting as they sit around during holiday gatherings discussing the best way to work the system to maximize their personal reward..../QUOTE]

I get nothing from the government and I pay hugely in taxes. by working the system, I meant that I am not going to let them push me around or get 1 extra penny from me for things like registration.

 

Back to the main subject which I missed earlier, physical description of an I6 or V8 like others have stated

I6 - Radiator in front of core support
- No "V" on hood or trunk, hood had a Chevrolet script only

V8 - Radiator behind core support
- gold "V" with Chevrolet script across top of V on hood & trunk

Fuel line was run outside frame for a V8 with a dual exhaust, I'm not sure for single exhaust. Might be others

Here is an article from Wikipedia which might give you some help
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1957_Chevrolet

:anim_25:

 

Back to the main subject which I missed earlier, physical description of an I6 or V8 like others have stated

I6 - Radiator in front of core support
- No "V" on hood or trunk, hood had a Chevrolet script only

V8 - Radiator behind core support
- gold "V" with Chevrolet script across top of V on hood & trunk

Fuel line was run outside frame for a V8 with a dual exhaust, I'm not sure for single exhaust. Might be others

Here is an article from Wikipedia which might give you some help
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1957_Chevrolet

:anim_25:

:dito::dito::dito: third time now.