Buick chassis tag number

[BadGoat]

can any one tell me how to break down a Buick chassis tag number? the tag shows 2153454. it has an elliptical rear spring so I am thinking it is pre 1930?

 

thank you   

[Str8-8-Dave]

Chassis serial number only, no intelligence built in.   You may find serial number lists showing ranges of serial numbers associated with model years but you need firewall tags to identify model number.   On early Buicks chassis serial number did not match engine number and chassis serial numbers were numeric only.  In 1932 or 33 Buick chassis serial number tags went alpha-numeric.  Pictures of my 31 Buick 8-67S tags, Buick model number and production year on the small firewall tag, Fisher Body Job Number on larger firewall tag and chassis serial number tag on right front frame.

[Oldtech]

Actually, those are cantilever rear springs so yes, mid or late 20's

[nzcarnerd]

The chassis number info from that period is a little confusing but I think this one is a 1928 Master. You could probably work out the wheelbase from the existing parts - either 120 or 128 inches. 

[Leif Holmberg]

Looks like a 1929 116" with that tag number ,smallest model this year.Smallest serie that year.

[BadGoat]

I did the best I could in "guesstimating" with the front end spring mounts and to the rear with no load on the spring and it is "close" to 118 give or take. unfortunately this will not work for my needs , however I did save it from go to the scrap yard and will post it to see if any one needs it.    

[1939_Buick]

Buick's of that era had

• chassis/frame serial number
• engine serial number
• body serial & other numbers/ID's on a cowl data plate

All were different

Then at some time (1938? 1941?) a digit was added at the start of chassis number. 1 = Flint, 2 = Cal, 3= Linden NY (need to check)

Edited May 18, 2022 by 1939_Buick (see edit history)

[nzcarnerd]

11 minutes ago, 1939_Buick said:

Buick's of that era had

• chassis/frame serial number
• engine serial number
• body serial & other numbers/ID's on a cowl data plate

All were different

Then at some time (1938? 1941?) a digit was added at the start of chassis number. 1 = Flint, 2 = Cal, 3= Linden NY (need to check)

Which shows that there is no way of being positive about the series from the chassis number, just the model year..

[1939_Buick]

41 minutes ago, nzcarnerd said:

Which shows that there is no way of being positive about the series from the chassis number, just the model year..

Yes. That list (from BCA judging manual) shows for some years, many series have numbers starting at same sequence.

Edited May 18, 2022 by 1939_Buick (see edit history)

[BRB62]

A belated response to this question. Yes, those early chassis numbers act as a basic VIN and relate the series and body style fitted. That chassis was a 1929 model 41 close-couples sedan on the 121" master series chassis.