Thread: How to identify original versus reproduction

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I bought my 32 pickup at auction and didn't get any information from the previous owner. I don't know if the frame and steel body are original or reproduction. What can I look for to determine that?

To the best of my knowledge there are no reproduction steel 32 pickups chances are it is genuine. I built a 32 pick up and it sits on a 34 frame.

You did not indicate if the truck is stock or HotRod, defining that will help others give you clues as to what to look for. If the avatar is the truck the wheels alone say custom, are the fenders and running boards steel, bed looks short to be orignal

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Crawl underneath and check the frame rails for any pits, especially inside the rails. Repro frames shouldn't have any. Now if the frame has been boxed front to rear, you may have to inspect other areas on the frame. But if the frame has been meticulously finished prior to paint, then you may not be able to determine what you have. As long as it is well built, it shouldn't really make any difference.

look for rivets .

Originally Posted by shine

look for rivets .

What does the presence or lack of rivets indicate?

Originally Posted by Al G

What does the presence or lack of rivets indicate?

Most, if not all, early frames were riveted together while after market frames are generally welded.

You should find the original vehicle serial number stamped on the top of the frame, driver's side, just inside the cowl and visible with the cowl in place. You can find the number format and any special symbols used in a google search, along with pictures of the location.

Thanks for the replies. The truck is the one in my avatar - hot rod. The fenders and running boards are fiberglass but body and bed are steel.

I'll do some looking on the frame and see what I can find.

I'm only interested out of curiosity.