New owner of a 1948 TC

[Gene]

I recently acquired TC 3909 engine XPAG4557. Am in Virginia, USA. I bought the car from an individual in VA, showing VIN XPAG4551 on the title. I titled in VA using VIN XPAG4551. The earliest copy of an registration in the USA is in California in 1967, where the VIN is XPAG4551. (In old hand written records, [especially in the USA, where we do not cross our sevens] a number 1 and a number 7 are almost identical.)
The owner in California in 1967 was last name Wilson, Fremont, CA.
The individual from whom I purchased it, bought in in 1968 from Wilson, and he kept the car until I bought it from him. Supposedly, a long time CA car.
Can someone give me some info on TC3909/XPAG4557 as is this the original engine no. & when it was built?
Apparently, in the USA, the engine number is the VIN and not the chassis number (TC 3909)
Thanks,

[Steve Simmons]

Welcome, Gene! The correct "VIN" number for your car would be TC3909. In the old days the numbers would sometimes get mixed up and the engine number would end up on the title. You can have this remedied easily by taking the car to a DMV inspection station. They will give you a signed form to give to the DMV, correcting the info.

[Richard Michell]

I am no expert but if the chassis is 3903, this would appear to be a Sept/Oct 1947 car. If the chassis were 4551 or 4557 it would potentially be Jan 1948. This is from the Sherrell book.

The difference between the engine and body number is 648 or 654 which is in the ballpark for the initial build.

[Steve Simmons]

I suppose it's worth saying that if the engine number matches the number stamped on the maker's plate, then it's almost certainly the original engine. But, replacement plates are available as are engine tags, or the engine tag could have been transferred from one engine to another, so there is no way to be certain. But if the maker's plate looks original then it probably is, and there is your correct engine number.

[Matthew Magilton]

Gene, you gave two chassis numbers in your post; 3903 and 3909. TC3909 was built with engine number XPAG4557 on 28-10-1947 according to Production Records on the T Register website. (TC's 3910,11 & 12 came to Australia).

Matthew.

[Gene]

Matthew:
I have corrected my errors. 1948 TC3909 / XPAG4557 and the ID appears to be original because the car has never been restored, discoloration and a slight corrosion. (Lucky me, no rust or rot) Always garaged since 1968. Many thanks everyone.
Gene

[Robert Brennan]

Gene, I hope you follow the excellent example of Norm Verona, aka " frenchblatter", and document your struggles. It's so entertaining, knowing you're not alone.

Bob Brennan
S. Freeport, ME
TC7794EXU

[frenchblatter]

Been letting the side down this week. I'm waiting for a correct handbrake cable. The one I got has the wrong ferrule on the end and will not allow the handbrake expander to close.

A few days off won't do any harm. When i do get the handbrake and rear right hand shoes on I'll fit the fuel pipe and the loom to the chassis rail and get the rolling chassis to the bodyshop for them to fit the body and paint it.

Then I can start on the engine and gearbox.