Where should the vin be on a 1940 oldsmobile. It's a 2 door sedan. I'm Looking at one, the husband passed away, and can't find any vin on the car. Just wondering if I'm not looking in the right spot. Thanks.

 

I believe the location is top frame rail under hood on drivers side. The vin number should be on a metal tag there and trim tag is on firewall....

 

According to one site dealing with where to find serial numbers on older cars, there was nothing about 1940 Oldsmobiles, but there was this about 1939's.

Look on the left frame side bar opposite the steering unit. It should also be stamped on the left frame rail over the rear axle.


http://automuseumonline.com/location...ntage-vehicles


These were called "serial numbers" back then, and often the serial number was on a "serial number plate" affixed to the car. They weren't called "Vehicle Identification Number" until many years later.

I've seen original sales invoices for cars of that era, and often they don't have the serial number on them at all. Sometimes only the "motor number" was recorded.

 

I've seen this location described several times for '40 Oldsmobiles. I'll bet you are right.

 

Thanks all

 

Of note here is the fact that some states used the ENGINE number and others used the CHASSIS number for registration purposes. They are not the same and won't "match".
The engine number is STAMPED on the engine block , usually on a pad on the left side upper corner or near the distributor,