Please help...registering an old 1950’s Chevy 3100 in UK

[Chevy3100L-A]

Hi, we have recently brought an old Chevy 3100 step side short bed as a project so currently without engine etc. Does anyone know how we go about registering this in the uk as no paperwork with truck, believe to be 1956. Any advice would be appreciated....thanks.

[Chevy3100L-A]

Hi, ive just brought an old Chevy 3100 step side, short bed, i think 1956 ( not 100% sure yet) as a project, engine to go in but its without any papers, i am clueless to where to start in registering it, few numbers worn off vin to make it slightly harder... anyone any ideas where to start 👀

[427James]

We registered our 67 Chevy C20 stepside with great difficulty a couple of years ago. The new registration form with the DVLA is OK, but the DVLA now want age verification letters etc. The DVLA seem to assume everyone goes about creating replicas of old American pickups, which would seem a loss making venture. We signed up to the American Auto Club who were incredibly helpful.

[Ructions]

If you are on Facebook join one of the Chevy UK groups and ask for advice there, someone will have been through a similar process.

[jeff666]

You will need a title and NOVA certificate,

When they inspected my truck the engine was out and the inspector was ok with it but they do prefer them to be as complete as possible.

The last import I registered they didn't even inspect due to covid.

[FNG]

If you absolutely can't get it registered (can't decipher the VIN, don't have US title, etc) then you could build the body onto a newer chassis if all else is lost.

Or perhaps put the chassis plate from the newer chassis onto the one you've got... Chevy S10s aren't much money; that could be a sensible route if you get completely stuck.

[Chevy3100L-A]

jeff666 said:

You will need a title and NOVA certificate,

When they inspected my truck the engine was out and the inspector was ok with it but they do prefer them to be as complete as possible.

The last import I registered they didn't even inspect due to covid.

Thanks Jeff, We don't have a title or anything as bought recently as a barn find, only the original reg from Oklahoma.
I will look into the NOVA cert guess got some researching to do on the titles first, thanks again.

[InitialDave]

Who brought it into the UK?

[Chevy3100L-A]

FNG said:

If you absolutely can't get it registered (can't decipher the VIN, don't have US title, etc) then you could build the body onto a newer chassis if all else is lost.

Or perhaps put the chassis plate from the newer chassis onto the one you've got... Chevy S10s aren't much money; that could be a sensible route if you get completely stuck.

Thank you, we did think that might have to be our last resort which would be a shame as would love to keep all original. Am off out now to search for the Vin again on him but not looking good. I think my next option may be trying to look up American old registrations as this is all we have. Thanks again

[Chevy3100L-A]

427James said:

We registered our 67 Chevy C20 stepside with great difficulty a couple of years ago. The new registration form with the DVLA is OK, but the DVLA now want age verification letters etc. The DVLA seem to assume everyone goes about creating replicas of old American pickups, which would seem a loss making venture. We signed up to the American Auto Club who were incredibly helpful.

Hi, yes I'm seeing this is starting to become extremely difficult with dvla. We are going to try searching the American Reg plate we have and see if we can obtain anything off that but not as easy as first thought. I Will try the American Auto Club thank you.

[jeff666]

I may be wrong and am happy to be corrected by the more knowledgeable on the subject,

But it was my understanding you can't bring anything in without a title and also the vehicle would not have been able to leave the dock without the duty being paid so the paperwork (Nova certificate) should be some where.

It's unfortunate the VIN no is not very clear as I am sure records will be available to check on the duty side of things. How you would do this I have no idea sorry.

[Chevy3100L-A]

InitialDave said:

Who brought it into the UK?

No idea, think we the third owner, both previously had passed away and no record of where they got it from.

[Chevy3100L-A]

jeff666 said:

I may be wrong and am happy to be corrected by the more knowledgeable on the subject,

But it was my understanding you can't bring anything in without a title and also the vehicle would not have been able to leave the dock without the duty being paid so the paperwork (Nova certificate) should be some where.

It's unfortunate the VIN no is not very clear as I am sure records will be available to check on the duty side of things. How you would do this I have no idea sorry.

Yes that's what we have come across, someone must know or like you say have original paperwork but it's finding it. I have a partial Vin and registration plate so think I may have to start searching American registration sites etc. thanks for your advice.

[Bob T]

I'm assuming you have downloaded a copy of the Service Manual so know where to look for the VIN ?
I have a 1970 C10. In addition to the VIN plate the number is stampted on the chassis, from memory there is also a partial number on the engine block along with the engine number, plus various other numbers scattered around the place!
There are lots of online catalogues, mainly from the USA which can help tie these to production dates and location.
I registered mine last year with DVLA with no problems. There are lots of boxes on the form that you can leave blank. For fun I registered mine as a 3 seater as it has a bench seat
So it has something in common with a McLaren F1....