No HUD tags, Data plate, or VIN

[Fred]

I'm currently in a really tough possition in regards to financing a double wide. There are no HUD tags or a data plate on this home. I've tried looking all over for them with no luck, I've even searched for the VIN number and can't find that. After digging through paperwork the homeowners insurance lists the following information. yr:1982 make:Cedar Key serial#:60H2BD. When I paid $50 for HUD to issue a letter of label verification they said that the serial number was only partial, there is no such make of manufactured homes, and they couldn't help me. I've checked with the title company, the original mortgage lender, and the original paperwork. I am at my wits end now. I mean there has to be some solution other than to never sell or refinance this home. I would really appreciate any info or suggestions. Please email me at [email protected] or post a reply. Thank you

[rmurray]

Whew...Seldom would both the labels and data plate be missing...I assume you know the labels are attached to the exterior of the home...face the front door and it should be to the left corner near the bottom of the home..

Sometimes if the exterior has been replaced..it will be gone...but sometimes exterior replacements only overlay the original siding...If this is the case..remove a little siding in the right area to get to the original..

Cedar Key is probably a model name..not manufacturers name...I am not in my office and do not have my NADA book here...but it will tell the name of manufacturers that have used this model name...

The serial number you have is indeed a partial number..this looks like the beginning..there would be 4 or 5 numbers on the end..then A/B or L/R ...these letters identify which side the number is on...In 1982..there would have been a title issued for this home..your states title office should be able to get you a copy...and they will have the original Manufacturers Certificate of Origin..which is the document required to get a title...Also..your counties taxing authority usually has some records when the home was first placed..

The serial number is on the front (hitch end) cross member of the home..after 22 years sometimes these rust over..or are painted over many times...with the right stuff you can remove the rust or paint and still find the number..Face the 1/2 of the double from where the hitch would have been and it will be to your left near the corner of the home...It will be on both 1/2s...one might be easier to recover than the other..

[trmimo]

Also, it is possible that the top track of your skirting could be covering the hud tag if your home is skirted. If you are really lucky, the Hud #, serial # and make should be on file with the local building department from the original building permit application. But, unfortunately many building departments did not recod this information 20 years ago, worth a shot though.

[cmtfromga]

We had the same problem and it took a long time to figure it all out. We have a double wide mobile home. We took blocks out of the foundation and found ours. On the end where the hitch used to be , the front half of the home, we removed the second and third block and there it was. It was hard to read in parts but after thirty years it was more than we expected. When the blocks were removed we had to use a flashlight to see the numbers.
I also went to the tax and tag office and they gave me a print out of the last twenty years taxes and it also had the serial number on it.

Good luck

[Linda]

Fred?

What state are you in? Have you checked the tax office or appraisal district? Was the title surrendered? Tonge & wheels cut off?

I am a land-home specialist. Please give me a call and I may be able to assist you. However, it will be easier to discuss by phone.

I am located in Texas but licensed in 7 other states.

Call me at 979-575-8737.

[tim]

try looking behind the hot water heater or inside the kitchen cabinets. they are usually there..

[Bill Enright]

Fred,

You also might try looking inside the electrical panel door (the box where the circuit breakers are located inside the home); sometimes the info is located there.

Good luck!

[Nick2]

Look on the front cross member of the chassis. Under the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, the complete serial number is required to be engraved at that location. After you get that information, HUD can supply the info you need.