1966–1977 Ford Bronco: Glove Box Warranty Tag vs. Frame VIN Stamp

What’s the Difference — and Why It Matters

When restoring or buying a 1966–1977 Ford Bronco, one of the most misunderstood topics is vehicle identification. Many people assume the glove box warranty tag and the VIN stamped on the frame are the same thing — but they are not.

Understanding the difference is critical for authenticity, legal registration, resale value, and restoration accuracy.

Let’s break it down.

What Is the 66–77 Bronco Glove Box Warranty Tag?

The warranty tag is the small aluminum plate originally attached to the inside of the glove box door on early Broncos.

What the Warranty Tag Tells You

The glove box tag includes:

• VIN

• Build date

• Body style

• Paint code

• Axle code

• Transmission

• Engine code

• DSO (District Sales Office)

This tag was used by Ford dealers for:

• Warranty claims

• Service reference

• Vehicle configuration verification

Important Note

🚫 The glove box warranty tag is NOT a legal VIN plate.

It was never intended to be used for title verification or law-enforcement identification.

What Is the Bronco Frame VIN Stamping?

The frame VIN stamping is the only permanent, federally recognized VIN on a 1966–1977 Bronco.

Where It’s Located

• Stamped directly into the passenger-side frame rail

• Typically found:

  • Near the front suspension / shock tower area

  • Sometimes further rearward depending on year

This VIN:

• Matches the VIN on the title

• Was stamped at the factory

• Cannot be legally altered or removed

Why the Frame VIN Matters

✔ Used by:

• State DMVs

• Law enforcement

• Insurance companies

• Courts

✔ Required for:

• Title verification

• VIN inspections

• Out-of-state registrations

• Theft recovery

Why the Two Are Often Confused

Over the years:

• Glove box doors were removed, replaced, or lost

• Restorations used reproduction warranty tags

• Bodies were swapped onto different frames

• Titles followed the frame, not the body

Because of this, many Broncos exist today where:

• The glove box tag does not match the frame VIN

• The glove box door came from a different truck

• The body has been replaced entirely

This is especially common with:

• Rust-damaged original tubs

• Body-off restorations

• Early Broncos rebuilt on cleaner frames

Can You Title a Bronco Using the Glove Box Tag?

No.

The glove box warranty tag:
❌ Is not federally regulated
❌ Is not legally recognized as a VIN
❌ Cannot be used for title issuance

Only the frame VIN stamping is valid for legal identification.

What About Reproduction Warranty Tags?

Reproduction warranty tags are common — and useful — but they serve a cosmetic and informational purpose only.

They are often used to:

• Display original build specs

• Complete a restoration

• Match known historical data

⚠️ They do NOT add authenticity or legal standing.

A reproduction tag does not:

• Change the vehicle’s identity

• Override the frame VIN

• Increase legal value on its own

Why This Matters for Buyers & Restorers

If you’re buying or restoring a Bronco, always:

✔ Verify the frame VIN
✔ Match the frame VIN to the title
✔ Treat the glove box tag as reference only
✔ Understand that bodies can be replaced — frames cannot

At Rust Belt Offroad, we regularly work with customers who are:

• Replacing rusted tubs

• Building Broncos from the frame up

• Restoring trucks for long-term ownership or resale

Knowing the difference between these two identifiers protects you from costly mistakes.

Final Thoughts

The glove box warranty tag tells a story —
The frame VIN tells the truth.

Both are important in the Bronco world, but only one defines the vehicle’s legal identity.

If you’re planning a 66–77 Bronco restoration, body replacement, or frame-up build and have questions about VINs, titles, or reproduction bodies, our team at Rust Belt Broncos and Rust Belt Offroad is happy to help.