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Topic: Replacing missing VIN tag

in Forum: C3 General Discussion

Replacing missing VIN tag

Posted: 4/7/25 4:34pm Message 1 of 8
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Suffolk, VA - USA
Joined: 7/24/2012
Posts: 138
Vette(s): 1969 convertible 427 4speed

I own a 1969 and I noticed the vin tag has fallen off.  I have owned the car for 12 years and it has a clean title.  Has anyone been in a similar situation?  Any suggestions?   aftermarket company to reproduce the metal tag? Thanks




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Re: Replacing missing VIN tag

Posted: 4/7/25 6:48pm Message 2 of 8
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Eagleville, PA - USA
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Vette(s): Used to own a 1979 Corvette now owned by JB79

Are you talking about the one on the dash under the windshield?

My understanding is that you'll have to get the DMV involved. I've never had to deal with this personally, so maybe someone on here will.




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Re: Replacing missing VIN tag

Posted: 4/7/25 9:36pm Message 3 of 8
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

😯 The VIN plate behind the windshield doesn't normally just "fall off". Is the "A" pillar area rusted out enough for that to happen? Did it have the VIN plate when you bought it? IF the plate is still in the car somewhere, it could be reinstalled, but....it takes special "rosette" rivets to rivet it back on, and be legal. It would also require removing the windshield to replace it. Of course, if the A pillar is that rusted, you might not have anyplace to put it. Without the VIN in place, the car could be impounded by law enforcement, and you could loose. it. 

If you cannot find the plate with the original VIN, you could be in for a long legal fight if it is discovered. Replacement VINs are available from your state DMV, but you will have to prove you own the vehicle. The state will have to inspect the car, and locate the "hidden" VINs stamped on the frame to verify it matches the paperwork you have. If they eventually decide it is legit, they will issue a replacement VIN, but....it will NOT be the same as the original, in number OR appearance. This could make it hard to sell later on if you want to sell it. It's a big mess. My suggestion would be to try to find the plate if it has truly fallen off, and fell down into the dash area. Then go from there. Good luck! 




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Re: Replacing missing VIN tag

Posted: 4/8/25 9:44am Message 4 of 8
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Suffolk, VA - USA
Joined: 7/24/2012
Posts: 138
Vette(s): 1969 convertible 427 4speed

Thanks for the reply




Re: Replacing missing VIN tag

Posted: 4/8/25 9:49am Message 5 of 8
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Suffolk, VA - USA
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Vette(s): 1969 convertible 427 4speed

Thanks for the reply and info.  There is no rust on the A pillar.  It has been in several shops over the last few years. It is difficult to  find a repair shop in the Norfolk, Va area that will work on c3 corvettes.  I am looking to get rid of the car legally. I will look into asking a lawyer for advice.




Re: Replacing missing VIN tag

Posted: 5/16/25 8:37pm Message 6 of 8
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It is very difficult for a VIN tag to just fall off.  There is more than one tag on most vehicles, and the VIN is also located on other locations on the vehicle.   Your best bet is to confirm the locations where the tags are on your car and see if the A pillar tag is the only one missing.   If so, that is not a showstopper.   If they are all missing, that is a different issue.  Your local sheriff's office or state police office could inspect the car for you and look for the hidden locations and verify the car matches.  You said the car has been worked on a lot, are you sure you got the same car back?  If you are the registered owner and you opt to place a reproduction VIN tag in the original's location, you can do that.  But, if you affix anything resembling a VIN tag and it turns out the car isn't actually that VIN number for any reason, You are guilty of several Felonies.  And for the record, no amount of "I didn't know, realize, think, ect..., ect...", will get you off the hook.  Corvettes are high on the list of cars that have fraudulent paperwork and sales.  The simple question is, did you verify the VIN when you purchased the car 12 years ago?  When did you last see the VIN tag on the car?  And did you legally report that someone had removed the tag?   It would be very easy for someone to steel your tag, file a mechanics lean on the car and get a title and sell another car with your tag/title.     




Re: Replacing missing VIN tag

Posted: 5/17/25 10:14am Message 7 of 8
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Suffolk, VA - USA
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Vette(s): 1969 convertible 427 4speed

Thanks for info.  Its only the a- pillar tag missing. Engine stamp matches vin number.     




Re: Replacing missing VIN tag

Posted: 5/18/25 12:51am Message 8 of 8
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
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Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.

How do you know what the car VIN # is if you don't have the VIN tag?   If you do have the tag, how do you know it is the right one?




   

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