Topic: Vin number replacement question
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Lifetime MemberWhile I am here on vacation and can not work on my vette I have continued to search for a nice not over priced chromie. Found an ad for one about 2 1/2 hrs from my home and contacted the owner. I had never seen one with the color that was on it and in talking found that it was a repaint. when I ask the original color question and number off the trim plate I was told the car had been stolen in the early 80's and when recovered the plates had been removed. It now has a new reissued #, and the plate is located out under the hood on the Evaporator box. Also I found it very unusual that the new plate would just be bolted on with 4 bolts which means the plate could be removed easily. has anyone heard of this before. I am in Pa and the reissue plate is from Pa as well. The car is located in Pa with the current owners. They have owned it for over 12 yrs now. How would I trace back to the original color without a trim plate or original vin plate in the windshield. How much less does this take from the value of this car. It is a 1972 t top car with a 350 auto. Only has 64k on odometer which I am told is the correct mileage. Should I just run away from it!
Thanks
Rodney
Thanks
Rodney
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Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
The VIN was stamped in several locations on the frame, though I can't tell you where. Hopefully someone else here can. It's not unusual at all for cars to receive a state issued VIN after having the factory plate removed for any reason. I don't know if it's unusual for the new plate to be fastened with bolts but the state may have guidelines which may or may not have been followed in that regard.
For an chrome bumper car the VIN wouldn't help you with the original color of the car. It's possible to find the original color depending on how thoroughly the car was repainted. Is it repainted inside the door posts? If you remove a door panel the original color may still be there after being taped off during the repaint. The same goes under the door entry strips.
As far as value, a non-original VIN plate can definitely affect the value...negatively. If it's a base level car to begin with, the value won't be affected as much as if it was a higher level model as it can't be confirmed as such. When it comes to values, provable provenance is everything.
Personally, I'd run from the car. The only caveat to that is if the deal is really good, and the title is clean with the new VIN. If you don't pay much for it you can't lose much. It could be the start of a good driver or resto-mod.
You might also check with PA and see what their guidelines are for fastening their issued VIN plate is. If it's not attached according to those guidelines it's a big red flag.
Another way to look at it...if the current owners don't want to deal or are holding out for too much money, it's not your responsibility to relieve them of it.
Hey Rodney,
I have done the vin plate thing with alot of cars over the years since they are riveted to the dash board. I would bet the reason why it is not where it should be is because you would have to remove the windshield to rivet it back on. It should not be bolted on though especially on the evaporator box. It should be in the factory postion. If possible spend the 20 dollars on a carfax, it might pick it up. Maybe able to find out who the last owner was that way, find the past insurance company and find the original color and option plate. It better be a low price..I get nervous on vin plates being moved or replaced. Do they have any proof PA gave them the replacement vin plate? This could be a very old stolen car!
Have fun on vacation!
Rich
My first parade at Carlisle 2010
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Carfax may not be of help...it only works with a 17-digit VIN and they didn't come about until 1981...a chrome bumper Vette won't qualify unless the PA issued VIN has that many digits. It's worth a try to find out.
I agree. I would check with the PA DMV and determine what they require in terms of fastening the new VIN plate. The VIN is also stamped on the top surface of the drivers side frame rail at the rear hump adjacent to the rear tire. It's hard to see with an inspection mirror but it can be done. However, the VIN will not help determine the original color. I too would probably pass on this one.
Scott
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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