Kuhboni

Hi all.
I own 1966 convertible. The car was imported to Oman, Middle East, in 1988. This was the only car in the country till July 2015 (a friend of mine bought 1965 coupe).
I found the car abandoned in a garage early 2015. The car had one owner since 1988. the car needs to be restored (I will write an article later about the car and my restoration plan). The original color of the car was Milano Maroon and it was painted to black early 1980s in USA. I'm planning to repaint the car to its original color as everything else is original. The VIN plate is missing and the previous owner confirmed it used to be there. the VIN number is on official documents and I checked the plant sequence number on engine and it matches the registered VIN number. However, the official documents shows 12 digits i/o 13. The seventh digit (Vehicle Assembly Location) is missing.

To be able to change the color I need to confirm to the authorities the registration documents with the car VIN plate, which I cant now. Its illegal to change the VIN no in Oman.

My options are now limited. Either I keep the car black (not ideal for Middle Eastern weather) or I need re-print the 12 digit VIN?

Any thoughts?!!

Nowhere Man

So someone stole the original vin tag? If that's the case can you country look that number and see if anyone has it in use? Your country won't allow to cars with the same vin will they.

Having a vin tag made is a real touchy subject and I'm 99% sure it's illegal here in the states.

Kuhboni

I don't think its stolen. The owner (an old guy now) used to take the car to local workshops to fix problems with the car and it might gone missing there. All the classic cars in the country are imported recently. We dont have good workshops to work on classics (as simple they are).

Nowhere Man

the vin tag just doesn't fall off. it is riveted in place with two special head rivets. so it takes some effort to remove one. and where they are located there really are no reason to remove it for any type of work

Railroadman

There is a stamping of the VIN on the frame. Hard to get at but maybe you can verify it that way. Good luck with your restoration!

MasterDave

Yes, on top of the frame rail, left side in front of the rear wheel well.

project63

You may be unfamiliar with where the VIN plate is located. On 63 - 67 Corvettes it is on a bar that is under the glove box door. The Trim Tag is also located beside it. This will provide the original color combination.

tc

JohnZ

Here in the U.S., for situations like yours, most states have a system that can issue a "state-issued VIN"; some states will use the car's original VIN if it can be verified, some use a number issued by the state. Does Oman have such a procedure?

5thvet

The VIN has nothing to do with the color of the car originally, the trim tag tells you that. What does the government have to do with changing a car color?

6D2148

Thinking about that all day and it was bugging me! Chip

Nowhere Man

Laws over there must be real funny

6D2148

That's what I was feeling, but glad 5thvet asked the Q and interested in the A Chip

Railroadman

Their laws are different from ours.

SW Vette

Some countries have laws requiring an official form to be filed in the event of color change or engine change. I know this for a fact from living in Thailand, and changing the engine in my pickup truck from a 4 cylinder diesel/4 speed to a 6 cylinder gas/auto trans setup. Had to file a form to change the information in the ownership documents - same applies to a color change.

Kuhboni

No we don't have it here.

Kuhboni

The only answer is security and there where you are blocked. No further discussions allowed . We dont have the expected freedom to do what we want with our cars. All cars must be stock, and stock only. otherwise you are treated like a criminal.

MOXIE62

I would worry more about missing vin tag then repaint. Even in the USA if car is missing vin tag all you have then is a parts car until you get a state tag.. What does your country officials say about replacing tag. Don't you need tag before you can get car in your name.

ifitgoesfast

That's unfortunate. Customizing a car one of the most enjoyable natural freedoms there is. Not sure how free expression upon private property that doesn't affect anyone else is even seen as a crime.

5thvet

Oh my........I'd be doing 10-20 over there.

Don

waynec

Agree... perhaps Kuhboni (and the prior owner) is not familiar with the location of the VIN tag, which is riveted to a square metal brace beneath the glove box, facing rearward. The trim tag is riveted beside it. If gone, it had to be purposely removed, because it is very securely fastened.

references:

http://www.corvsport.com/Corvette/C2..._1966_VIN.html

http://www.chevydiy.com/c2-corvette-...to-look-for-2/