Tracy64

Hey guys,

While I'm searching the forums I thought I'd throw this out at you. I stumbled across a '61 today. It has both tops, 4-speed and a 350 engine. The problem is that the owner doesn't have a title. He only has a Bill of Sale and the VIN tag is missing. I'm going to look at the car this week plus I'll call the tax office because I'm not sure about not needing a title in Georgia for one that old. My question is with it missing the VIN tag should I just forget about it or is it still cool with proper paperwork. At first I thought I might flip it but with it missing the VIN tag I'm thinking maybe it wouldn't be worth it but it might be worth just cleaning it up for a good driver and keep it. I have no idea what shape it's in. Any thoughts? Thanks.

/Tracy

MrPbody

you might want to first see if you can read the vin stamping on the frame, and have it checked by pd for stolen. even if it checks out ok I would tread very lightly and price accordingly.

Tracy64

The guy told me it's on a lift and that I can get under it to check the frame. If it matches the Bill of Sale I'll call a friend who can check it out. I'm not sure how to price it at this point assuming it's all there and in good shape. The owner did say it needed to be restored so I'm not expecting to much.

splidecision63

Hey Tracy,
Believe it not, I am in the same position. I met a guy who has a drag car (61 vette) who has been raceing for 25 years. When he bought the car it did not have a vin or title, no papers at all. He did not need one since he was building a race car and he figured at that time it would never be on the streets. Now he want to sell the car and no one want to buy it w/o a vin.,
It is my understanding Georga has a registration only law for anything prior to 72. That still does not help w/o a vin number.
If you find something out pls let me know. Thanks George

edub63vette

Had a 62 with the same issue. I sold it on EBay a couple of weeks ago for $39k, paid $40k for it.
I was able to find the VIN on the frame and also had a VIN check ran by local law enforcement. Bought a new VIN tag from Datatags (A.G Backeast) and advertised as such on my EBay ad.
My guess is that is cost me about 20% of the value with that issue.

Of course that didn't stop an NCRS judge from sending me a nasty gram
stating everything that was wrong with the car! Funny part is that ALL of his feedback on EBay was negative!

ohiovet

I was under the impression that anything concerning vin tags, such as replacements, removal from car etc is against the law except when done by the "authorities".
I find it hard to believe anyone or company would advertise VIN tags on Ebay or any other public site.
I understand reproducing TRIM TAGS is legal as they are not tied to car registration or the title.
Any thoughts???

vettebuyer6369

Depends on your state.

All of these questions about VIN tag legalities and title requirements, etc, should be specifically asked of the DMV in the state in which the car is located. People from everywhere else can only speculate.

JohnZ

That's true, except in Oklahoma, which has a new law (3 years ago) specifically addressing reproduction/fake/altered/swapped trim tags.

Tracy64

Just talked with the tax office and the lady says all I need is a bill of sale and they have a form, T22B, to be completed by law enforcement with the VIN tag is missing to verify that it's not stolen. She also said that if the current owner has a bill of sale from when he bought and registration papers then there should be no issues assuming that the VIN on the frame matches the paperwork. So I'm going to take a look at it. If the price is right and if I can see the VIN to run the numbers I may just drag it to the house.

/Tracy

Tracy64

Anyone got any tips on seeing the VIN stamp on the frame? I have my T22B VIN Verification form, a letter from the bank so I can write the owner a check, if it all checks out and I like the car. I understand the price hit so if it's too high I'll just walk away.

/Tracy

Sonny71

Try a dentist type of mirror.

Tracy64

Ah! Thanks!

/Tracy

sub006

There's always the 51st state:

"OLD Mexico"!

OC-1

Jamb some slabs of wood between frame and body to flex glass underbody.

hit the dented area with the numbers with steel wool and finish with sand paper or sand blaster. Smear some vaseline or grease on the frame and place a bit of bondo on the frame..wait 15 minutes pull off the bondo and read the number. or use a mirror after cleaning

Tracy64

The car is rough. No VIN tag on steering column but the owner says that a VIN was in the door jam when he bought it AND says that is was a '62 VIN. I didn't see the tag but he states that he still has it. I left the T22B form with him and ask him to let someone in law enforcement run the number. I need to research a bit because I honestly can't distinguish between a '61 and a '62.

More images in my gallery.

wmf62

2 obvious differences: 61 has cove molding, 62 has no molding around cove and has a rocker panel sill plate.
Bill

ohiovet

61 does have the flags on the front, 62 does not.
61 Has chrome headlight rings, 62s are painted body color.
I believe the 62 grill is painted black.
Of course all of these things could have been changed.

MrPbody

Looks like a 61 that had a lot of 62 (and other) donor parts added. most of the interior look like 62 to me. that would be ok I guess, if you just wanted a driver, but the 62 vin tag is just way too smelly for me. I wouldn't touch it with a 10' pole.

62Jeff

61 and 62 have flags, but 62 are enclosed in a chrome ring.

Both years are painted.

61 and 62 grills are different stampings as well.

62Jeff

Based on the other pictures, it's a 61 with 62 seats and door panels.

And it's rough, as you say.