Vin tag relocation on 62 vette
06-28-2018, 06:26 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Vin tag relocation on 62 vette
I'm buying a 62 vette that has been restomoded with power steering. The vin tag has been relocated to the drivers side front door panel. From its original location on the steering column. It's from a well know reputable dealership, and the title is clear and checks out. WHat do you guys think?
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Brew715 (06-28-2018)
06-28-2018, 06:40 PM
#3
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Thread Starter
Thank you for your reply. I was a little worried after reading horror stories about this issue. I realize the risks but am confident of the cars history and that of the dealership I'm purchasing from. I did ask them and they told me the same. I know there is a second hidden vin on the frame under the drivers side floor board. I don't think I'll be ready the body off to verify at this point anyway.
06-28-2018, 08:00 PM
#4
Racer
I'm buying a 62 vette that has been restomoded with power steering. The vin tag has been relocated to the drivers side front door panel. From its original location on the steering column. It's from a well know reputable dealership, and the title is clear and checks out. WHat do you guys think?
06-28-2018, 09:00 PM
#6
Drifting
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C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Most R&P and electric PS retrofits require the original steering column to be modified or removed completely in the C-1's. This requires the VIN to be relocated. I've been struggling with this decision on a stock 62 and someone on this forum suggested keeping the original column intact, with the VIN spot welded on, and apply for a duplicate to go the car. Sounds like a good solution. In your situation, the VIN has been moved, so it's not a choice. Personally, I don't see it as a problem, as most restromods are highly modified anyway and this type of issue is expected.
06-28-2018, 09:01 PM
#7
Race Director
Isn't it common to move it there since that's where it was located from 1956 until it was moved in 1960?
The VIN on the frame can be seen most of the time with a small mirror and a flash light.
The VIN on the frame can be seen most of the time with a small mirror and a flash light.
06-28-2018, 09:13 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
In all states, it's illegal to remove the VIN tag, even for a moment. Some states are pretty lax on this rule, others will impound your car if it looks suspicious. There was a high profile Corvette "seller" that spent some time in the gray bar hotel for this very thing. It's your call.
06-29-2018, 09:06 AM
#9
Safety Car
This is my opinion and opinion only. Relocating the vin is a huge no no. If for some reason the car was ever under investigation from law enforcement the onus would be on you to prove everything you say. If it's a restomod it may well have a different chassis so that reference is out the window. If it doesn't have a new chassis I hope you aren't paying restomod a price. When you go to sell it you might run into buyers like me. I wouldn't touch it. For the dollars involved it's just not worth the head ache to me. Again this is only my opinion. If you are going to go through with it have a state trooper come inspect it. If there's nothing to hide its not an issue. If it becomes an issue its on the seller at that point not you.
06-29-2018, 09:47 AM
#10
Safety Car
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With Robert61 on this issue.No sense on you purchasing a "potential" problem. Have it inspected while you "do not" have a monetary investment into it.
Pat
Last edited by ptjsk; 06-29-2018 at 09:49 AM.
06-30-2018, 11:07 AM
#12
Team Owner
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06-30-2018, 12:19 PM
#13
Race Director
True. Though Reproduction tags are available with the right documentation. They can be discerned from an original tag, though.
There have also been dealer affixed replacement tags back in the early 1960s and earlier, but they don't look like an original tag.
Doug
There have also been dealer affixed replacement tags back in the early 1960s and earlier, but they don't look like an original tag.
Doug
07-02-2018, 10:29 PM
#15
Burning Brakes
vin
I'm buying a 62 vette that has been restomoded with power steering. The vin tag has been relocated to the drivers side front door panel. From its original location on the steering column. It's from a well know reputable dealership, and the title is clear and checks out. WHat do you guys think?
07-06-2018, 09:12 AM
#16
Instructor
As a curious person, what is the recommended solution to people with c1's who upgrade their searing column to something like steeroids? Simple re weld in stock location on the new column? Or is everyone who has ever installed steeroids breaking the law?
07-06-2018, 09:18 AM
#17
Team Owner
Of course not, I know Bill (wmf62) reattached his VIN tag on his '62 steering column and it apparently "flew" with the Florida DMV - other states might be more problematic...
On my 63 - the cop the DMV sent out to verify the VIN stood in my driveway while I recited the VIN off the tag on the Z-bar while I laid in the passenger footwell.....the tag could have said anything or have come off a stolen Z-06. Sorta comical...
07-06-2018, 09:42 AM
#18
Safety Car
UNTIL you have that trooper or organization that wants to make it an issue. Such as the Connecticut troopers showing up at the auction and putting it on hold for a bit.
07-06-2018, 10:02 AM
#19
Le Mans Master
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2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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My 1961 has a relocated vin tag based on an aftermarket steering column. It was registered in CA, then OR, and now TX with zero issues. I’ve also restored many cars (mainly early Mustangs) where the panel the vin was mounted required replacement with zero issues. In fact, I replaced the entire body on one with an aftermarket Dynocorn body with no issues. I’ve been told by many law enforcement friends and acquaintances that while it is a bit of a gray area, no one they know of will take any drastic action unless other aspects appear shady (vin reported stolen, multiple vins on same vehicle, questionable title, etc.). I think it is unreasonable to expect purity on cars this old with this many owners. If everything else matches up, I wouldn’t even hesitate.
07-06-2018, 10:35 AM
#20
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St. Jude Donor '07
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Of course not, I know Bill (wmf62) reattached his VIN tag on his '62 steering column and it apparently "flew" with the Florida DMV - other states might be more problematic...
On my 63 - the cop the DMV sent out to verify the VIN stood in my driveway while I recited the VIN off the tag on the Z-bar while I laid in the passenger footwell.....the tag could have said anything or have come off a stolen Z-06. Sorta comical...
Of course not, I know Bill (wmf62) reattached his VIN tag on his '62 steering column and it apparently "flew" with the Florida DMV - other states might be more problematic...
On my 63 - the cop the DMV sent out to verify the VIN stood in my driveway while I recited the VIN off the tag on the Z-bar while I laid in the passenger footwell.....the tag could have said anything or have come off a stolen Z-06. Sorta comical...
it would get interesting if someone wanted to compare the VIN tag on the column to the one on the frame as the frame was replaced with a used one 42 years ago...
Bill
Last edited by wmf62; 07-06-2018 at 10:47 AM.