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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 12:01 PM
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When do you actually have a Corvette? With a Title, a VIN Plate, a Trim Tag, a Bird Cage, a Frame, a Body, a Engine or a combination of these components, incidentally I listed engine last because it is simply in my world the easiest of those to completely destroy given the original configuration of the car.
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by rsinor
When do you actually have a Corvette? With a Title, a VIN Plate, a Trim Tag, a Bird Cage, a Frame, a Body, a Engine or a combination of these components, incidentally I listed engine last because it is simply in my world the easiest of those to completely destroy given the original configuration of the car.
Thats a pretty esoteric question, a good one for debate.

Id have to land on a title, with which generally comes something with a full VIN plate or stamping (frame) on it. At this point the state registers in their DMV that you actually own “a Corvette.”

Everything else are just Corvette parts in my view, including parts with VIN derivatives.

Of course it gets fuzzy with other cars, i.e. a Bricklin has a VIN plate on the dash pad. A 308 Ferrari has the VIN on the steering column housing for the blinkers.
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by vettebuyer6369
Of course it gets fuzzy with other cars, i.e. a Bricklin has a VIN plate on the dash pad. A 308 Ferrari has the VIN on the steering column housing for the blinkers.
If I remember correctly some of the late 60's Bronco's have a VIN plate on the glove box
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 12:16 PM
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If you are asking a legal question, you'll need to research the laws in your state. If you're asking for opinions just to start a discussion I'll offer one. When you have the title and VIN plate on a car that is recognizable as the car on the title, that's close enough for me.
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by kellsdad
If you are asking a legal question, you'll need to research the laws in your state. If you're asking for opinions just to start a discussion I'll offer one. When you have the title and VIN plate on a car that is recognizable as the car on the title, that's close enough for me.
Not a legal opinion at all, just curious what most consider a Corvette and thought I would like to hear the opinions.

In my world a title and VIN plate does not constitute a Corvette, unless that VIN plate is correctly attached to a Corvette bird cage and body.
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 01:06 PM
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This is a touchy subject for sure. While I agree with Roy regarding what constitutes a car (not just Corvettes). I've seen a complete C2 Corvette restored with just the Z-Bar (Trim and VIN tags intact) and a valid title. The rest of the car was/is a compilation of parts. Only the most experienced C2 people would be able to detect the truth.

Where do you draw the line? This Corvette example resurrection is the extreme in every sense.

To me, just having a VIN tag and title isn't enough.... Hey, you asked for opinions. This is mine.
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 01:16 PM
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My guess is its possible to imagine an exception to virtually any opinion based definition of "what is a Corvette." For example, consider a survivor 63 Corvette where the VIN plate falls off the rusty birdcage onto the floor. Did it transform from a Corvette to something that is not a Corvette at that moment? I don't think so, IMHO. The only two opinions that really matter are those of the person trying to sell the car and the person considering buying it. And we all know what opinions are like.
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 01:34 PM
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In my state of Indiana, it used to require to positive points of vehicle ID. So, if the law hasn't change seems the VIN stamp on the engine and the VIN stamp on the frame would suffice? It's also possible to get a title through a court order and the state will then issue a VIN #. No manuf. VIN plate required.

I would consider I own a Corvette (or any other vehicle) as long as I made a deal on it in good faith, I had a state issued title in my name.

[img]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Mike%20Mckown/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/Carney's%20Junkiyard%203.jpg[/img]I am wondering why this comes up as an issue?

Last edited by MikeM; Dec 13, 2019 at 02:34 PM.
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 01:43 PM
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An old friend of mine always said "the title is worth more than the car". VIN tag or not the frame has it on it so if the car is a car and alive just need a title to call it yours. Or at the least you own a frame if it's in pieces.
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 01:47 PM
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To me it’s the bird cage with the cab. Most cars had accident repair with new front and rear glass. And like most other high dollar cars of the 50-70’s they had major rust repair and all is left of the original is the inner structure anyhow.
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark Lovejoy
This is a touchy subject for sure. While I agree with Roy regarding what constitutes a car (not just Corvettes). I've seen a complete C2 Corvette restored with just the Z-Bar (Trim and VIN tags intact) and a valid title. The rest of the car was/is a compilation of parts. Only the most experienced C2 people would be able to detect the truth.

Where do you draw the line? This Corvette example resurrection is the extreme in every sense.

To me, just having a VIN tag and title isn't enough.... Hey, you asked for opinions. This is mine.
Mark, a very valid point I should have said "In my world a title and VIN plate does not constitute a Corvette, unless that VIN plate is correctly attached to the original Corvette Zbar/birdcage it was born with" We both know which car you are referencing in your response. I have also owned a vehicle that had a state issued VIN and I had no trouble with that because in my view their acceptance was good enough for me they are after all the licensing authority.

Last edited by rsinor; Dec 13, 2019 at 02:22 PM.
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