Weird VIN

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Apr 9, 2008 | 07:24 PM

m8rixguy

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Instructor

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 132

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From: Corona CA

Weird VIN

Hello all,

I purchased my first ever vette about 2 years ago (1974 4 speed). Like a TARD I had no idea what to look and didn't contemplate looking into forums (my bad there). Long story short I bought a lemon. Purchased it for $2,500, have put thousands in and am still a few thousand from being able to even take it out for a spin. (bent frame, trashed interior, etc.) A previous owner went as far as installing a fender on the passenger side that is a couple inches shorter (to make the car look straight).

Now that I know just a little bit about my corvette I have found a new nightmare, the VIN on the pink slip starts with a "G" then continues with the exact VIN on the inside of the windshield, 1Z... (so the pink is G1Z...) Has anyone ever heard of this? How could a letter be added to the pink?

I appreciate any input

Apr 9, 2008 | 07:50 PM

donnd

Racer

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 404

Likes: 2

From: Kingston Ontario

This miy help.
1974 Corvette Identification

Vehicle Identification Number
1Z37J4S400001 - 1Z37J4S440606
Digit Definition
1st 1 = GM Division = Chevrolet
2nd Z = Series = Corvette
3rd/4th Body Style: 37 = Coupe, 67 = Convert
5th Engine Type: J = L48, T = L82, Z = LS4
6th 4 = Model Year = 1974
7th Assembly Plant: S = St. Louis, MO.
Last 6 digits Production Number starting with 400001 and up.

Engine Suffix ID Numbers
CKZ: 350ci, 195hp, (manual transmission)
CLA: 350ci, 195hp, (automatic transmission)
CLB: 350ci, 195hp, (manual transmission, California emissions)
CLC: 350ci, 195hp, (automatic transmission, California emissions)
CLD: 350ci, 250hp, (automatic transmission)
CLH: 350ci, 250hp, (automatic transmission, California emissions)
CLR: 350ci, 250hp, (manual transmission)
CLS: 350ci, 250hp (California emissions, manual transmission)
CWM: 454ci, 270hp (manual transmission)
CWR: 454ci, 270hp (automatic transmission)
CWS: 454ci, 270hp, (automatic transmission, California emissions)
CWT: 454ci, 270hp, (California emissions, manual transmission)

Apr 9, 2008 | 07:53 PM

TimAT

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 7,123

Likes: 433

From: Gladstone MO

C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019

No idea where you are, but it's possible that you could have the car inspected by your state DMV and get the title/pink slip corrected.

Apr 9, 2008 | 07:56 PM

m8rixguy

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 132

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From: Corona CA

Thanks for the input donnd, this is exactly what my problem is the VIN# is 1Z37J4S427289 but on my pink slip it shows G1Z37J4S427289.

Just don't understand how the extra letter "G" was added or what to do. Guess what I'm afraid of is that this is a salvage title or maybe that the vette isn't even in my name?

Apr 9, 2008 | 07:57 PM

m8rixguy

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Instructor

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From: Corona CA

I'm in California.

Apr 10, 2008 | 12:19 AM

I'm Batman

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 23,831

Likes: 10

From: Springfield MO

St. Jude Donor '07

Check with the CA DMV. Here in MO, we just have to fill out a title correction form and have any law officer verify the correction. I've had a few errors on vintage truck titles.

Apr 10, 2008 | 01:24 AM

stingr69

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 7,493

Likes: 1,501

From: Little Rock AR

The previous owner was a car thief. He probably applied for a lost title and got this one. He added the extra letter so the VIN would not show up as being hot. Go tell this to the nice helpfull folks down at the DMV and they will get that car back to the rightful owner for you.

Problem solved.

Seriously - let's hope it is just a typo.

-Mark.

Apr 10, 2008 | 11:20 AM

m8rixguy

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 132

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From: Corona CA

Thanks for the input guys. I called a local AAA autoclub who has access to the DMV records. There is no file on the correct VIN, so I can do like Batman said and just fill out some forms and pay some fees. I think this is the first piece of good news I've had with the vette. Thanks again for your input.