Major VIN Problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena CA
Major VIN Problem
Here we have a 1972 vette coupe, its a deal and really very complete.
Only one issue with it is, it's VIN tag, specifically the VIN numbers, are really smudged. It doesn't look like it was done deliberately, but overall it is unreadable. Is there a place on the car where I can find the VIN again.
You should know I'm not looking to keep it totally original so that's not a big deal.
What steps should I go about trying to fix my issue here. I've heard you can get a state issued VIN but what are the requirements for that? Does anyone know? I'm in CA btw.
I'm stuck and don't want to make a move on this before I'm sure.
Thanks to you guys for all the help I can get.
Only one issue with it is, it's VIN tag, specifically the VIN numbers, are really smudged. It doesn't look like it was done deliberately, but overall it is unreadable. Is there a place on the car where I can find the VIN again.
You should know I'm not looking to keep it totally original so that's not a big deal.
What steps should I go about trying to fix my issue here. I've heard you can get a state issued VIN but what are the requirements for that? Does anyone know? I'm in CA btw.
I'm stuck and don't want to make a move on this before I'm sure.
Thanks to you guys for all the help I can get.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
Can't you read it on the ownership?
Engine block pad passenger front side should show last numbers of VIN.
Frame on the rear portion aft of the drivers side kick-up.
Under passenger seat position at the crossmember.
On top of the fuel tank on the build sheet.
All possibilities; good luck!
Engine block pad passenger front side should show last numbers of VIN.
Frame on the rear portion aft of the drivers side kick-up.
Under passenger seat position at the crossmember.
On top of the fuel tank on the build sheet.
All possibilities; good luck!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena CA
It hasn't been registered for a very very very very long time.
I'm sorry I'm not too savy with engines, where exactly is engine block pad, and the frame on the rear portion aft of the drivers side kick-up, and under passenger seat position at the cross member.
The fuel tank is gone. I'm going to try to find it today, and maybe run it by online to see if there are any issues on it.
Thanks so much, huge help!
I'm sorry I'm not too savy with engines, where exactly is engine block pad, and the frame on the rear portion aft of the drivers side kick-up, and under passenger seat position at the cross member.
The fuel tank is gone. I'm going to try to find it today, and maybe run it by online to see if there are any issues on it.
Thanks so much, huge help!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena CA
the only vin tag i found was the one in the door, Its blue with black writing, its a decal. and the vin numbers and the numbers above are all smudged. I'll try to take a picture today.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 199
Likes: 2
From: Suffern NY
That's not the "VIN TAG". A Vin tag is a metal plate fixed to the drivers side windshield pillar about 1/3 up from the edge of the hood. You can see it by looking through the windshield from the outside. It should be riveted in place with rosette head rivets. The numbers will be clearly visible. If the metal vin tag is not in this location...RUN!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena CA
Well it's not but, I know its other places on the car, and the first response I got was great, was just hoping that you guys could tell me with a few more details how to find those other spots.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena CA
I'm 17 years old, I want a chrome bumper vette and honestly I take what I can get.
At the same time I'd still like to see if i can get away without getting a state one but if its what i need than so be it.
Where is the "Frame on the rear portion aft of the drivers side kick-up"
I will go check it out. And hopefully run the numbers. Make sure its all A OK
At the same time I'd still like to see if i can get away without getting a state one but if its what i need than so be it.
Where is the "Frame on the rear portion aft of the drivers side kick-up"
I will go check it out. And hopefully run the numbers. Make sure its all A OK
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Why is the seller not doing all the leg work on this- it's his problem, not yours.
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Schaumburg Illinois
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 24
From: Boston MA
If you don't know where the front of the engine block is, you are better off educating your self on cars 101 before buying a project corvette, as this one truly sounds...
A corvette needing a lot of work, with no VIN tag is a poor choice for learning how cars work.
A corvette needing a lot of work, with no VIN tag is a poor choice for learning how cars work.
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Schaumburg Illinois
You should have the owner get it titled before you buy it. If the vin tag is missing and it hasn't been titled in a very long time, there is a chance the car could have been stolen. When you go to get a state vin (in Illinois) they will search the rest of the car for a vin, when they find one and check it, if it turns up it was stolen they will inpound the car and you're out of both your money and car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 87
From: Putnam county NY
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
It is not legal to have a car without a factory vin - or in the case of stolen recovery, for example, a state issued vin.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Z,
Here's VIN tag you're looking for on the driver's side windshield pillar. There will be a little opening in the interior trim piece so you can look through the windshield to read it.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Here's VIN tag you're looking for on the driver's side windshield pillar. There will be a little opening in the interior trim piece so you can look through the windshield to read it.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,025
Likes: 2
And this is the only VIN tag any state agency is going to be interested in seeing. The others you are chasing will do you no good is getting a title.