Vin Number replacement
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 22
From: Marietta Ga.
Re: Vin Number replacement (Blane Johnson)
Be careful. You can't get a replacement due to legal situations. Try to repair it with original type fastners. Nolan Adams has written a couple of articles about vins, it was in either Corvette fever or Vette Magazine I think, sorry can't remember which. try search of archives or corvettefaq site for other threads.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 0
Re: Vin Number replacement (72GACRZR)
A VIN # cannot be altered w/o penalty of law. VIN #'s where I work (GM Lake Orion MI) are computer scanned b4 installation and unused ones are locked up in a safe at days end, for use the next day..... :yesnod:
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 502
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Re: Vin Number replacement (Blane Johnson)
I've never seen one broken on a 69, but here's a suggestion: Remove the cover on the left windshield frame. If the vin tag is loose on one side, pry it up enough to sand the back of the tag and the post and put some two part epoxy behind it and hold it in place until it dries. The repair shouldn't be visible when the cover is back on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 0
From: Casa Grande AZ
Re: Vin Number replacement (Blane Johnson)
I understand your delema. From two of your posts, I think you are replacing the windshield frame and need to transfer the VIN tag?
OK, first - it's illegal to do that yourself. As I understand it, what you are supposed to do is have a cop look at it and supervise the transfer. BUT I've heard some real horror stories about this. Including confiscated cars and State issued replacement VIN numbers.
What I would do is buy the correct rivits, make the transfer (leaving the old paint under the tag), finish my windshield frame fix, and never tell anyone. That's illegal but it's not immoral - IMO. This is not a suggestion, it's just what I would do.
If you are looking to have a new VIN tag made, I doubt you will find a manufacturer. Making them is illegal.
Larry
OK, first - it's illegal to do that yourself. As I understand it, what you are supposed to do is have a cop look at it and supervise the transfer. BUT I've heard some real horror stories about this. Including confiscated cars and State issued replacement VIN numbers.
What I would do is buy the correct rivits, make the transfer (leaving the old paint under the tag), finish my windshield frame fix, and never tell anyone. That's illegal but it's not immoral - IMO. This is not a suggestion, it's just what I would do.
If you are looking to have a new VIN tag made, I doubt you will find a manufacturer. Making them is illegal.
Larry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Vin Number replacement (lbell101)
I think - from the varied responses that I've seen on this - that the
situation varies from state to state. In NH, a VIN tag that has no title, due
to age, must have the VIN # verified (by reading it) by a state inspection
station OR law officer. A form is filled and signed - and I presume that the
VIN # is run for stolen/etc after registering it.
Luckily, my tag stayed attached for all my repairs - so re-attaching it was
not an issue. If you do attach it yourself, you might be able to take a file
to a steel pop rivet, making a roset type. You mght be able to buy some,
but I hear they are expensive.
Good Luck !!
Here is what I did last night:
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...S/P9100001.JPG
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...S/P9100002.JPG :seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,563
Likes: 2
Re: Vin Number replacement (Blane Johnson)
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 22
From: Marietta Ga.
Re: Vin Number replacement (Blane Johnson)
:bb Iwas wrong with both mags, it's Cars & Parts Corvette June 2002 and follow up in October 2002. Nolan lists Bill Clements in Lubbock, Texas at 806-747-4848 as the source for missing vin tags. For your situation, I guess you need to check on the local laws.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
From: MI
Re: Vin Number replacement (Blane Johnson)
Blane, at least your is not rusty as mine. I've been looking to restore the VIN tag on my 69 for few years now. So far, no luck.
[Modified by Ki m Le, 2:31 PM 9/11/2002]
[Modified by Ki m Le, 2:31 PM 9/11/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,987
Likes: 3
From: Manchester, Dead Center in the Middle of TN 25 miles to Jack Daniels,10 miles to Geo Dickle, and .8 mile from the Liquor Store at I-24 Exit 114
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Vin Number replacement (lbell101)
Hi, I'm a Deputy in Tennessee. No I don't take care of this type of problem but my friend does. He is a Criminal Investigation Agent for the Tennessee State Highway Patrol. This is his job.
In TN I have personel knowledge of a man that took off his plate and then called to have it "Re Riveted" and it was confiscated and replaced with a Rebuilt VIN Plate. (Not by my friend)
I didn't agree with it and would n't have done this to the guy because it was a legit car that only needed the windshield frame replaced.
I think if he had waited before removing the tag and had it inspected and then asked to have it removed and then replaced by the agent it probably would have been done the way it should have been.
I would consult with my local agency and ask what should be done to circumvent any problems and more than likely you will be helped out.
ANY VIN swap is ILLEGAL in any state as far as I know at this time.
Do it the right way and you will come out way ahead.
As a last resort if it's just loose, shoot a little glue under it, JIM :seeya
In TN I have personel knowledge of a man that took off his plate and then called to have it "Re Riveted" and it was confiscated and replaced with a Rebuilt VIN Plate. (Not by my friend)
I didn't agree with it and would n't have done this to the guy because it was a legit car that only needed the windshield frame replaced.
I think if he had waited before removing the tag and had it inspected and then asked to have it removed and then replaced by the agent it probably would have been done the way it should have been.
I would consult with my local agency and ask what should be done to circumvent any problems and more than likely you will be helped out.
ANY VIN swap is ILLEGAL in any state as far as I know at this time.
Do it the right way and you will come out way ahead.
As a last resort if it's just loose, shoot a little glue under it, JIM :seeya
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Weatherford TX
Re: Vin Number replacement (Blane Johnson)
Blane, In Texas it is unlawful to alter any serial number or VIN. If the police have proable cause to believe the VIN is altered in any way, your vehicle is subject to seizure. Your vehicle will be returned to you if all the secondary VINs are OK. But then you'll still be out towing and storage fees for a couple of days. If it is obvious you may find yourself eating breakfast at the local jail. Posting tips on how to restore VINs is alot like posting how to make VIN swaps. Enough people are enguaged in that business and I would like to keep my insurance rates down. You can get a new VIN issued by the state but it is generally unwanted by collectable car owners. Sort of like rebuilt titles. I would gently try to put it in place and place a drop of glue under it to hold it there. Don't remove the rivet that is there. Most of the state troopers have a real good idea of what type of rivet should hold the VIN plate in place. There are subtle differences that most people are not aware of.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Re: Vin Number replacement (bn7035)
Hi all.
This is completely different over here in Europe, at least in Luxembourg.
They don't worry about any riveted on VIN plates or so, the VIN number must be stamped in a visible place onto the steel frame.
When we import US cars, the importer or the registration place will stamp the VIN number ( luckily the correct one from the paperwork of the car ) normaly onto the frame rail above the R/H front wheel.
The windshield post VIN tag is completetly disregarded.
Different countries, different ideas ! Our officers work mainly with paperwork and keep their hands clean.
:lol:
But don't misunderstand me , this is our legal way and I strongly suggest to find out your state's rules on this B4 manipulating the plate.
Good luck
Gunther
This is completely different over here in Europe, at least in Luxembourg.
They don't worry about any riveted on VIN plates or so, the VIN number must be stamped in a visible place onto the steel frame.
When we import US cars, the importer or the registration place will stamp the VIN number ( luckily the correct one from the paperwork of the car ) normaly onto the frame rail above the R/H front wheel.
The windshield post VIN tag is completetly disregarded.
Different countries, different ideas ! Our officers work mainly with paperwork and keep their hands clean.
:lol:
But don't misunderstand me , this is our legal way and I strongly suggest to find out your state's rules on this B4 manipulating the plate.
Good luck
Gunther
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
Likes: 4,248
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi TCS,
The first question is to determine just what you have now and where it came from.
Is it a "Replacement Tag"…. installed by a government agency because of something thing that occurred in the car's past history?
Is it a "Reproduction Tag"…. that someone else made to replace the original tag for some reason? (This continues to be illegal.)
Is this car presently titled and registered and is there any mention of this 'reproduction tag' in that paperwork.
Legitimate Replacement Tags generally look nothing or very little like original VIN tags on purpose.
Regards,
Alan
The first question is to determine just what you have now and where it came from.
Is it a "Replacement Tag"…. installed by a government agency because of something thing that occurred in the car's past history?
Is it a "Reproduction Tag"…. that someone else made to replace the original tag for some reason? (This continues to be illegal.)
Is this car presently titled and registered and is there any mention of this 'reproduction tag' in that paperwork.
Legitimate Replacement Tags generally look nothing or very little like original VIN tags on purpose.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Oct 9, 2015 at 08:38 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
Hi TCS,
The first question is to determine just what you have now and where it came from.
Is it a "Replacement Tag"…. installed by a government agency because of something thing that occurred in the car's past history?
Is it a "Reproduction Tag"…. that someone else made to replace the original tag for some reason? (This continues to be illegal.)
Is this car presently titled and registered and is there any mention of this 'reproduction tag' in that paperwork.
Legitimate Replacement Tags generally look nothing or very little like original VIN tags on purpose.
Regards,
Alan
The first question is to determine just what you have now and where it came from.
Is it a "Replacement Tag"…. installed by a government agency because of something thing that occurred in the car's past history?
Is it a "Reproduction Tag"…. that someone else made to replace the original tag for some reason? (This continues to be illegal.)
Is this car presently titled and registered and is there any mention of this 'reproduction tag' in that paperwork.
Legitimate Replacement Tags generally look nothing or very little like original VIN tags on purpose.
Regards,
Alan
Typically, you would tow the vehicle to DOT with the blue form, and DOT will complete the blue form indicating if the VIN was Original, Missing, or Altered.
As long as you don't SWAP vins, which is illegal
-- Joe
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
Likes: 4,248
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Joe,
"An Altered VIN (reproduced) is perfectly legal as long as it's documented".
That's not my understanding at all.
A car either has the tag that was installed on it at St.Louis or one PRODUCED and INSTALLED by a state agency.
I've never seen a car with a "reproduction" VIN tag.
Regards,
Alan
"An Altered VIN (reproduced) is perfectly legal as long as it's documented".
That's not my understanding at all.
A car either has the tag that was installed on it at St.Louis or one PRODUCED and INSTALLED by a state agency.
I've never seen a car with a "reproduction" VIN tag.
Regards,
Alan
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 168
Likes: 2
Hi TCS,
The first question is to determine just what you have now and where it came from.
Is it a "Replacement Tag"…. installed by a government agency because of something thing that occurred in the car's past history?
Is it a "Reproduction Tag"…. that someone else made to replace the original tag for some reason? (This continues to be illegal.)
Is this car presently titled and registered and is there any mention of this 'reproduction tag' in that paperwork.
Legitimate Replacement Tags generally look nothing or very little like original VIN tags on purpose.
Regards,
Alan
The first question is to determine just what you have now and where it came from.
Is it a "Replacement Tag"…. installed by a government agency because of something thing that occurred in the car's past history?
Is it a "Reproduction Tag"…. that someone else made to replace the original tag for some reason? (This continues to be illegal.)
Is this car presently titled and registered and is there any mention of this 'reproduction tag' in that paperwork.
Legitimate Replacement Tags generally look nothing or very little like original VIN tags on purpose.
Regards,
Alan
A replacement tag was made during the windsheild restoration.
It is a legit car, and in canada. GM Canada documention and clean title with history all the way back to 1968.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
Hi Joe,
"An Altered VIN (reproduced) is perfectly legal as long as it's documented".
That's not my understanding at all.
A car either has the tag that was installed on it at St.Louis or one PRODUCED and INSTALLED by a state agency.
I've never seen a car with a "reproduction" VIN tag.
Regards,
Alan
"An Altered VIN (reproduced) is perfectly legal as long as it's documented".
That's not my understanding at all.
A car either has the tag that was installed on it at St.Louis or one PRODUCED and INSTALLED by a state agency.
I've never seen a car with a "reproduction" VIN tag.
Regards,
Alan
-- Joe