Missing VIN tag
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: St. George Utah
Missing VIN tag
When I purchased my 85 Vette from a dealer in Phoenix, AZ, in December 2005, the VIN tag in the window was missing. There is a VIN number on the driver side door jamb that has an AZ state, duplicate VIN. I posted a picture of it below:
It never really crossed my mind what it meant until I tried to sell her last year. Everyone loved the Vette, but they seemed to never call back. I hope this doesn't mean something serious, as I'm trying to sell her again.
Does anyone know what this means? If I had a carfax account I'd quickly punch in the numbers and find out.
It never really crossed my mind what it meant until I tried to sell her last year. Everyone loved the Vette, but they seemed to never call back. I hope this doesn't mean something serious, as I'm trying to sell her again.
Does anyone know what this means? If I had a carfax account I'd quickly punch in the numbers and find out.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 10
From: King George Virginia
Theft Recovery?
It probably was a theft recovery. The vin assigned follows the federally regulated format, it's a GM vin for a North American built Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (1G1YY) built as a 1985 model at the Bowling Green Kentucky plant (F5). It should be the one the factory assigned to this car as a vin assigned by the state does not follow the 17 digit format
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: St. George Utah
Well, after I washed her, a nice storm came in two days later. Next came powerful wind that brought dust from the valley with it. I'll be washing again later tonight when the sun starts to set.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 3
From: Oxford CT
It probably wouldnt buy it either.
It just seems risky, shady, and not right.
You should investigate it properly and provide all info to the people looking, so you can sell them on the fact thats its all ok now,.
It just seems risky, shady, and not right.
You should investigate it properly and provide all info to the people looking, so you can sell them on the fact thats its all ok now,.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
I have never driven a VIN in my life but I have driven and enjoyed many cars. If the car is legal, in good shape and I like it I see no reason why a replacement VIN would matter. IF I am looking for a NCRS candidate or an investment betting on future sale different ball game.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 1
From: Whidbey Island Washington
I have never driven a VIN in my life but I have driven and enjoyed many cars. If the car is legal, in good shape and I like it I see no reason why a replacement VIN would matter. IF I am looking for a NCRS candidate or an investment betting on future sale different ball game.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17,640
Likes: 1
From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Don't know the history of the car, but my 86 had surface rust on the tag making it hard to decipher, when I had the new windshield installed the tech used a wire wheel on a dremel and it looks new, I see the rivets there, what shape are they in? Could it be possible it rusted and fell down? Just a thought. I know that AZ is pretty dry in climate.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse Utah
I'm betting theft recovery. Phoenix has a hugh theft problem and the Az DMV is real strict about VIN tags there. However, I wouldn't worry. The car is legal and if it is in good condition I see no reason why it would have a problem.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,933
Likes: 103
From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
Agree Arizona is **** about VINs and Emissions. I will not relate how hard it was to get my friends Pantera through the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles that was shipped over from South Africa. A royal PITA. This being said as this is not a rare car like a Pantera it probably was a theft recovery but it is a legal VIN or the State would not have issued it. My freinds car was missing the VIN as well, but his Pantera had 5 differnent spots on the engine bay and frame with the VIN stamped in. Finally we got it through. It is considered a legal VIN.
Enjoy your ride.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Buy a Carfax account and check the VIN. If CARFAX received an update from the AZ DMV, it should show if it was a theft recovery, flood damage, or salvage. Your Certificate of Title sould show something like "salvage" if it was a flood or previously wrecked car.
It's entirely possible that the tag simply rusted away and a prior owner went to the DMV/State Police to get a replacement tag. If it was a case of rust, you might want to look up under the dash in that corner wher the VIN plate would be located to see if there is any indication of rust there.
It's entirely possible that the tag simply rusted away and a prior owner went to the DMV/State Police to get a replacement tag. If it was a case of rust, you might want to look up under the dash in that corner wher the VIN plate would be located to see if there is any indication of rust there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 1
From: Whidbey Island Washington
Buy a Carfax account and check the VIN. If CARFAX received an update from the AZ DMV, it should show if it was a theft recovery, flood damage, or salvage..... If it was a case of rust, you might want to look up under the dash in that corner wher the VIN plate would be located to see..... if there is any indication of rust there.
