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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Secaucus NJ
Help
OK guys I have a good one, MY X wife and her BF trashed my 56 vette title, cut up and tossed the plates, and popped the Vin number off the inside of the door jamb, the car was in my garage for over 18mo's during my devorce and it got trashed, and ideas how i might be able to get all of my info back, I imagine i have to get the Vin off the frame first and then a title search? right? i also have a 64 sting ray it a small block 327 and just picked up a84 caprice classic, mint, only driven to church with 34,000 or miles with a 305 in it the old lady had the seat wrapped in plastic lol I do need help gettint the identity back on the 56!!! thanks for your advice regards Joe
Last edited by rocco56vette; Jan 22, 2012 at 10:54 AM. Reason: spell check
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 20
From: S.B. N.J.
OK guys I have a good one, MY X wife and her BF trashed my 56 vette title, cut up and tossed the plates, and popped the Vin number off the inside of the door jamb, the car was in my garage for over 18mo's during my devorce and it got trashed, and ideas how i might be able to get all of my info back, I imagine i have to get the Vin off the frame first and then a title search? right? i also have a 64 sting ray it a small block 327 and just picked up a84 caprice classic, mint, only driven to church with 34,000 or miles with a 305 in it the old lady had the seat wrapped in plastic lol I do need help gettint the identity back on the 56!!! thanks for your advice regards Joe
know try gm maybe thay can point you in the right direction
good luck kraz
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
It's a matter for the authorities on the damage done, but I believe you will never be able to replace a VIN plate, but then again it sounds like your pride and joy is nothing more than a parts car now anyway. Best of everything Corvette to you in this endeavor. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,702
Likes: 192
From: Northwestern Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '26
Have them arrested... Vin tampering is a federal issue, ask the guys who were building the "gone in 60 seconds" replica mustangs, they were shut down over vin issues amongst other things.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 10
From: NJ
I would report it to the police, not a joke messing with vin #'s. Hard to prove they did it but who else would have motive. If you have the registration you will be fine. Just another reason to be glad your not married to her anymore, BF broke a man code of messing with another mans Vette. GL and keep us updated
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,596
Likes: 3,082
From: Shamong, NJ
The title itself, shouldn't be a big deal here in NJ. The NJ DMV will issue you a duplicate title. The missing VIN plate is a whole different situation.
A missing VIN plate is usually treated like a stolen car. You will be issued a State VIN tag. This is similar to a salvage or reconstructed VIN. Either way, the missing GM issued VIN plate, will significantly harm the value of your 56!
As others have said, notify the police immediately. It's a Federal offense to tamper with a cars VIN number and it is also vandalism on a local level. Their actions have damaged the car and effected it's value.
You should also notify your insurance company. The vandalism should be covered under your insurance. To file a claim, the insurance company will want a police report, and will likely take legal action against the Ex and her boyfriend, to reclaim any damages that they have to pay to you.
A missing VIN plate is usually treated like a stolen car. You will be issued a State VIN tag. This is similar to a salvage or reconstructed VIN. Either way, the missing GM issued VIN plate, will significantly harm the value of your 56!
As others have said, notify the police immediately. It's a Federal offense to tamper with a cars VIN number and it is also vandalism on a local level. Their actions have damaged the car and effected it's value.
You should also notify your insurance company. The vandalism should be covered under your insurance. To file a claim, the insurance company will want a police report, and will likely take legal action against the Ex and her boyfriend, to reclaim any damages that they have to pay to you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Severn Maryland
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
I agree with the previous posts. Report it to the authorities so that you have an official record. If the car was parked in the garage where your X was living during the divorce it may be a little easier for the justice system to believe that she damaged the car...especially since she didn't report any damage to the police.
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,198
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From: Columbia MD
Sorry to hear about this, but, I have to ask, why in the world would you leave your '56 Corvette in the garage where your ex and her new boyfriend could get at it in the first place? That car would have gone with me when I left. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,254
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From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
my life's work has taught me how to fix military aircraft................I would never post on a solution for you..............unless I was a LEO familar with NJ law.
The C5 has the VIN etched into the frame on 2 locations, I'm pretty sure you are not sitting on a parts car there
The C5 has the VIN etched into the frame on 2 locations, I'm pretty sure you are not sitting on a parts car there