Just bought a 1970 Corvette and based on the guy that I bought it from Im pretty sure that the body and engine have matching numbers. Just checked last night and the VIN on the title matches the engine but it looks like the VIN plate on the drivers side pillar is gone. Im sure that if the title has the same number as the engine that the body also has the same one. Is their any other place on the body to verify the VIN? What else can I do? Thanks
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Re: VIN Question
I would not have purchased the car with the VIN plate missing, you could be in for a lot of headaches later on. I would get with the previous owner and try to work at getting a VIN plate or get your money back. Sorry, but that is my opinion... -
Re: VIN Question
Don and Dan-----
I agree; this can be a BIG problem. The number on the engine is just a VIN derivative; it's not the complete VIN number. Of course, it does contain the important vehicle serial number, but, most important, it is NOT a number that most, if not all, states will use for registration/title purposes.
Basically, you "own" a car which has no official "connection" to the registration/title certificate that you also have.
There is another place on the car that you can find an important VIN-derivative. That will be on the left side frame rail. It is stamped on the UPPER surface of the frame rail just forward of the centerline of the rear wheel. It is very difficult to see since the body is very close to the frame at this point. You will need to clean the area with a small brush and then use a mirror to see it. I would check this number IMMEDIATELY. If it doesn't match, I wouldn't touch the car with a 10 foot pole.
Even if the engine VIN derivative, the transmission VIN derivative, and the frame VIN derivative "match", you still have a problem since the car doesn't have a VIN. If you want to keep the car, then I would check with your state's department of motor vehicles. They might be willing to issue a new VIN number to the car on the basis of the other "matching numbers". The VIN will be state-issued number with (usually) a foil sticker attached to the car at some place. They MAY even allow you to obtain and affix, under state supervision, a "reproduction" VIN plate to the vehicle. This is legal in most states IF it's done under state supervision. However, it's a tremendous amount of hassle and, in your case, you'll need to remove the windshield to do it.
In any event, you need to get all of this straight NOW while you still have contact and recourse to the seller.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: VIN Question
Did you get the protect-o-plate with the purchase of the car? This would help also. There could be documentation on paper behind the radio or elsewhere in the dash area that could help identify your car. The tank sticker might be somewhat readable if it is still in place also. Hope the number on the frame is the same as what is on your title.Comment
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Re: VIN Question
Is their any other spot on the frame rail for a VIN derivative besides the one above the left rear wheel, because I could not find that one. ThanksComment
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Re: VIN Question
You may have missed it as it is sometimes hard to see and not in the same spot . Look along the top of the frame rail from the #4 body mount to the rear and about 1" in from the outside edge of the frame as this is far back in the wheel well opening. Clean and brush area and use a light and mirror. The stamp can be hard to see and a light spray of WD-40 may help to make it show up.Lyle
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