1966 VIN plate rivet questions

[Rick Miller]

The car in question is a 1966 base car built in late November of 1965. The resouces I have suggest the rivets should be of the rosette type, but while the ones on the car are of similar size to them, they are circular.

Are there any other similar, legitimate circumstances or reports of similar round rivets on cars from that period?

Failing that, are there any situations where such a car might reasonably be considered for purchase, or should it be ruled out completely. The number is not reported stolen.

Thanks for your help.

[William V.]

Re: 1966 VIN plate rivet questions

I needed to reattach a trim tag on a 64 and had the same question. The rivits were drilled out and the tag removed. There was an origional 65 in the shop and it had round rivits that were the same size and look as the ones we had in the shop so I attached the 64 trim tad using these round rivits. looks just like the 65 tag. The 65 is a base 250 hp driver with std trim. I'm sure no one has ever touched this tag. The rosette type rivit is used on the VIN. I'm not a judge so someone please correct me if I'm in error.

[William C.]

Re: 1966 VIN plate rivet questions

Rosette rivet was started in mid-65 on VIN tags. Trim tag is larger "pop" rivet style.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 VIN plate rivet questions

Rick-----

I'm not surprised that the number on the VIN tag has not been reported stolen. That's one of the primary reasons for "swapping" VIN tags----to transfer the VIN plate from a car with a "clean" title (but, possibly wrecked or otherwise destroyed) to a stolen car.

Considering the apparent discrepency that you've discovered I'd recommend a check of the frame rail VIN stamping. It's located on the driver's side frame rail top surface just aft of the attachment of the welded-in crossmember behind the differential. If the numbers on the VIN plate and the frame match, I'd say that there's no problem with the car. If they don't, I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. If the latter is the case, the next step is to report the situation to the local police or your state's "Highway Patrol".