'62 Missing VIN tag

[Joel Falk]

Hello and thanks in advance for any insight on this question.

I am considering the purchase of a 1962 FI Corvette. The car does not have a VIN tag on the steering column, though the owner states that the VIN on the title matches that on the RF block and that the date codes put the engine build about a week before the chasis.

My questions:
For a '62 would the full or composite VIN be on the pad (my understanding is that it would only be the composite)?
Where on the frame would I look to find another set of stampings?
Can this car be titled and insured without a VIN on the column?
How much does this detract from value?
Can a reproduction or replacement VIN tag be issued?

Thanks again for any help.

[Mike M.]

Re: '62 Missing VIN tag

the pad on the 870 block had better have the best looking( ie original) broach marks i'd ever seen and the frame would have to have the vin of the title/pad stamped on the drivers side main frame rail(just about where your left butt cheek would reside should you buy it )Repro vin tags are available but they'll be spot welded to the steering col mast jacket, not an easy spot weld for the novice. All the other unique to a fi car would have to be present on the car.If you arten't 62 FI knowledgable, enlist the help of an NCRS member in your area who is and take him with you to inspect it. . would also run the vin # via a friendly officer of the law--difficult to do but doable. BE real careful and good luck. mike

[William C.]

Re: '62 Missing VIN tag

I agree with Mike, if you haven't bought it yet, be REAL carefull. '62 FI cars aren't that hard to find, and the downside on this one could be HUGE.

[Loren L.]

What does the CURRENT title state? *NM*

[Joel Falk]

Re: '62 Missing VIN tag

The current title has the VIN that is supposedly on the block.

The car is in another state and is not near-by at all. I would be happy to pay someone in that area a fee to judge the authenticity of this vehicle.

How would I go about even doing that?

[Christopher R.]

Re: '62 Missing VIN tag

Be very careful with this one. You could lose your shirt. Couple issues.

1. You need to first determine that the car isn't stolen. Find the VIN stamped on the frame under the driver's seat. Have your local Police Dept. run the number. Make sure the VIN on the frame matches that on the title. It does have a title doesn't it? Don't rely solely on the title to satisfy yourself that the car is not stolen. Title laws were passed in most states after 1962. Very likely this car didn't come from the dealer with a title in 1962. Some previous owner could have BS'ed his way into getting a title that the state will have no problem in taking away from you when you go to retitle it.

2. Then you need to determine that it's really an "RF" (360 HP fuel injection) car. These can be faked. You need to bring somebody with you who can tell if the car is a fake. The engine better have a terrific pad.

There is a guy who repros the VIN tag. He'll make you prove the car is not stolen. Forget what he charges. Check the archives.

Usually when the VIN tag is lost, the state will assign one to the car, and permanently affix their own tag someplace. That is not fatal, but it would lower the value of the car. Check to see that hasn't happened. If they've done that, you can't go back and get a title with the original VIN.

You realize that you'll have the same problems you're going to give the seller when you go to sell the car.

[Mike M.]

Re: '62 Missing VIN tag

whewre is car(just state, not specifics) and where are you located?

[Joel Falk]

Re: '62 Missing VIN tag

The car is in New Hampshire and I am in Illinois.

Should I contact the New England Chapter President?

I have considered DeMars Auto Appraisal but it is pricey.

[William C.]

Re: '62 Missing VIN tag

Is it even possible to check the frame VIN on a solid axle without raising the body???

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: '62 Missing VIN tag

Joel, I live in NH. NH is a non-title state for cars from that era. All you have is a registration. Also, if this was a northern car, we have rather nasty winters here (October to April). I'm a member of the New England chapter and can look at the car if it's close, but my first impression is to look elsewhere based on all the posts.

Harry

38513

[Michael S.]

Re: '62 Missing VIN tag

Yes! Very difficult and you will need a small mirror. That assumes you can clean the dirt off the VIN stamp and the frame is not surface rusty or worse. As you know, there are many times that you cannot read them with the body off given the condition of some frames. After all, this IS a New Hampshire car! Not exactly a New Mexico/Arizona climate.

Mike #11202

[Mike M.]

Re: '62 Missing VIN tag

my experience with reading the frame stamped vin # on a c-1 with body in place is less that 10% but i'm dealing with Pa, W Va, and western Md rusty frames. even when #'s well preserved, positioning the mirror and being able to interpret the #'s is a Pain in the buttock. mike

[Dennis C.]

Agree w/Bill & Mike...

I want that body OFF the frame before I MIGHT be convinced its legit... I'd say forget checking the VIN w/the body bolts still tight - and that includes any C1 Corvette - no matter the salt content the frame has been exposed to. My humble opinion...

[Dave Suesz]

Sad tale about 10 years ago...

A guy in my part of PA bought a 'Vette in the 70s, later had it fully restored. Got older, lost interest, put car up for sale. VIN turned up on the hot sheet, cops grabbed car, returned it to prior legit owner, guy lost all of his investment, including original purchase and resto cost. At least he wasn't arrested. Moral: check it out to full satisfaction, or walk away.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: '62 Missing VIN tag

It's pretty easy to ID a 62 FI car. Check to see if there is a dimple on the inboard side of the tach cable. If so, chances are the car is a real fuelie. Thre is an article in the current (July) issue of Corvette enthusiast showing some of the more common ways to ID fuel cars. There are several pictures of a 62 FI car showing what to look for.