C3 Vin Tag

[Isaly Szetela]

Well....... The story goes like this.........
We have an abandoned Corvette with no title.
The police can do an abandoned vehicle inspection-no problem. This will enable the owner to get a title & registration.
The problem is that the VIN plate on the Corvette is terribly rusted and illegible. I am thinking that I need to pull the body off to see the VIN on the frame. Then, find a company that makes these VIN plate (legally).
Any thoughts?

[Don S.]

Re: C3 Vin Tag

On my c3 the vin no is on the windshield pillar as well (1982)

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Vin Tag

Isaly-----

One of the frame VIN derivative stampings can be seen with the body on the frame. It's difficult, but it can be done. This stamping is located on the driver's side frame rail TOP surface, just rearward of the welded-in rear crossmember (the one behind the differential crosmember). You will need to clean the area thoroughly and carefully with a brush and then use a mirror to see it.

The very few companies that will reproduce these plates will require significant documentation before they'll do it. Most will require the old VIN plate, too. It is NOT illegal to reproduce or possess a reproduction VIN plate in most states UNLESS it is reproduced or possessed for illegal purposes.

Notwithstanding the above, in some states there is no way that a reproduction VIN tag can be legally installed on a car, even to replace a rusted out, missing, or otherwise damaged original. In other states, a reproduction VIN tag can be legally affixed to a vehicle if it is done under "official authorization and supervision". In my state, California, it is legal to do it under authorization and supervision of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

I believe that in all states, a DMV replacement vehicle identification number and tag can be obtained for a vehicle with a damaged or missing VIN tag. Of course, this tag will have a completely different number than the original tag and will be configured completely differently.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 Vin Tag

Isaly, you didn't say what year this C3 was, but you may be able to read the VIN without removing the body. Remove the left rear wheel, and inspect the top of the frame rail just slighty behind the rear axle. A second VIN stamp was made on the frame rail at that point. There is about 1-1.5" of space between the body and the frame at that point, and you MAY be able to read the VIN stamp by cleaning the frame rail, and using a light and mirror.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Maybe the engine pad and tranny can help

If the engine stamp pad and tranny match up, then it might just be a good bet that it's a numbers matching car.

AND if you can verify with the frame stamp, you might just have a winner

As always, I just HAD to put my two penneys worth in.

Chuck

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 Vin Tag

If the vin tag is that rusty and its not some special high horse car part it out and avoid a lot of probems. If the vin is rusted off the cage must be swiss cheese and the frame too. I seen one with the last three numbers rusted off and it was real rusty everywhere. Lyle

[Isaly Szetela]

Re: C3 Vin Tag

Lyle,
Absolutely correct in your recommendation. After thorough inspection of this Vette, I have decided that it should go back to MOTHER EARTH. (Back to where it came from!!!) Anyways, thanks for all the input everyone.