1961 VIN number

[Leon]

Steering column VIN number is missing. Anyone know the process of getting a new for a 61. I'm assuming the local authority will have to be involved. The numbers on the frame are pretty much unreadable. Would like to get new tag before continuing with restoration.

[Mike M.]

Re: 1961 VIN number

do you have a title with a good 61 vet vin #? mike

[Leon]

Re: 1961 VIN number

Yes I do have the title with the VIN number. Thank goodness.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1961 VIN number

Leon-----

It's impossible to advise as it all depends upon the requirements of the state that you're going to be registering the car in. Some states will not allow the installation of a reproduction VIN tag and require that a state-issued replacement VIN tag be issued and attached. The number thereon then becomes the new VIN for the vehicle for the rest of its life.

Some states do allow the affixation of a reproduction VIN tag, but only with state oversight and supervision. Obviously, you'd have to prove that the car that you're wanting to affix the VIN tag to is the one described on your ownership certificate and that you own it. This might not be as simple as it sounds. With the VIN tag missing, the only thing which "ties" with the VIN on your ownership certificate is the car's VIN derivative stamping on the frame. This is not so easy to access on a C1 and, if the frame has ever been replaced, will be a number which does not "jive" with the ownership certificate.

The only firm that I know of that manufactures reproduction VIN tags is a company called A.G. Backeast (www.data-tags.com). They have VERY strict requirements for producing reproduction VIN tags and it is VERY expensive.

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1961 VIN number

Try to find out what your state requires first before you apply. Try to do this anonomously. Some states will assign you one of their numbers, and make you permanently affix one of their tags. Some cop will rivet some stupid looking tag somewhere. I don't think you'd want that.

If you don't tell your state, they'll probably never find out. If you did get a repro tag from somebody, a tag that matched your title, they'd never know. Probably illegal, though.