VIN Numbers

[Dean H. Buchholtz-Member 37276]

I am looking at a 1965 roadster that was stolen originally in 1969 and the thief removed the original vin plate under the glove box. California replaced the plate with the correct vin number. Will I loose points when judged for a top flight?

Secondly, this roadster has a vin# 194675S121487 with a L2 body date (July 2nd) and a St. Louis number "S7045) Can you tell me if "S7045 would be correct for the L2 July 2nd roll out date? I am not sure what the breakdown is for St. Louis vs. A.O. Smith build dates.

[Robert C.]

Re: VIN Numbers

Dean, I take it that the "trim Tag" was is in place. As far as the "vin plate" you should contact your team leader for 65 and document the stolen plate and the replacement. It's always better to be up front about these things and not try to spring an obvious problem on the judging field. The 65 team leader's numbers are on the front inside page of the Restorer magazine.

[Wayne M.]

Re: VIN Numbers / Trim Tag S-body #'s

Dean --- The S 7045 looks OK for 1965 convertible VIN 21487 and St Louis trim tag body date of L2. The closest one in my files is S 7175 on VIN 21881, body date L9. And the trim tag on the last '65 is L30, S 7755, so if you want to do the math on average daily body production, just remember there were roughly equal numbers of AO Smith convertibles (and ditto on the A and S-body coupes, but about 1/3rd as many).

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Section 2.1 Judging Reference Manual *TL*

Dean,
From the Judging Reference Manual.

NCRS Flight Judging is presently open to any 1953 through 1982 production Chevrolet Corvette as long as the owner(s) is an NCRS member in good standing. The vehicle must be entered and shown in the name of, and by, the owner/member and proof of ownership, such as state vehicle registration or a copy of the ownership title, must be available for confirmation. The car must have the correct attached, Chevrolet factory Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate, or attached valid state-approved replacement ID plate which matches title and/or registration. Should a car appear with a Chevrolet (GM) issued duplicate VIN plate, it must be accompanied with acceptable documentation from the Chevrolet Division of General Motors confirming issuance. Any car appearing without identification as described shall be ineligible for any NCRS judging.

[Dean H. Buchholtz-Member 37276]

Re: Section 2.1 Judging Reference Manual

So what does "state approved mean"? California did in fact replace the vin tag so is there documentation needed? The current owner tells me the tag has the correct vin number with "CA" after it. The present owner has owned the car for 32 years.

[Robert C.]

Re: Section 2.1 Judging Reference Manual

I wouldn't touch the car unless the present owner can give you the documentation proving the state applied the new "state approved vin plate".

[Patrick H.]

State Applied VIN

I';ve seen a state-approved VIN plate on a 1965 fuel coupe in PA. If memory serves, it was a silver aluminum plate with a blue logo of the state of PA (like a map image) on it. I can find out for sure, but it likely doesn't matter since we're talking about a car in CA. It carried the car's original VIN, and had been applied to the car in 1971. It had paperwork to be legitimate, and a friend purchased the car. It did carry a big discount over other 65 fuel cars, though, due to this anomaly. He didn't care, and it was (and still is) a very nice car.

I'd ask him to send you a picture of the VIN plate and possibly title, too.

Patrick

[Jack H.]

They vary....

all over the place, Pat. Judged a SA car from Nebraska with State supplied VIN. It was adhesive backed foil affixed to the door jamb. Also, had a New Mexico car once with State VIN plate, a different form of stick-on.

As Vinnie said, our rules allow for Corvette's to show up/be judged in any form of LEGAL vehicle identification so long as the ID is permanently affixed to the car. Both the original vehicle mfgr as well as local State authority had the power to legally assign vehicle ID (States to cover the fact cars could be reclaimed from scrap yards and/or locally built from the keel up).

Only caveat is judging certificate/award issued for Corvette with a substitute State authorized VIN tag is going to be listed as the State issued number on the car despite what is known/thought to be known about the car's GM/Chevy original VIN. And, most States generate their own VIN numbering sequences that vary significantly from individual mfgr practice.

[Patrick H.]

Re: They vary....

Just an example, Jack, that's all...