vin tag replacement

[Ted K.]

I am looking at purchasing a 63 coupe. The vin has an Assigned Identification Number by the state of Florida. The number is a correct vin number for a 63 Vette. On a past post I remember someone stating, of course I would Google the vin before I bought a car. I am not having any luck in retaining the history of this car. Is there a specific site I need to go to to get this information.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Tim T.]

Re: vin tag replacement

Hi Ted. Not sure how FL DMV works it on ASSIGNED VIN or number you have. As the owner of a car with an Assigned VIN number from AZ. My VIN doesnt resemble an original one. I've searched for years with no luck on my cars history. The State of AZ has NO CLUE on when,where,why the assigned VIN was issued. They told me that if your VIN is not registered after 7 yrs its purged from system. The logical explanation for Assigned VIN numbers are Totaled wrecks,Salvage or Stolen/Recovered vehicles. These cars while they maybe nice driver cars are usually less desirable to collectors. My advice is to KEEP LOOKING....Our car bought in 1979 by a couple of 22 yr old knuckleheads was considerably cheaper than one bought at todays prices!! The old if I knew THEN what i know NOW. WITH that being said, we've owned our little orphan for 40+ years. GOOD LUCK ps Any MEMBERS that have ideas on how to research an AZ 50 yr old VIN please share your ideas.

[Frank D.]

Re: vin tag replacement

If its not here: https://www.c2registry.org/index.php?job=ShowRegistry

You can join the Corvette Forum (another web site) and contact member "gold63", he has kept a running list of 63 cars for over 15 years...he keeps limited details on the cars owners submit to him but could provide a lead to the history.

The DMVs are no help anymore due to the updated privacy regulations, but you could ask... (I've dealt with the Florida DMV personally trying to find history on my 61 and they shut me down real quick).

[Gary C.]

Re: vin tag replacement

Ted,

Check the frame stamping to see if it matches the Florida State issued VIN plate. If it does, then it should be okay.

Basically, it depends on what your purpose is for the car. If it's for a driver, a State issued VIN tag is okay. NCRS recognizes State issued VIN tags for judging.

However, as others pointed out, State issued VIN tags lower the potential resale value of the car to a collector.

JMTCW,

Gary
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[Loren L.]

Re: vin tag replacement

Florida had to have some reason for assigning a '63 VIN # - a previous title believed to be legitimate, partial VIN stamped on the frame, partial VIN from the motor/transmission, etc. - and the inspection that resulted in that # being assigned should be on file somewhere in MVD. AZ MVD had (not
currently informed) a separate unit that did such inspections (car returned from Sweden in 1995) that remained permanently on file (microfiche?). Put your state senator to work (prior to election day) in setting up an appointment with that office in Phoenix.

[Bob R.]

Re: vin tag replacement

Ted,
The vin number is stamped on the original transmission and engine block so if they are present you can confirm the number. If you have the original vin number NCRS can get you the original shipping data report for the car which will tell you the name of the original dealership the car was sent to.
The vin number is also stamped on the frame but that would be very difficult to read with the car assembled.

[Don H.]

Re: vin tag replacement

I recently read the frame stamp on my '65 with the body on. All I did was remove the left (driver) side wheel, I even got some readable pictures. I cleaned with emery cloth & wiped with chalk, wiped again and used a small flat mirror. I did not suspect a problem (owned it over 22 years) but was curious. Good luck, Don H.

[Frank D.]

Re: vin tag replacement

I know in Virginia there are 3 reasons for an Assigned VIN number: 1) Reconstructed, 2) Rebuilt or 3) Replica vehicle. If any of these apply in the case of this car (albeit its a Florida assigned VIN) I'd proceed with caution. Call the Florida DMV to find out what circumstances apply to an assigned VIN, you may not like what you hear.

They may even be able to look up the form required to get the assigned VIN for this car and most have a check-off box for the reason - and they may share that with you (or not). You should at least try to get a picture of the title; it will indicate if its REBUILT or there is some other special circumstance. There is also a procedure to get a REBUILT title from a SALVAGE title, which is a concern. I think you'll find there will always be a cloud over this car and it will affect the price a good amount.

Here is a typical Florida form that might be involved: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/84490.pdf

[Domenic T.]

Re: vin tag replacement

I got lucky, my 67 was out of the system for over 7 years and I was doing a frame off. The guy was cool and liked the car. I showed him my salvage title and he checked the frame. I also had a old title that showed the assigned (same vin) but with CA at the end. He asked me if I wanted the CA off my title!! I said sure. WELL he said just apply for a lost title now that I inspected your car and paperwork. I had already taken the welded one off and said it was for frame repair.
I bought a repo vin and had the one that CA welded on in my hand along with the repo, so he said he was satisfied the car was legit. Then I went out on a limb and said,"in the interest of restoration can I put this vin where it belongs and plug the 2 holes"? He said "go for it".
Bingo, my title came back without the CA on the end of my vin #.
I am not keeping this a secret as I don't give a damn about a piece of metal being idolized. If I sell one day the welded vin will go with the car. Now there are no more holes under my glove box! To me, my car never changed value during the whole thing, nor did it when I bought it.
The 67 looked great and performed great with the welded plate.
My 63 has it's original vin and I feel the same about both cars.
You herd me say this before, but what if you lost your birth certificate and went for a job. Think they would say" can't pay you as much as we would have if you had the original certificate?
I for one think we need to ease up on that and not use it to get a discount on a buy.

[Domenic T.]

Re: vin tag replacement

This is the old one.

Dom

[Domenic T.]

Re: vin tag replacement

This is the old one.

Dom

Off the frame

[Reggie M.]

Re: vin tag replacement

I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a state assigned vin plate. In fact I have owned many pre 1960 GM cars that the original plate came up lost during a body shop paint job. If anyone knows of any Corvette with a state assigned plate that is for sale please have them call me..
Reggie Martin (678)488-5461

[Domenic T.]

Re: vin tag replacement

Reggie,
Good thinkin. There is not a education out there that explains WHY a car had a salvage title. Example, LAZY insurance adjuster!! Dumb adjuster, One that needed to get home! NOTHING wrong... MANY have mega parts off a junk yard car, BUT have the vin tag! SAD a junk that lives off a salvaged car! Give these guys credit that make a car that SURVIVED the junk yard. There would be less of these beauties if it weren't were for them...
Dom

[Ted K.]

Re: vin tag replacement

On the 63 with the Florida assigned vin tag, it is the correct vin number and the title which is now a Virginia title has no notation about the vin number. I understand there are people that make authentic looking vin tags. Would it be against the law to replace the Florida tag with an original replica tag?

[Gary C.]

Re: vin tag replacement

Ted,

Don't even think about doing that. First - it's against the law in every State!

Second, there's no reproduction VIN tag that's 100% correct.

Not worth the risk.

JMTCW,

Gary
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