VIN Search for a basket case

[Gerald C.]

I'm looking at a 1963 project car. How do I verify the authentication of the VIN # without the VIN Tag in place. The seller says he has the verification from Pennsylvania that the VIN is valid, but I really want a third party to verify that there are no issues with the VIN #

Thanks

[Tom H.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

To answer your question, the VIN should appear on the frame of a 63. Probably no way to verify that the body belongs to the frame though. My advise is to steer clear of cars with VIN issues, but I know people still buy them. Just be very cautious.

[Sydney G.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

Do you mean the vin tag is missing altogether or does the seller have the plate?

You could get a good idea if the vin number is correct by comparing it with the Body number from the trim tag and seeing if it falls into sequence with other cars built close to it.
I might be able to help you using my '63 list of cars. Are you able to tell us what the vin and body number are??

Syd

[Paul D.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

If the VIN tag is not on the body and you do not have the original VIN tag, I would say you already have VIN issues. If you are building this car to title or register for road use, you may have to subject it to a visual inspection by the DOT of your state prior to doing so. I understand this is required for vehicles that have not been registered for a certain length of time. I can't imagine a vehicle passing without the VIN tag. You would probably be required to obtain a "State issued" replacement. Unless it is a particularly rare or special piece, I would probably just consider it for parts. Chip.

[Chuck G.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

I'm looking at a 1963 project car. How do I verify the authentication of the VIN # without the VIN Tag in place. The seller says he has the verification from Pennsylvania that the VIN is valid, but I really want a third party to verify that there are no issues with the VIN #

Thanks

Just and FYI, in case you don't know...

The VIN tags are spot welded under the glove box in 1963. Some have 1 weld on each side, some have 2.

SO, the tag must have been cut or drilled or chiseled off.

It was never riveted or screwed on.

Chuck

[Domenic T.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

Gerald,
It is ONLY a thin piece of metal that was on a REAL car.

It is as much a vette as the people that lost their birth certificates.

Maybe thats why the factory stamped the #s on the frame.

Here in CA it is REQUIRED to remove and destroy the tag if the car was stolen or totalled.

Is it still a vette, yes it is. I think some here are driving 2 thin pieces of metal around instead of a car.

The tags were removed so the wrong person would not buy the car for the paper work, then steal another one and use the identification on it.

Any body here change their family name?
Any one loose their birth cert?

If you get the car make it look like the best one out there, PARTS my a??

Thank God children ( orphan's) are not parted out for not having proper ID.

It is NOT hard to make sure the car is LEGAL and that is ALL that matters.

What would happen to a judged car that had the vin tags stolen? Parts, I doubt it.

By the way, for those who are familiar with our point system, what is the deduction for a car without a vin tag?

Is the car able to be judged? I sincerly hope so or I joined the wrong group.

DOM

[Joe T.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

I don't know about 63's but later years (C-3's) had VIN derivatives on the engine block and transmission, possibly other places. SOMETHING should match? Can that ALL be forged? Probably, but it is a place to start...Good luck...Joe

[Gerald C.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

The saga continues...the seller provided me with the 6 digit # from the frame. I still can't prove that this body went with the chassis.

I guess I'll have the local police run the number for me and see what happens.

If nothing happens in the search, would I be able to get a correct vin tag and the motor vehicle registry's certification with the correct 12 digit vin? Will I be able to get a "correct" vin tag and get it spot welded where it is supposed to be?

Just trying to figure things out.

Thanks

[Dick W.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

Gerald, at best, you will get a state issued VIN tag.

[Gerald C.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

Dick,

The car has a PA issued vin tag. I'm trying to restore the correct 12 digit number as the recognized vin of the car by the state.

Thanks,

Jerry

[Dick W.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

Dick,

The car has a PA issued vin tag. I'm trying to restore the correct 12 digit number as the recognized vin of the car by the state.

Thanks,

Jerry

Don't think that will ever happen

[Philip A.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

Dick,

The car has a PA issued vin tag. I'm trying to restore the correct 12 digit number as the recognized vin of the car by the state.

Thanks,

Jerry

There was an article in the Restorer some time ago (past 2-3 years) regarding a stolen and recovered mid-year that was issued a state DMV tag. The owner had the car "re-VIN tagged" by a Chevrolet dealer. You should look for the article and possibly dialogue with the member regarding all that was involved.

[Dick W.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

There was an article in the Restorer some time ago (past 2-3 years) regarding a stolen and recovered mid-year that was issued a state DMV tag. The owner had the car "re-VIN tagged" by a Chevrolet dealer. You should look for the article and possibly dialogue with the member regarding all that was involved.

The program where Chevrolet would issue a replacement VIN tag is long gone. Close to 40 years ago.

[Harry S.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

As I recall a C2 was called for it's VIN tag at the Ontario Regional. I am not aware of all the details, but a note to Roy Sinor to understand what would be acceptable for NCRS judging might be the way to go.

If your never going to have the car judged then it does not matter what is on the Z-bar as long as it is state legal. Is there someone in the world that reproduces 63 VIN tags?, I'm sure there is somewhere.

[Dick W.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

As I recall a C2 was called for it's VIN tag at the Ontario Regional. I am not aware of all the details, but a note to Roy Sinor to understand what would be acceptable for NCRS judging might be the way to go.

If your never going to have the car judged then it does not matter what is on the Z-bar as long as it is state legal. Is there someone in the world that reproduces 63 VIN tags?, I'm sure there is somewhere.

Oh yes, there are repro VIN tags. Be sure to show up on the judging field at a Regional, Bloomington, National, and some of the Chapter meets. You can see what it is like to have your car tagged as having a bad VIN.

As I understand it a valid state issued ID tag is acceptable for judging.