Does anyone make legal VIN plate replacements?

[jeryst]

I have a 69. Back in the 80's, the car was involved in an accident, and the VIN number plate was damaged. I was told that a division of GM could replace it for me. It required photos, copies of everything, sworn statements, legal notarization, and finally, the support of a local GM dealer, who inspected the car and vouched for it.

Unfortunately, when they took my old VIN plate, the replacement that they gave me was an 80's style VIN plate (Very long with spaced out numbers, not the short one that was on the 69). I had very little recourse but to take the new plate. It has never really bothered me much, but I'd like to get the car totally restored, and I'd like to get the VIN plate replaced with one that is proper for a 69.

I know that now there are GM entities, like GM resto, and I was wondering if anyone knows of how to get the proper plate. How do people who are restoring complete basket cases, or severely timeworn autos do it? This is on the level, and I would go through all necessary legal requirements and would provide whatever proof is necessary.

Maybe I should ask, does it affect the value of my car, and to what degree? Maybe I'm just making a mountain out of a molehill, and it doesn't really matter, but I'll always know that it's not correct.

Would anyone out there like to share thoughts, suggestions, or information?

 

[67HEAVEN]

Maybe I should ask, does it affect the value of my car, and to what degree? Maybe I'm just making a mountain out of a molehill, and it doesn't really matter, but I'll always know that it's not correct.

Would anyone out there like to share thoughts, suggestions, or information?

I don't have an answer for you, but if your car is an authentic L-88, I'd say this issue is a "major" problem in terms of resale value.

 

[vette-dude]

You might try and reapply. Here's some info. Don't know what they will provide but you could try and explain the circumstances and appeal to thier willingness to make things right. Good luck.

http://www.dot10.state.pa.us/pdotforms/mv_forms/mv-41.pdf

Randy

 

[goertz]

You might try and reapply. Here's some info. Don't know what they will provide but you could try and explain the circumstances and appeal to thier willingness to make things right. Good luck.

http://www.dot10.state.pa.us/pdotforms/mv_forms/mv-41.pdf

Randy

This form you posted is to correct a title in the state of PA. He needs a real, GM vin plate reproduced. The DMV doesn't issue these, GM does. Of course, you'll also need the rosette rivets that hold it in place. I remember back during the muscle car boom of the 80's, you could get vin, and data plates reproduced, but I'm not sure from where, or if you can still get them. It would make sense that on a true L-88 car, you'd want the correct vin plate, especially if you have a tank sticker, or something to document the reality of the car. The vin itself doesn't have any info in it to tell you that's it's a real L-88, but with the tank sticker, it would confirm it. Best of luck to you.

 

[vette-dude]

This form you posted is to correct a title in the state of PA. He needs a real, GM vin plate reproduced. The DMV doesn't issue these, GM does. Of course, you'll also need the rosette rivets that hold it in place. I remember back during the muscle car boom of the 80's, you could get vin, and data plates reproduced, but I'm not sure from where, or if you can still get them. It would make sense that on a true L-88 car, you'd want the correct vin plate, especially if you have a tank sticker, or something to document the reality of the car. The vin itself doesn't have any info in it to tell you that's it's a real L-88, but with the tank sticker, it would confirm it. Best of luck to you.

The form (if you read it) is to correct a VIN number and apply for a new VIN plate in the state of PA. I realize he desires an original VIN plate. I was just trying to give the guy somewhere to start. Guess it is time I refrain from posting or offering any suggestions from here on as it seems we have a new group of experts on just about every subject lately. I will let them reply from here on in. Sorry to be a bother. Carry on!!

Randy

 

[67HEAVEN]

Randy,

I'm betting goertz wasn't being critical of your contribution. My reading is he was just making an observation. As we all know, it's hard to pick up on a person's intention from only typed words.

He probably would have added or or if he had thought you would take it the wrong way.

Me? I'll just add

 

[vette-dude]

Randy,

I'm betting goertz wasn't being critical of your contribution. My reading is he was just making an observation. As we all know, it's hard to pick up on a person's intention from only typed words.

He probably would have added or or if he had thought you would take it the wrong way.

Me? I'll just add

Nahhh, just replied before I had my coffee!! Sorry if it sounded too terse. Forgetaboutit, you are right and I was wrong. Have a nice day in the frozen northland.

Randy

 

[goertz]

Nahhh, just replied before I had my coffee!! Sorry if it sounded too terse. Forgetaboutit, you are right and I was wrong. Have a nice day in the frozen northland.

Randy

I meant no discourse, I just thought maybe he didn't understand that the orignal poster wanted a GM vin plate, and not that he had an error with his. I said this because you can go to your state, and have them install a new vin plate because the old one is damaged, etc., but it looks nothing like it's supposed to, and usually will say something to the effect of "State of ***** replacement vehicle identification".

 

[vette-dude]

No big deal. We're cool!!

Randy

PS: Guess it's a carry over from the Bronco's loss. Dang, now I gotta root for the STEELERS.

 

[srs244]

i think you will find yout search to be impossible. years ago, you could get just about anything, but thanks to ouir times, even trying to get a title for an old car is just about impossible thanks to the concerted efforts of law enforcement regarding stolen or chopped vehicles. vin plates and titles can no longer be legally sold or substituted.

if you have any chance, it will be through GM itself more than likely. if you explained that it was for an authentic rfestoration, it might get you somewhere, but personally, i doubt it. sorry for the bad news. it would be nice to have for a complete restoration.

as a suggestion, you might want to check with a company by the name of the last detail (they are in atlanta i believe) they might be able to give you a definite answer as to whether or not you can accompish your goal.

 

[red70vette]

While most parts are reproduced and some are liscensed by GM I have never seen nor do I believe that vin plates are among them. Due to the laws regarding VIN tags and the varied state statutes no one would legally want to get involved.

As far as the value of the vehicle being compromised. You bet it is. If someone is smart enough to realize that the vin tag is not original it would be a stay away for most buyers. Many questions would arise, What really happened? Is this a stolen car? Is it a salvage piece put together from many cars? Should I trust the seller with my hard earned cash? What if I want to sell the car and the buyer notices it? Should I tell a potential buyer? Why should I get involved with this car there are many others out there without these issues?

Unfortunately with these issues I would not consider this car for and investment. If you want to restore it to drive and have fun go for it but your chances of getting the cost of restoration out of it are slim.

Sorry but that is my opinion. I would never buy it.

 

[Crimson Thunder]

I remember reading in a magazine about this subject before.(dont remember which one)The author recomended a company called Chevy Craft.Hope this helps in any way.

 

[paintdaddy]

There are a couple of places that repro trim tags,I dont know if they do vin plates.I have had to have some trim tags replaced and he does the research and he requests the original if you have it.He could probably make an original tag as long as you still have the 80s style one to go by.Check Hemmings or let me know and Ill find him.