I just recently moved to WA state and tried to register my 61 today. The state patrol told me my VIN plate was incorrectly attached. The plate is attached with rivets which I thought to be original, but he said they needed to be screws. He said I would need to come back in so they could check the other numbers to verify the VIN. He then said he would detach the plate and put on a state of Washington plate on the steering column. He showed me a book that said the 61 was supposed to have screws. I recall reading an article about someone else having a similar problem in the Restorer magazine, but all my books (including my numbers book) are still in boxes and I can't get to them. I've researched the discussion boards and can't find this issue addressed. Thanks to anyone in advance for some guidance on this issue before I take my 61 back in and let them rip my plate off.
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Re: 1961 VIN Plate Attachment
Gary, your 61 should have a spot welded tag attached to the steering column and his book is in error. Early model corvettes hat the tag attached to the door jamb with screws but that changed in 59. To paraphrase a popular bumper sticker: "You can have my VIN tag when you pry it from my cold lifeless fingers" The loss of this tag would have extreme negative effect on the value of your car. John -
Re: 1961 VIN Plate Attachment
John,
Thanks for the response. Any recommendations as to how I can convince the State Patrol not to do this? I asked him if he would give me the VIN tag back once he detached it; he said definitely not since people would just reattach them.Comment
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Re: 1961 VIN Plate Attachment
Makes you wonder where this Big Brother will stop. What if he is a self proclaimed engine pad stamp expert? If your engine VIN is incorrect or the stamp is crooked will he sieze the car? If he can't read the numbers on the frame rail, will he be forced to cut a hole in the floorboard? If incorrect, will he section the frame and replace with a Washington approved rail. Tell him your car has a "tank sticker" that matches the serial number and see if the expert questions you further. Eventhough you can probably buy a new reproduction, don't tell him that you are willing to change it to whatever VIN that would make him happy. I wonder how many incorrect VIN plates he and his fellow inspectors have removed over the years.Comment
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Re: 1961 VIN Plate Attachment
Try explaining that sometimes these things come loose after 40 years and someone secured it in place. Possible someone as misinformed as he. Maybe he would buy that the missing screws vibrated out.Comment
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Re: 1961 VIN Plate Attachment
Gary, I would decline his gracious offer to replace your VIN tag and file for a formal hearing from your motor vehicle department. All states have a process to resolve disputes over ownership, lost titles , lost VIN tags etc.. Be prepared to offer documentation from any publications that you have which state that the tag is not attached with screws, and statements from master level judges would go a long way as they would be considered expert witnesses. JohnComment
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Hire A Lawyer Gary
and good luck! If the state prevails you could nail them for a bundle due to emotional stress, etc.
Eastwood has a spot weld gimmic tool that works pretty good for rewelding the VIN tags BUT I use weatherstrip and gasket adhesive (from Ford) under the VIN tag as extra protection. The adhesive more permanently holds the tag than the welds.
I'd weld it and then present the Corvette for documentation along with photocopies from Noland Adams' 1st book.
Dale.Comment
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Re: Hire A Lawyer Gary
What Dale said about properly welding it on, even if you have to travel to the nearest qualified Corvette restoration shop, and the use of Noland's book is your best hope. Also research the Restorer for VIN articles that may have 61 pictures. I would try to go to a different inspection station when I got the car ready too. It may seem extreme but I would consider taking along my lawyer with the proper restraining order to prevent the inspector from taking the plate before a formal hearing could be set.Comment
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Re: Hire A Lawyer Gary
Thanks so much for the advice. I really appreciate it. WA state is becoming a real pain in the %&*.Comment
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Re: Hire A Lawyer Gary
Dale, Thanks for the advice. I'll let you and everyone else know who has helped me with the this dilemma how it turns out.Comment
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Re: 1961 VIN Plate Attachment
Thanks, John. I appreciate the advice. I've only had the car for a little over a year and have yet to get as knowledgeable as everyone who has responded to my plight. My NCRS membership has paid for itself many times over with what I've learned in the past day.Comment
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The Glue
under the vin tag (which will do the job and last) with the spot welds mainly for decoration is the most critical advice in the thread. Those spot welds are notorious for failuire with resultant loss of vin tag!
Dale.Comment
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