1971 Vin Tag
I have a 1971 Corvette that I've had for over 30 years. The car has been in multiple storage locations, now the car is in my garage and I've noticed that the VIN number on the window pillar is missing. The car still retains the original motor, tranny and rear end and from what I understand, the car has never been apart. Other then getting a "new" VIN tag, is there anything I can do to replace the tag. If a new tag is needed, how will this retract from the value of the car in the future? I am planning on a frame off restoration in the years to come.
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
Christopher,
Are you SURE it's missing? Is the windshield out of the car? After 30 years of storage it may just be very hard/impossible to view the vin tag. If the vin tag was there 30 years ago and the windshield hasn't been out of the car since, I would surmise that the vin tag is still there.Leif
'67 Coupe L79, M21, C60, N14, N40, J50, A31, U69, A01, QB1
Top Flight 2017 Lone Star Regional -
Re: 1971 Vin Tag
As Leif made mention, it is most likely obstructed. If no one tampered with the car and the windshield is still in place I suggest you look again."SOLID LIFTERS MATTER"Comment
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
Thank you for replying,
The windshield is in the car, and I have looked and the VIN tag is missing. I can see the rivits that held the tag in place with small pieces of metal around them.Comment
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
So it either rusted off or somebody pried it off. Either way if it's not there you will need to get a state issued one. It will hurt the value of the Corvette.65 350 TI CONV 67 J56 435 CONV,67,390/AIR CONV,70 454/air CONV,
What A MAN WON'T SPEND TO GIVE HIS ASS A RIDEComment
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
Did you title the car when you purchased it?Comment
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
Christopher-------
While whatever happened to the VIN plate obviously happened a long time ago, what you report is a very bad situation. I can think of absolutely no legitimate reason that a VIN plate would have been removed as you describe. The only reason I can figure is that someone once-upon-a-time considered that no VIN plate was better than the VIN plate that was on the car. Since replacing a VIN plate on any 1968+ Corvette is difficult and impossible without removing the windshield, they did the "next best thing".
In your circumstance, the very first thing I would want to do is to inspect the frame VIN derivative stamping to see if it matches the VIN on your ownership and/or registration certificate. In many states the DMV is going to want to do this anyway before they will issue a state-issued VIN. In any event, if I were you, I would want to do it for my own "peace of mind".In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
It may have dropped down and is laying under the piller???New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight.Comment
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
Besides the frame...as you know, the VIN is also stamped on the engine and transmission. I have heard of instances where VIN tags of unique optioned cars were stolen, but if that were the case, they wouldn't pry it off, leaving the rivets...the object being to get the plate intact.Comment
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
Dan------
In the case of a 1971 Corvette, there is nothing on the VIN plate that would denote any options on the car it belonged to. So, any 1971 VIN plate would have no value in that regard. The only reason I can come up with for removal of a VIN is a nefarious one.
It is true that the VIN derivative is also stamped on the engine and transmission. However, those items could have been transferred from the car that the paperwork originally belonged to. Still, it's worth checking those, especially since it's so easy to do. However, even if they match it does not mean that "all is well".
It is possible that the VIN plate became detached due to corrosion-induced deterioration. However, if that was the cause I would expect obvious corrosion damage to the windshield pillar in the area where the VIN plate once resided.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
You're right, Joe.
In the old days, the only reason to steal a tag like this would have been to get a straight title for a salvaged car in another state. To be honest, I don't know if that would even be possible today.Comment
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
Is the blue label with the VIN still on the drivers door jamb.Comment
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
Sorry I haven't been online in a while. The car is a numbers matching car that was titled for many years. The blue lable is still in the door jam and the engine, tranny, and rear end was varified when the car was bough. There is heavy corrosion around the window pillars as the car is a soft top and was not taken good care of before I got the car.Comment
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Re: 1971 Vin Tag
I am a dealer, I can run the Vin # through multiple data bases to see if there is a duplicate registration out there. It cost me 2.50 so its no big deal for me to do so. The easiest vin to find is on the rear frame behind wheel & before body mount. I use Grime boss wipes with the gritty side & gently clean until you see the numbers , Then use your phone to photograph by sticking it in there . its a PIA but can be done whih tire on.Comment
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