Rebody

[Edward M.]

OK, extreme case, an original, well documented 67 L-88 convertible burns to the ground, no fiberglass left. However, the VIN and trim tags are OK (yeah, I know that is a stretch), and the matching number frame and engine are also restorable.

So, we get a donor car body (small block automatic), rip the birdcage out of it, put the L-88 bird cage in (VIN tag has NOT been removed from the Z-bar), put it on the original L-88 frame, put all of the L-88 stuff on the car, and presto, a restored 67 L-88 convertible.

Anybody got a problem with that?

[Lynn H.]

Re: Rebody

I would think the law would have the biggest problem (or are you only asking from a NCRS point to view). Here in Michigan that would be considered a assembled car and would require to be titled as such to be 100% legal. I would think if you were going to do all of that, the best thing to do would be to keep it to yourself.

[Rick S.]

Re: Rebody

Gil,
I respectfully disagree. The way Ed has described it, the 2 main components of the car, frame and engine with properly stamped VIN numbers are now on the car with its correct VIN tag. The body is not a concern to a title of the car. Body panels were not stamped in the 60's and can not be identified belonging to any particular car.
Rick

[Lynn H.]

Re: Rebody

Rick,
How are You?? You might know me a little better by Lynn. I guess if you did not tell anyone this may be the case, BUT is it not against the law to transfer the vin tags?? I got a ticket once for a put together car that had the original frame, engine, and body (just a partial extra frame) and was forced to title the car as "Assembled". I could see maybe doing something like this myself, but I would bet the farm if you went to the SOS they would NOT agree with you. Nice to hear from you!!
Lynn

[Edward M.]

Re: Rebody

Vin tag does not get transfered in this case. The birdcage stays with the original frame. You just attach a bunch (actually all) replacement body panels to this.

Nothing illegal as far as I can tell.

Some states might call this a rebuilt car.

[Rick S.]

Re: Rebody

Lynn,
Good to hear from you.
In this case the VIN tag has not been removed or reapplied with correct rosette rivets. I remember doing a few cases were we called in a NATB agent and he removed the sill plate, then cut a section of the body to reveal the frame stamped VIN, So, if the frame VIN, the engine VIN and a correct VIN tag on the Zbar match and have no appearance of being altered, is it legal? In my mind , there is no violation.
Haven't seen you at Masterworks in a long time, do you still drop in there?
Rick