Bogus trim tags for sale...

[Patrick T.]

Saw this one on eBay, looks the seller is manufacturing bogus trim tags. I thought it was illegal to make or sell these tags or is it just VIN tags? So Judges...how does this one look?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1963-67-TRIM-TAGS-CORVETTE-ROADSTER-OR-COUPE-NEW_W0QQitemZ260509130826QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ca78de04a

[Brett D.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

It is a felony in Oklahoma to tamper with either the vin or the trim tag.

[Dick W.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

Another Chicago Corvette "Service"

[Wayne W.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

I would expect the body number to be higher than that for a Feb. 08 car.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

The repop had better exhibit the general horizontal grain and localized stress marks (under magnification) around the 9's and D's (for example). This tag is off an early '65 # 01497.

Also agree with Wayne W. that S-body # should be much higher for that body date, especially with the labor troubles at Ionia.

[Joe C.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

Very quick exam. The "6", "8", and "9" are easily spotted as incorrect under magnification.

[Patrick T.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

Your comments are very interesting to say the least... Guess now I'll have to get a copy of that Trim Tag book and read up on this touchy subject. I would have never guessed that the two examples shown above would have that much discrepancy, just amazing. From a distance, they look exactly the same to me. Below is my '67 trim tag.

[Keith B.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

for one that was not a recommended color combo. silver with saddle leather interior. doesn't sound very good to the eyes

[Jay G.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

Saw this one on eBay, looks the seller is manufacturing bogus trim tags. I thought it was illegal to make or sell these tags or is it just VIN tags? So Judges...how does this one look?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1963-67-TRIM-TAGS-CORVETTE-ROADSTER-OR-COUPE-NEW_W0QQitemZ260509130826QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ca78de04a

Trim Tags .com Has been producing trim tags for yrs. 69 Camaros X-11 or no X code Morph into Z's X-77, X-33 or 396 BB cars X-22 X-66 cars Very quickly. Can spot a mile away. Now Corvettes, Mopar etc. Seems lotta people want Black on Red Vettes etc. If looking at 40 yr old car I want a tag tht looks it. But we can all still be fooled.

[Dick W.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

There are at least five generations of the repro trim tags. Version one can be detected from the back bumper. The latest ($5k I have heard) is fairly close, but still detectable to the trained eye.

[David V.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

Is it appropriate under ANY circumstances to purchase, sell or use a repro. VIN tag? Say for instance the original VIN tag of an owner's vette is missing & the vehicle has a VIN tag from another country & he wants to replicate the original VIN tag consistent with the original serial # on his vette which is on his title. BTW I went to "Trimtags.com" & they have the following disclaimer at the bottom of their home page in small print: "Sorry, we do not and can not reproduce VIN tags."

[Dick W.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

There is/are vendor(s) that do reproduce VIN tags. It is not a simple process to get it done. It requires a letter from law enforcement along with other documents. Even GM, many years ago, had a process to get a replacement VIN. That process is long gone. There are senarios that it would be legitimate to get a replacement VIN, but very few are legit. Most/all of the replacement VIN's are detectable.

[William S.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

I have a 1967 coupe (2nd owner) it was stolen from me in the early 80's and recovered by the police and returned to me. With the original trim tag removed and the vin tag replaced. I applied and recieved thru the state for replacment vin tag. The Vin tag has the original numbers but that is it (no other info). Ihave little option but to get a 'repro" trim tag. It is my understanding that I can't get it judged without a trm tag. I should mention that I have the original window sticker, build sheet, protecto-plate, documentation on the theft of the car, application for a replacment vin tag. Now what do I do ? I am not trying to buy a 'bogus" trim tag, simply replacing the original. My point of all of this is there is a need for someone to reproduce legitimate trim tags.

Bill

[Page C.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

Hi William,
If you are concerned about having the car judged, you should contact Roy Sinor. This situation has happened in the past and there is a way around it without installing a repro trim tag.
Regards
Page Campbell

[David V.]

Re: Bogus trim tags for sale...

Those who have missing VIN & trim tags are in all likelihood also concerned about resale value of their vettes as well as judging issues. BTW IMHO if your vette was a certain orig. color & trim option it is sacrilegious to change the trim tag to get the combo you want.