CA vin # for new out of state dealer cars.

[Domenic T.]

I have another post asking to help me identify my vin on a 67 vette, it has a CA on the back.
I got a lot of good help and a possible scenario of theft.
I got a phone call from a mechanic that said when a california dealer got an out of state NEW vehicle from another dealer they had to modify the car to meet california standards. Then they would add to the vin tag to reflect the change. He said it was called a PDI (pre delivery inspection).

Could that have been the case on my vette as smog was an issue at the time. Could the CA at the end of my vin # reflect that the car came from another out of state dealer.

DOM

[Gary C.]

Re: CA vin # for new out of state dealer cars.

Dominic, in 1960 I was stationed in California after I returned from SE Asia. My car had to go through an inspection by the police to verify the VIN #, but no additional VIN tag was added to the car. 1961 California started requiring PCV valves. Gary....

[John H.]

Re: CA vin # for new out of state dealer cars.

Could that have been the case on my vette as smog was an issue at the time. Could the CA at the end of my vin # reflect that the car came from another out of state dealer.

DOM

Dom -

The PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) was a standard part of "dealer prep" for all new cars in every state after they came off the truck, and GM had a form for it that was filled out by the dealer prep guy at every dealership.

State-issued VINs were most commonly applied to cars that were theft recoveries where the thieves stole the VIN plate to install on another (stolen) car.

[Domenic T.]

Re: CA vin # for new out of state dealer cars.

Gary,
I remember that.
I also remember the smog pump and the amount of belts removed by the guys.
I remember corvettes being rationed to dealers in the 60's and the sales men saying that they would try to get a vette from another dealer.
Also California was deep if not the first to tighten smog rules.
That's why I was thinking a new car from another state had to be changed to california standards and with a california title & vin.
I have heard it said more than once "thats a California car", or, if used, " it has to be converted to California standards ".

DOM

[Ronald L.]

Re: CA vin # for new out of state dealer cars.

Dom,

On the theme of theft. Your insurance agent should be able to get a confirmation from the NICB on this. I asked my agent to get the NICB dealer information, of course the question was pasted from my email to him so they said no, but, in that chain, they confirmed the car had never been stolen.

Now I'd like him to confirm of the car was hit, but they aren't so good at responding so I have to get back with him on that. I already know the answer, looking to find an information in-source.

My suggestion is to document what you can as you have owned the car a long time. Do you know the original VIN? Is it the same as this metal tag?

I know Cali cars got DMV inspections in 1966, not sure about the frequency - I have one of those for a 66 Cali car, 194376S114xxx.

You might be able to get 1st owner history, etc by pushing the DMV cert threshold.

[Domenic T.]

Re: CA vin # for new out of state dealer cars.

John,
I think you are right as the car was wrecked and sold AS-IS. For better words SALVAGE.
I have a picture of the frame horn on another post ( I cant get it on this one). I took the car off the frame and there it was.
My question is : could this be welded in this position with the car in tact?
The welds look to good for a uncomfortable weld.

DOM

[Domenic T.]

Re: CA vin # for new out of state dealer cars.

Ron,
Yes the vin is exactly the same on all paperwork, title and the AS-IS bill of sale.

Drivers seat vin stamp is same, all but no CA at the end. Tag on my right frame horn is also the same with CA at the end.

DOM

[John H.]

Re: CA vin # for new out of state dealer cars.

My question is : could this be welded in this position with the car in tact?
The welds look to good for a uncomfortable weld.

DOM

Dom -

Yes, I think so - it appears to have four quick mig-tacks on it, and there's access to do that on a complete car.