VIN plate, restoration, rivets, and really not counterfeit (I should hope)

[Kenn S.]

I just received the latest issue of the Restorer, and I read with interest Dave's column about counterfeit VINs/cars. I fully understand the ramifications of forging a VIN plate, and I'm not asking to do so nor would I condone it.

Having said that, few of these cars that were actually driven have windshield pillars in undamaged/un-rusted condition. I've included a photo of my '70 LS-5's VIN plate, and when I finally get to that point, I'll clearly need to clean this up.

What are the current recommendations for restoring these? If removed, we'd need to use the special "star" rivets, which may be available (but I've not seen). If damaged/rusted, would we do the best we can to preserve what's left?

Thanks for any advice/hints!

IMG_2776.jpg

[Kurt G.]

Re: VIN plate, restoration, rivets, and really not counterfeit (I should hope)

Can't say there are any current recommendations on what to do. But, if it were my car the LAST thing I would do is take of the tag. I would very carefully restore the area around the tag and then soak a rag or paper towel in Evaporust, lay it on the tag area, cover it with plastic wrap and let the Evaporust do its thing. From what I can tell from the photo, the tag should clean up just fine with Evaporust. It won't be perfect, but it will generate a lot fewer questions and problems than taking the tag off and then trying to put it back on.

Just my opinion.

[Michael J.]

Re: VIN plate, restoration, rivets, and really not counterfeit (I should hope)

Can't say there are any current recommendations on what to do. But, if it were my car the LAST thing I would do is take of the tag. I would very carefully restore the area around the tag and then soak a rag or paper towel in Evaporust, lay it on the tag area, cover it with plastic wrap and let the Evaporust do its thing. From what I can tell from the photo, the tag should clean up just fine with Evaporust. It won't be perfect, but it will generate a lot fewer questions and problems than taking the tag off and then trying to put it back on.

Just my opinion.

+1, removing the tag is the first step to oblivion.....

[David B.]

Re: VIN plate, restoration, rivets, and really not counterfeit (I should hope)

Ken, I strongly recommend that you not remove or "restore" the VIN tag. Restore around the tag, but don't touch the tag. I am neither a law enforcement officer nor a lawyer, but I believe that possession of replacement rosette rivets is against the law (yes, I know they are available). My guess is that if an NCRS judge saw evidence of the removal/re-installation of a VIN tag, it would lead to a bunch of questions you would rather not be subjected to. NCRS evaluates VIN Tags and Trim Tags, but we do not judge them; once we satisfy ourselves that the ones on your car were originally installed on that car at the point of manufacture, we are done with the evaluation process...no points for originality or condition. Dave