I posted this on my build thread but it got kind of buried. I had a question about the VIN number, before I started I made sure I could register the number and now that I am into the build I would like to hear what people do to take care of the number. Mine is barely visible as it is, and now I am boxing the frame and smoothing the edges and I am nervous that I will loose the number, especially after paint. What do you guys do in this situation.. number plate somewhere? Re-hit the numbers? Forget about it? Would love some pics. I have seen vin tags on the firewall but do you do anything to the frame.
I agree with GassersGarage........get it verified and retagged if necessary.......VINS are NOT A MOOT POINT........if anything they are increasingly important as DMV's everywhere are cracking down on title issuance......ask me how I know! You may want to sell this car someday and it will be REALLY important then. Ray
I have had the VIN verified and the car is registered with plates in my possession. I was just curious if I should make a plate myself, or do something to mask off that area. I know it will be under the cowl. The car is not near completion so I think getting the chp to add a plate to the door is not an option.
trooper march came to my garage....inspected my 1931 model a. I had to lift body off frame so he could see the vin. Once verified I was able to obtain a tag for the firewall. the tag then had to be attached with special rivets they supplied. they are starting to investigate cars at shows for fictitious vins, funny numbers etc. lotts of home built hotrods will be getting hooked future....heads up guys not a moot point anymore, seriouse buisness, felony status
You can always take a transfer "rubbing" to keep with your paperwork. In fact it is a good idea just to be safe.
That would just be a conversation piece, the DMV or CHP would not use it to help verify. I contacted DMV, AAA and CHP. They said they would only verify the VIN on a completed, running vehicle. I said that the VIN on a '32 is on the frame, under the body and they said "So, we will pull it into a bay, tear it apart, verify it and put it back together". It may have just been a cop having a bad day on the occasion I talked to them, but I didn't want to take any chances on them ripping my fresh build apart. It didn't make any sense, I was happy to tow the non-running, vehicle with the firewall removed to any of the agencies, they all said it would have to go through CHP after it was finished. I am going through an independent verification company, after they sign off, it's a trip to AAA for registration and CA plates. This vehicle is from out of state, you would not have to go through this with an in-state sale. Btw, the vehicle is currently transferred, taxes paid, pink slip in my hand. This is just a referring to a vin verification on an out of state vehicle to get it registered.
Yeah, I know you poor saps in California have a harder time. If they were Nazis like that here I think I would make an access point so the could open the floor and see the number.
Since I have the plates and it is registered already should I just try to be careful and leave it as is? I was thinking about a VIN plate for the next guy down the road, I am all set as it sits now.
If it's already registered and has CA plates then you probably already have it transferred, pink slip, registered, etc. Ooops, just read you said you were all set. I would not worry about the next guy down the road. You never know what state they will be from, what their state laws are and if those laws will change by the time you sell it. As for having a tough time here... I have a gennie '32, with matching title and paperwork and it's a bit of a pain. I can't imagine what all of those affected by the special build laws are going through. All that said, I am happy to put up with it to live in SoCal.
I saw someone on here that masked off the area of the VIN, cleaned it up nicely, took all the paint off and cleared it very heavily. Looked great, and made the VIN very visible if it needs to be inspected.
If you have a concern, that's what I'd suggest too. Do a nice job of lightly sanding the area to highlight the number, then mask it off and paint the frame. Go back and clear-coat the area and take pictures!
GREAT IDEA!! .............providing the 'access point" isn't in the middle of a structural member. Ray
Been there done that....my 53 club coupe that hamber gashole now owns has a hole cut in floor exposing the vin on top of frame rail [ drivers side ] another one that was blessed by Highway Patrol Buddies ! They made me sit in a locked little room and sweat while they tore apart my shit. Sucked !
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