TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:21 pm

This may be a dumb question but is there anyone out there who makes new body tags or stickers for 69 Ghias? I'm asking because my 69 1/2 Ghia is missing the body tag that goes in the luggage compartment and the sticker that also has the vin number on it thats normally located on the drivers side doorjamb. The latter was painted over and had to be cut out with the doorjamb when I replaced the left rear fender. I still haven't received a clear title for the car and all I have is the tag the WA state patrol gave me, which doesn't have the vin number on it, and this was also painted over by the paint shop during the last paint job. I'm moving to the east coast in the next few months and the likelihood I'll have to pass another inspection is pretty great.
If it's not possible to have a new body tag or sticker made I would be interested in buying a 1969 1/2 body tag that I can either modify by welding in a patch of aluminum and stamping my vin number into or one from someone who can write a receipt for a front end from a car bearing the numbers on the tag. I can also make a mold off of it with liquid steel and use the mold to press out a metal copy on a hydraulic press. If that works I can press out copies with blank dates and vin numbers for anyone missing their body tag. I'm not trying to cobble together my car so I can defraud someone of their money, just trying to finally get a clear title for it and pass the inspection. I know this must sound kind of shady but please help if you can, my car and all of the parts on it was acquired legitimately.

Tue Sep 02, 2008 8:21 pm

um, you hit the nail on the head when you said shady. Buying and/or selling VIN tags is a felony, and cannot be advocated in a public forum. So long as you have the VIN number stamped into the center tunnel you are good. All the other tags are superfluous to the WSP (Washington State Patrol). Call the department of licensing in whatever state you will be moving to, and find out what is required. If the WSP issued you a vehicle tag, then all other states should recognize it.

Sorry if I sound like a douche, but, like I said, it's a felony and you don't want that coming down on you.

Tue Sep 02, 2008 8:23 pm

Can't you use the VIN number that is stamped into the top of the tunnel under the back seat?

Tue Sep 02, 2008 8:32 pm

Some states want the VIN from two places on the vehicle.

Rich

Wed Sep 03, 2008 6:05 am

"I'm moving to the east coast in the next few months "

Which state? The New England states pretty much look at the number stamped on the tunnel for the VIN, and register/title/inspect the car based on that. Usually a single inspection covers the life of the car if it stays in the state.

Florida on North to Maryland are pretty good about things as well, most of those states have adopted the SEMA legislation.

If the car's legit, you shouldn't run into trouble out here. Having your insurance agent run things through the Registry (DMV) for you will help as well. It's a somewhat more official route through the state maze and makes a difference in the outcome.

Luck!

TC

Wed Sep 03, 2008 9:02 pm

The VIN on the tunnel is the offical stamping. You can get another plate with the tunnel number stamped and placed where ever you need it, and it is perfectly legal. CA requires 2 VIN plate locations...most states do.

The title should reflect the VIN number on the tunnel, where your shift linkage adjuster is.

On busses, the VIN is stamped in the sheet metal to the right of the engine (near the battery.)

Anything printed on a plate should not be considered the official VIN...it must be the stamped into a permanent body part.

DON'T buy a VIN plate and alter your VIN number...