Does anyone make a VIN label replacement that is on the dash?

[jakelee]

I bought a vanagon and it's missing the VIN label on the dash. The registration matches the VIN on the door jamb and stamped on the frame, so everything is legit; just missing the label on the dash.

Does anyone know where to get a replacement made? Thanks!

[MarkWard]

I don't have that answer, but I would verify the title and registration match the vin numbers you have. I have a syncro that is missing the dash vin tag. It was also issued a new Colorado vin that appears on my title and registration. The explanation I got when I bought the van was that someone stole the vin plate. After taking possession, my guess is the van was totaled at some point and the VIN was pulled and a new one was issued from Colorado. There is a new VIN decal from Colorado in the door jam above the original.
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[dub01]

You can order it from your local VW dealership still, but they sell for $110 and take up to six months to get. I also suspect it won't be the stamped metal tag, but a newer appearing label.

[jakelee]

Thanks all!

[Abscate]

CHeck your state regs first, and ignore out of state advice.

In my state , possession of a detached VIN plate is a crime
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.ssS!

[danfromsyr]

well what the heck am I supposed to do with all these vanagon dashes.
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[bobbyblack]

[MarkWard]

[GMByers]

I simply went to a local trophy shop, picked out a black piece of metal. Provided the dimensions I wanted. Clearly wrote down the information I wanted engraved (the VIN). In a couple of minutes I had a VIN plate. Had the shop drill two mounting holes. Went home, drilled my holes in the dash (which was already out for another project) and pop riveted my new VIN plate.
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And then there were two...downsized to 83 Doka &
74 Thing.

[dgbeatty]

Interesting question. I am under the impression that the visible VIN is no longer required, some exceptions of course. For those that buy a new VIN you should be aware that the pop rivets are NOT the hardware variety. Close inspection can tell if they have been changed, although I would doubt that anyone really cares. You can buy OEM rivets, they vary by manufacture, they are not expensive at about a buck apiece. Just FYI.

[Abscate]

In NY they care if yourvVZiN is missing or altered

Vehicle is seized and auctioned by local muni.

https://dmv.ny.gov/about-dmv/information-about-vins
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[dgbeatty]

Interesting.. I read the link you posted. Not having the dashboard VIN plate ia not mentioned or I missed it. All of a vehicle's VIN information would need to be altered etc for that particular law to apply. Correct me if I am wrong.

[Team WorldTour]

[Abscate]

[kamzcab86]

[Abscate]

For OP, I just wanted to make clear that, in my state, a " reproduction vin plate" is likely possession of a forged instrument, 2nd degree

Coincidentally a local women was arrested on same charge for a forged inspection sticker this morning.
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[markswagen]

How would they know it is supposed to be there, not wanting to be argumentative, if you get pulled over, show them the sticker on the door pillar, and the one stamped into the out rigger.
2 points where the VPN matches, and have a nice day officer.
When I took burning to get her infected at the DMV the nice lady who came out to look burning over, was not as polite as she maybe could have been, so I showed her the sticker on the Beach pillar, then I told her that the VPN was also stamped into the out rigger, she wanted to see 2 matching VIN plates, so she got on the floor and had a look, { in my defence, I did take a photo with my phone for her} but she wanted to see it for herself
she was unaware of the vintage plate on the dash, it was there, I had something on the dash that had slid across and covered it.

[Abscate]

I believe it was 1968 when dash VINS were made mandatory at Federal level, so if you have a 1968 or later, LEO will expect it, if they are enforcing it.

I know there are huge variations in State and local regs and enforcement of this issue - I know that we have counties here that look out for this stuff.

Just be aware that internet advice like .."Ive been driving for 20 years on Prince Edward Island with no VIN plate" might not apply to you.

What really sucks is if you end up with something that is imported incorrectly - CBP crunches it up, by mandate. Whole new ballgame.
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[kamzcab86]

[IdahoDoug]

I agree it is a very specific thing you should contact your state on to know for sure what you can and can't do. And adding a plate that represents itself by location, appearance or contents as an official original VIN plate may surprisingly be illegal. Even if you meant it to help or as a good hearted attempt to conform.

I say this as someone who for nearly a decade carried papers in my wallet allowing me to drive nonconforming vehicles without VINs, or vehicles not available in this country, or vehicles that do not conform to our NHTSA, DOT or other vehicle regulations. I was often challenged by law enforcement and they do not mess around. It was such a big deal that I carried the home telephone numbers of the GM legal staff also, and had to use it once. Yep, he answered, and yep he got me out of the US border impound area. Pronto.

You may not be allowed to explain why you did something like this as it is considered a "defacto" crime meaning there simply IS NO ACCEPTABLE explanation for installing a label or tag purporting to represent your vehicle's VIN. Even if its accurate. So be careful here.

When I was about 20, I purchased a gorgeous rare Alfa Romeo for peanuts. It was collector grade and was quite a story how it all happened. It turned out to have been stolen more than 20 years prior from the port before it ever reached a dealer. Because of this, that beautiful car (2600 miles). By law (no logic here, no appeal process, nothing) it had to be crushed into a cube. It was a tragedy by anyone's definition except for the numbnuts bureacrats who probably got some twisted satisfaction one nice day when they got to watch a beautiful thing get crushed in a machine rather than spend the day in their sad cubicle playing solitaire on their computer. This state had strict laws because they had an image problem due to car thefts and the laws were never intended to destroy a car like this, but it happened. I still have the Alfa badge I pried off it 40 years later sitting in my memorabilia drawer.

So do not risk running afoul of these laws, or the faceless bureacrats who stand ready to take a field trip to ruin your day if you give them the chance to do something interesting vs sitting in their cubicle.

Doug
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader