VIN Search for a basket case

[Monte M.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

It sounds like you are buying a frame and a chassi. Even if the tags are gone, is there no transmission? No engine Block? I am one of the lucky ones that my job number just happen to be the same as my vin number.
If you can find the number on the frame, I might consider the purchase, but you have to remember when you go to sell the car, there is a very good chance you will get bottom dollar for a car that does not have the original tags.
Basically, if it is a good driver now, you could take a chance and just enjoy the car. On the other hand, if it needs a lot of work, you are going to be dumping a lot of money into a car that will not have the same return as a car with its tags.
In the long run there is a better chance you will be ahead of the game if you just buy a car that does not have issues.
My guess is you are getting quite a deal on the car because of the tags. Remember, when you go to sell it, the buyer is going to want the same discount.
Which ever way you decide to go, this is an expensive hobby.

[Philip A.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

Gerald
Eveything stated so far is accurate and for consideration by you. I agree with Monte. Another consideration is, if you ever want to get out of the car, this issue will certainly limit the number of potentail buyers and price. There was a very nice '66 for sale in my area with a VIN tag that had standard (non Rosette) rivets. Every potential buyer (and there were lots!) walked away because of that VIN tag and the owner never sold the car.
Phil

[Gerald C.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

Thanks to you all for your responses. Since I really don't need the car as I am finishing a 1963 and have a 1967 to finish, my plate is pretty full.

This would be my third project if it didn't have so much "hair" on it. it is a"basket case" and I will be putting money in. I just don't want to get buried in the long run.

All of your advice is appreciated and heeded!

Thanks,

Jerry

[Doug L.]

Re: VIN Search for a basket case

One more little tidbit to digest. Back in the early '90s I bought a 67 Austin Healey to restore. It came out of NJ and had a State of NJ registration with a State issued VIN number like some have mentioned in this thread. That VIN # did not resemble any factory VIN number. I knew (I no longer remember how I knew) what the correct VIN number was (it probably appeared somewhere else on the car, much like the Vette VIN on the frame) and I wanted to have the correct registration. The car had been wrecked in NJ and the owner abandoned it at the shop that towed it. The shop put a mechanic's lien on it to take title and that's where NJ issued a substitute VIN #. I wrote to the Florida DMV and explained the situation and asked for a new registration with the correct original VIN number. They granted it with no questions asked. I can't recall but it may have been necessary to have a police officer verify the car and numbers (my neighbor is a cop). So maybe it can be corrected depending on what state you live in.