Checked out a 69 Camaro shell...opinions needed

[Texas Bob]

I've been looking for a shell to begin working on as a project and went and saw this today. It's going to need quite a bit of TLC, but it's to be expected and I knew that. Drivers side floor pans, trunk pan, rear quarter panels, the tail panel, and the dash area there at the base of the A-pillar all need new metal. Everything else is pretty solid. I figure the car was going to get all cut up during the build anyway so this was a descent start.

A big question I have is regarding the VIN. The only one I can find is half of one on the passenger side of the firewall. Where else might it be hidden on these cars? If we're unable to locate a full VIN is there anything I can do with a half of one? I understand with out one it's like a Dynacorn body and it gets registered as a new vehicle rather than a 69.

Seller is asking $1500 for it.
45157451594515845160

[Jim Nilsen]

The VIN tag probably left with the dash panel. It could be in another car for all you know and cause a world of confusion getting it titled and maybe even find a thief or con man.

I would run from that one unless you are buying it for parts or love legal hassles.

[Z06vet]

It doesnt look all that bad to me, but have to agree that without the VIN its pretty much parts only.
Scott

[elitecustombody]

I agree with Jim,it won't be easy to get it legal with DMV,you will have to deal with alot of hassle, it's possible that they may find a hidden VIN somewhere else on the body and if by some miracle they do, they will have to issue reassigned VIN# since main VIN is missing or partially missing, it's like getting theft recovered vehicle titled

[Iamtheonlyreal1]

Hey Texas Bob.. I am in the Lake Texoma area just up the road from you. Check out Craigslist in the Dallas area, there is what looks like a smoking deal on a 69 for 6000 dollars... I am not sure if it is still there, but it had new floors, new quarter, new roof, new sheetmetal, title, new motor (Small block 350), it was missing the rear seat and trans... I know there are a couple of what appear to be pretty good deals on there now...

[Texas Bob]

Not seeing anything. If you come across it again then pm it to me please. Thanks for the heads up.

[cobragt]

No VIN, no sale. safer that way.

[cobragt]

This would actually be good for an all out race car, you don't need to worry about a VIN or title then.

[redfire69]

Hidden VIN should be around the blower motor opening. I agree with others; no VIN, no title, no sale. There's probably a good reason why the VIN and cowl tag are missing.

[Rhino]

The half a VIN you're referring to is one of the hidden VINs. They never stamped the full VIN anywhere on the shell other than the actual VIN plate.

IMO First post summed it up.

...I would run...

Speaking from the voice of experience, $1500 isn't nearly worth the headache that car will cause in the long run. Find something with the VIN plate. You'll likely find it when you least expect it, and often at a better price.

If you're REALLY certain you want this car, the hidden VIN's will be below the blower motor hole in the fire wall, and somewhere on the horizontal part at the top of the firewall (below the cowl panel) on the passenger side of the shell. You'll likely need to remove paint to find the cowl number.


... it's possible that they may find a hidden VIN somewhere else on the body and if by some miracle they do, they will have to issue reassigned VIN# since main VIN is missing or partially missing, it's like getting theft recovered vehicle titled

On top of this, in most states you'll also never be able to title it as a classic. No reduced registration fees or taxes. This may not be a big deal to you, but it could be to the next buyer.

[Six_Shooter]

Even with a title $1500 seems like a lot for what is in the pictures.