VIN swap ?'s

[redss86]

I know this has probably been addressed before, but I couldn't find what I was looking for w/ a search. My question is, and I probably already know the answer but, can you switch VIN numbers on bodies when both cars are titled in your name? I am wanting to switch the VIN from my old rusted body, to my clean straight body. The biggest issue is that they are different years, but same cars. I know this sounds retarded, but I want to keep my "old" VIN. The main reasoning is it is the car I bought in high school. One car is an 84 Monte Carlo SS and the one I want to keep the VIN off of is an 86 Monte Carlo SS. I plan on keeping both cars forever so I don't think it would be and big deal, but I know I am probably wrong. The VIN on the frame isn't there anymore on my frame cause the only parts of the frame that are OEM are rear horns and from the cowl panel forward. I still have the old section and the other frame, and don't plan of parting w/ either.

Any and all suggestions are wanted and appreciated,
Joe

[LateNight72]

It's illegal, still.

I know there are ways to get around it, though.

[RatMalibu]

not sure where you are located but here in Missouri you can contact the DMV and they will tell you what you need to do to re-VIN a car, if you own both and they both have clean titles it shouldn't be a problem (at least not here)

[JMarsa]

Can't imagine any DMV allowing you to alter the vins given all the asscociated embeded data. Especially the year.

--JMarsa

[BADVELLE]

Illegal!

[High Plains Mopars]

Big time illegal, regardless of sentimental attachment or desireability of the vehicles involved.

[vintageracer]

Unfortunately there WILL be a time in the future when you WILL sell the cars. Swap the Vin's, use the correct rivets and the chances are that nothing will ever happen. The reality is that you cannot guarantee that to be the case and therefore you could have LOT'S of problems and liability in the future that you have not even considered at this point if this change is discovered by a subsequent owner and he/she complains or investigates.

Is swapping VIN's on cars done today to make it easier to restore a rusty car? Yes! Just remember that the potential problem you face will be a felony charge if discovered. Do you really want the potential problems this swap could cause in the future because of "sentimental value"?

Another consideration is the following question? Why would you want to invest your hard earned money in a car that is "damaged goods"? Remember, the wrong person (cop, friend, ex-lover) could look at this car, question the VIN tag, report the car to the authorities who WILL come and confiscate the car, chop holes in it to determine the real and proper VIN number of the car. Extreme situation? Yes, but still possible.

You have a lot to consider for the "sentimental reasons" of having a piece of paper (title) and a small strip of metal with numbers (VIN tag) from your old SS.

[Jim Nilsen]

I always have to tell my brother that he has become the mental part of senti-mental when he thinks what he owns is sooo valuable . It just isn't worth trying to hang on to an old memory in solid 3d reality when it can give you a new memory of things like your lawyers name, the secretary of states personal hotline #, who to right the check to unimpound your car etc. etc.

It really can't be worth breaking the law for

Take some pics and remember that you are only free to move on as long as you are truly free!!!

I wish you luck in dealing with your personal situation and am not trying to offend you, just talk some sense into you.

[NOT A TA]

Why not use one or more parts from the first car when building the second one to remind you of the first one? Something you can see and or touch while driving. Something other than the VIN tags! Stay legal and have a link to the past. Steering wheel, seats, stereo, shift knob,pedals,whatever.

[redss86]

Thanks for all the input, and keep it coming. I have not committed to anything yet, so I have time to consider my actions.
Joe

[MuscleRodz]

Contact your local DMV.

Mike

[HILROD]

The legal thing to do is re-body. You must keep the cowl area where the vin is intact. I don't know the exact legaleze they use to justify the repro bodies, IMHO, this would be no different. One main reason vin swaps are illigal, besides theft, is the revenue from taxes, not paid. Vin swaps are illegal, but done everyday. If you swapped a large enough area to keep hidden vins is it still illigal? No, not tecnically, but some think it is in poor taste. The legal way to do it is to change everything around the vin. Even changing the dash top is illegal, without most states approval, but still done every day.