1. Home
  2. Volkswagen, hot (Aircooled)
  3. VIN problems - bought a bug

VIN problems - bought a bug

Hello everyone, just a quick question. I think I have been ripped off.

I just bought a 1969 bug. I wasn't thinking straight on the VINs. The dash one was gone, so I didn't think much of it because the older models didn't have them. I grabbed the title and made sure it matched the chasis. (under the seat), it does. I figured this was the only important VIN. He gave me a story of how the front apron was replaced so the vin wasn't attached. I thought, ok just rivet it back on. No big deal. Then now I read that would be illegal. He said the body was never seperated from the chasis. The apron has nothing to do with where the vin goes. I found the dash VIN in a pile of the parts (it's missing the corner that rivets, part of it is still on the dash) . I have both body vins. I can't understand why he removed them. It was painted, and they do look like they go on this vehicle, as comparing to how it was torn off the dash. I now realize that even though the chasis vin is right with the title, that the body is in question. Is this a big deal? I shouldn't have fallen for this. Is this any easy fix with the DMV, or something to just let go since the chasis vin is right.. or something to scrap and get on with life?

The title was issued in 09-09-06. I don't believe it will be hard to get a title. I just know that besides the title, that the VIN tags will be a problem again when selling. All the vins have matching numbers to the title. Has anyone dealt with this in the past?

Reply to
sofwares
Loading thread data ...

After 38 years anything is possible. At least you have the correct VIN on the chassis so that will probably be enough. Keep the other VIN plates in the car if you have problems. I am wondering if someone makes replacement plates that you can order and then install.

I really don't think you will have problems but some states are sticklers for these things.

Good luck and let us know what you do!

Reply to
dave AKA vwdoc1

Since the numbers match, just rivet them back on.

Sleep tight.

Speedy Jim

formatting link

Reply to
Speedy Jim

I believe the only time they really check is if a car is registered in another state. At least that was my experience in CA. BTW. watch out for any car that might have come from New Orleans vic. hidden flood damage. ya know.

Reply to
A Veteran

I have the same situation, more or less. On my 71 type1, the only vin is the one under the rear seat. With all the different mods that people do ( I know my from clip and dash have been replaced ), I'm not supprised at all. I registered it here in WI using the vin under the seat (matches title) and had no issues. I'm not positive, but lets say you built a dune buggy, or swapped the body during a restoration using different donor cars, I'm pretty sure the actual vin and registration must match the one on the channel under the seat. That is the important one, the others are there more for convience.....it would seem.

Reply to
Jakalope

I know this will sound argumentative, but what the hell :-)

There are 50 states with 50 differing rules about titling autos.

In my state, the vehicle must be physically inspected and *all* numbers must match. Any mismatch or discrepancy and the car can't be titled as an "ordinary" vehicle and special steps must be taken (via State Police, etc.).

Speedy Jim

formatting link

Reply to
Speedy Jim

You are correct that it is a state thing. Here in WI, nobody ever even looks at the car when you register it. NO inspection, zip. You walk in to the DMV with the title, pay some tax and order the plates. I guess the only time it could ever be questioned is if you had an accident. The cops or insurance company would have to verify that it is the car you say it is, using the vin. I checked with my state farm agent, and the vin alone on the channel is all I need ("Just so it's there and registered"). Just courious, what would a person do if they lost the tag off the front in an accident or something, and your not in WI ;). It could be a new car and you now need a special title? Could you just order a new tag?

I don't know everything, but I'm working on it.

Reply to
Jakalope

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.