Numbers Ground

States differ on how they view a "reconstructed, homebuilt, or kit car". I know some will require an inspection and assign a new VIN. A title can then be obtained using that state applied VIN. You would have to work out the make, model, and year issues with them.
 
real550A said:
States differ on how they view a "reconstructed, homebuilt, or kit car". I know some will require an inspection and assign a new VIN. A title can then be obtained using that state applied VIN. You would have to work out the make, model, and year issues with them.
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On a slightly OT note, I bought a hot rod Model A at Carlisle (big swap meet for those of you unfamiliar) and had to register it as a passenger car to drive it home. Then, I had to re-register it as a hot rod due to the modifications, under PA law. Although it had a clear PA title as a Model A, with transfer notes from a clean Ohio Model A title, the state vacated that title, issued me a new one and sent me a new VIN tag. Rules are funny.
 
Here in the wacky west-can you tell I am miffed at DMV-they did not even look at the engine number. In Oregon the car was assigned a 'VIN number' based on the old engine. I swapped it last year with my spare engine as it sucked a valve seat. DMV did not even blink an eye as the OR title matched the assigned Oregon VIN number. They just transfered the numbers over to the new CA. title after I explained the situation. They are not used to seeing the old cars and don't realize how they were made. By the way I finally got my tags for my YOM plates six months after I started the process:eek:.
 
Here in CT they sometimes make these cars go to inspection at our main DMV station. Some inspectors know that model A's are supposed to have the vin on the engine AND on the frame. Some will make the engine and the frame match and some inspectors will say that the car must have one or the other (frame # or engine #). If the car is currently registered in your state; you should be fine and you likely won't have any issues. The out of state purchases are what typically create issues.

If you want to barter with the seller you can claim that the engine numbers have been ground off and is not original to the car and hence you are left to speculate that the frame has the correct vin on it (since it is hidden under the body). this could obviously affect price since the car could have registration problems.

My advice to you is that the transfer reg will be fine and you wont have any issues.
 
Arizona requires you to lift the body off the frame!! Will not issue a tag unless they can see the number even if you have a valid title from another state. Cop told me he considered it a stolen vehicle even with a clear out of state title. Could not find the frame number so had to get a bonded title for their appraised value at the time i registered. Told them would would sell it to them for their value, but no takers.
 
Didn't Sears and other rebuilders grind off the old number and put their own number on?

So grind off the new number and put the number you want on. Then hit the raw metal with some acid and rerust it and then paint over it.
 
The number on my block was G142. Obviously not a Ford number. That number was also on the title. Who knows how long ago that was done.
 
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