Non original pickups

[otsenre]

OK guys ,here goes, If I had a factory shoertbed frame off a 70 chevy 4x4, No title and I had a factory 4x4 72 chevy longbed with title and I wanted to use 72 axles, drivetrain, Title, Vin tag off 72 upon the shortbed, and grind off numbers off frame, Is that a crime? I do know and have seen alot of people selling cabs, frames etc. This is what I am doing, just want some opinions.

[mvfd70]

Check with your states DMV. Here in Illinois the VIN goes with the body (or cab in the case of trucks) and the numbers on the frame don't mean much. Some states may require a frame VIN as well as the CAB VIN. I wouldn't go grinding on frame numbers though. That might lead someone to think you were trying to hide something.

[dan42]

I agree. What's the point of grinding the numbers if you weren't trying to hide something? Besides, when was the last time someone (either DMV or police) looked at frame numbers? Frame numbers are not that important, it's the vin number.

[Blazer1970]

The only thing that would be a crime is if you had stolen one of the trucks.

[ChevLoRay]

In the early 80's, you may remember there was a concern called Car Locators of America. I did one for Arkansas. The system didn't work nearly as well as it sounded like it could. Anyway, I had a call one day, someone wanted a certain year model Caddy, didn't care how it looked, ran, etc., as long as it had a clean title. I was a bit naive and went to a trusted friend who ran a towing business. When I mentioned what someone had asked for, he wasted no time telling me that they had a stolen car and needed something to have paperwork. Geeze, am I too honest and naive? I don't think of stealing vehicles, so therefore, nobody else does.

Later, mid-90's, my oldest sons Toyota truck was stolen, stripped and burned. Sucked for him.

[mrein3]

My mutt truck was built by a guy in Wyoming 3 owners ago. It is a 1970 C10 cab and matching box on a 1971 K10 chassis.

The guy did all the paperwork. Wyoming looks at the frame. PLUS the title there said "K" which makes sense because most people that can find their rear ends with both hands can see that it is a 4wd and "K" means 4wd.

Anyways, I end up with the truck and have to title it here in MN. The good folks in St. Paul, who obviously can't find their rear ends with both hands wanted it to be titled like what it says on the cab.

Whatever.

The point I'm trying to make is that if everything is legal, work with your state and do it right. The guy here in MN who inspected my truck said that if you are building a vehicle, keep all documents, take pictures, and work with them. He said you are WAY better off going to them BEFORE you start. Have stuff inspected first, document as you go, then have it inspected after.

If you are trying to cover up stolen stuff, you're on your own. Good luck to you.

[71swb4x4]

Originally Posted by Blazer1970

The only thing that would be a crime is if you had stolen one of the trucks.

I think I know what you mean by that statement, but I don't the statement itself is entirely true. I am pretty sure it's a crime in most states to alter/mess with the VIN on any vehicle. That would include grinding it off the frame.

[68K20 x Drill]

Here in CA, they want both VINs for a cab swap, then they verify both, and issue a new VIN for your hybrid truck.

[special-K]

just leave the numbers on the frame and go by the number on the cab.That`s where officials look.

[LEEVON]

I bought my truck with an Arkansas title in the early 90's and when I took it to the Missouri DMV they sent me to a highway patrol depot to have the vin #'s checked. They officer checked the frame, cab, and engine. He almost took the truck because the vin plate on the cab had been removed and riveted for paint. He also told me that the engine was a two bolt main from a 70's camaro which I found out to be false after I threw a rod (it was original). Long story short don't bank on the DMV not checking on things. Here in AR you can just take a bill of sale for both the frame/cab and get a builder title. It's as good as a new title. DON'T GRIND!!!