6 hour drive to get truck and no vin tag?

[MYGMCANDME]

I drove 2 hours from Kentucky to Tennessee to look at and purchase a '70 GMC one ton a couple of years ago that I found on Craigs List. I looked it over good and knew the truck intimately before I signed my name on the title and handed over the money. Didn't realize until the next day after I got it home that the vin tag was missing. Never even thought to look at that. Called the previous owner and he acted like he didn't know it was missing. The vin # on the SPID inside the glove box door matched the Vin # on the title, so I thought all would be cool when I went to the DMV to transfer it. NOT!

Since it was out of state transaction, the Sherrifs office had to inspect it. When the officer came out to inspect it, first thing she asked me was "where's the Vin tag"? I told her that it was missing, but the vin on the glove box decal was the same. She said no dice and that was the end of the inspection. She said I would have to apply for new vin tag from the state.
When I tried to do that, the DMV said that I did not own the truck (because it had not been transferred yet), and the previous owner would have to apply for a new vin tag from Tennessee. He is not interested in helping with that.

So I have a complete running and driveable "parts truck" until I can buy another junk one ton with a good title and vin tag and make the swap. It stinks not being able to drive this truck legally, because it is a fun and useful truck. I learned a good lesson the hard way. If I were you, I would walk away from this one.

Jon

[teeitup]

A few years back I bought a 4x4 truck with title and vin plate. I got it home registered it with state with no problem then noticed it was a 2wd title and vin, with no frame numbers. I had to get a lawyer, he did all the work for me, it costs $250. Then a highway patrol officer came by and removed old vin plate and put on a different one, then they sent me a new title, not all original but but it was all legal. But this was in the same state truck was registered

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by MYGMCANDME

So I have a complete running and driveable "parts truck" until I can buy another junk one ton with a good title and vin tag and make the swap. Jon

That will not make it "legal" either. Removing and/or replacing VIN tags is a Federal Offence...reguardless of how each state regulates their title process or requirements. Some states are far more strict than others about what is required, but don't go thinking that "As long as you have passed the state's minimum" you are ok....'cause the FEDS can get involved at any time.
This "overseeing" makes it possible to transfer a title from a state that has very minimal requirements to a state that is more strict.
These vehicles are all manifactured to Federal standards, they want to keep those in-place.

[AusTx68]

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

Removing and/or replacing VIN tags is a Federal Offence...reguardless of how each state regulates their title process or requirements.

Discovery airs a show called 'Chasing Classic Cars' hosted by master car builder Wayne Carini. I'm sure some of you are familiar with the show.

There was an episode where a car at a prestigious show was called out for having new rivets on the vin plate. The judges required additional documentation from the owner and threatened to pull it from the show. It wasn't Waynes car but he was upset that they questioned the car. He went on to say it was common practice to remove the vin plate to restore these cars (meaning antiques). I remember specifically that statement. The car was released and went on to win an award in the show. I don't think a master builder would go on national television and condone a federal violation.

If your state has defined a legal process for replacing/removing vins, I'm sure you can use the process and not worry about the FBI kicking in your door.