From what I was told the VIN tampering laws came into effect because of stolen cars. But at this point when the prices of rare muscle is going thru the roof, its easier to swap a plate then to cut and weld a part. BUT is it legal, and if its legal in your state what about in mine after the sale, and if its legal as long as its documented and then years down the road the docs are lost does it make you liable?
I remember when I was in sales hearing of a local body shop buying wrecks for repair, he actually was sectioning cars, taking the good front 1/2 of one and the good rear 1/2 of the other and welding it back together. They said it was illegal, but, after going to court and presenting the case that every LIMO out there has been cut in 1/2 his case was dismissed, they only had to be "reconstructed" on the title.
I have had these questions on my mind for about 3 months. The reason, a rare GTO conv, it was found in a NC salvage yard owners back yeard, it belonged to his brother, PHS(Pontiac Historical Services) prooved it to be 1 of less than 500 built. But it needs everything, floors, frame, etc. My questions are this........if I find a good "donor" body, and I use it is it legal? Or do I have to cut here and there and weld this and that to be legal. I need to call the PA state police, and find out when the car in question is no longer the car because of what has changed. I will make the call this week and let you all know the outcome. sorry for rambling on and on....
