I would imagine that it happens to E bodies more often because of the value. Also the seller could say that the rivets are different because they changed the dash pad.
Do most Motor Vehicle Depts. actually check that the body and VIN match? When I recently registered my '66 Charger, all the DMV did was do a VIN verification. They checked for a VIN tag and made sure it matched the registration application. Ct. does not have or require titles for cars older than 20 (I believe) years old.
Would the state issue a VIN if there was a VIN but it didn't match the body number? Would the VIN be similiar to the original ( with model, body style, year, engine,etc.)?