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1958 VIN number same as engine number?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 2:38 pm
by Eric Brenner
My 1958 356A coupe has a VIN number that apparently is based on the engine number. Is this standard procedure for that year? Since the engine has been replaced, there is nothing on the car that matches the VIN. (The chassis number is totally different, of course.)
Is there anyplace that this practice of the VIN number being based on the engine number is documented? I want to sell the car and assure buyers that the VIN number is accurate for the car.
Thanks,
Eric
Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 2:46 pm
by Vic Skirmants
California did that.
Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 3:42 pm
by Ron LaDow
Eric,
If you are in CA, I can give you some contacts; went through the process with the Speedster several years back.
Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 6:22 pm
by Eric Brenner
Yes, I'm in California.
Any tips/help would be greatly appreciated.
Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 7:36 pm
by Doug McDonnell
Per Jim B it was common 57 and earlier.See his comments here:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=13013
Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 9:41 pm
by Ron LaDow
Eric Brenner wrote:Yes, I'm in California.
Any tips/help would be greatly appreciated.
Pretty sure I got this info from this site, and it may well be in Doug's link, but they did the job without me ever having to set foot in the DMV, and if you're been there recently, you know you'd better pack a lunch and bring a cot, 'cause you're going to be there all day and night.
IIRC, the cost was less than transferring a title in a sale.
All Vehicle Registration Services
11290 Point E Drive Ste # 130
Rancho Cordova, Ca. 95742
Attn: Victor Mendoza
Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?
Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 12:52 pm
by Jim Nelson
We ran into this problem with our '60 cab, which was registered in Washington by its engine number. Unfortunately, that engine was no longer with the car, so there was no document that related to any number on the car that was the same. Lucky for us, the COA served as one of the proving documents for the Cal DMV; we explained the story and pointed out the relevant spots where the chassis number was visible, and we were good to go. New title and registration with the proper chassis number.
Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?
Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2018 3:53 pm
by David Green
If you're a AAA member try taking it to any office and ask for a "VIN Inspection" and then they'll file a "Notice of Correction" with CA DMV to change the title and registration documents from the engine number to the chassis number. You may need a COA linking the two numbers that they'll attach to the Notice of Correction.
David
Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?
Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2018 5:44 pm
by Eric Brenner
Thanks everyone!