1958 VIN number same as engine number?

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Eric Brenner
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1958 VIN number same as engine number?

#1 Post 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

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Vic Skirmants
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Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?

#2 Post by Vic Skirmants »

California did that.

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Ron LaDow
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Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?

#3 Post 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.
Ron LaDow
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Eric Brenner
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Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?

#4 Post by Eric Brenner »

Yes, I'm in California.
Any tips/help would be greatly appreciated.

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Doug McDonnell
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Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?

#5 Post by Doug McDonnell »

Per Jim B it was common 57 and earlier.See his comments here: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=13013
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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Ron LaDow
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Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?

#6 Post 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
Ron LaDow
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Jim Nelson
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Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?

#7 Post 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.

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David Green
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Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?

#8 Post 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

Eric Brenner
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Re: 1958 VIN number same as engine number?

#9 Post by Eric Brenner »

Thanks everyone!

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