Hello from Sunny SOCAL, where the sky is always "Grabber Blue"

I agree it is something of a mystery. Here's the first part of the VIN, if I read it right it's a 1970 Canadian-mfr 2 door (standard Maverick) with a 170. So, either the OO did all the mods (he did tell me he put swapped in the 250, and put the bigger front bumper on, but didn't mention all the other apparent "upgrades"), or he changed the VIN plate from a '74 to a '70, which is unlikely, but possible?

 

Somebody changed the VIN plate on the dash. Tell tale sign is the incorrect rivits holding it in.

 

Those are the correct 1970-1973 upper quarter extensions. The 1974-1977 upper quarter extensions would be longer.

 

Thank for the reminder, I remember seeing that on a '65 Mustang I had years ago. If it is a swapped VIN plate, it sure explains a lot....I just can't grasp why a person would do that and then out and out lie to me about it.

 

Did you get a title with the car ? changing vin tag plate is illegal so if you have a title he got away with it at the DMV

 

Yes, an actual "pink slip" from way back, so to complete the sale California re-issued the title in my name. If I prove the VIN was altered by looking under the fender, should I report it to DMV, so I don't get in trouble myself if I sell it later on?

 

It is the car's birth certificate. If you have more than one, it's a bad day.

 

Yes. You'll thank yourself later.

 

Sure as heck, the gas tank is a strap-on type (so to speak), which is indicative which end I took it in on this deal.

I guess I need to clear up the VIN mismatch with DMV, or maybe not....and since I bought it knowing I'd spend the arm and leg to swap back (or, in reality, "convert") to small front bumper anyway, all in all not that big a deal, I guess. Plus I intend to do a total drivetrain upgrade, so still a good car for a mod project. (?)

 

Yeah if you want to go to jail and have the car impounded. VIN tampering is a federal felony. Try and prove you didn't do it. Better have some good proof.
Been down that road. My 66 Stang. One my 68 Cougar he replaced the rust out inner fender under the battery. He only replaced the part that needed replacing and stayed away from the stamper VIN.

 

What does the door tag say and what type is it? What does the title list it as and what state is the title?

 

My honest "opinion" is that the DMV is not going to care about a VIN swap on a 50+ year old car. The one riveted to the dash is really the only one "legally" recognized, and you have the title to THAT particular VIN....so they will probably say all is good. Yes....it is illegal to do that, but YOU were not the one to do it. This type of thing has been done to many a Maverick over the years.