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

Discussion in 'New Members Forum' started by McQuick, Nov 30, 2021.

  1. McQuick

    McQuick Member

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    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? 20211206_194309-1.jpg
     
  2. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Unbolt the drivers side fender and pull it off just far enough to see the top of the inner fender - there is an original VIN stamped into that part of the car on these older Fords.
     
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  5. McQuick

    McQuick Member

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    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.
     
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2021
  6. yellow75

    yellow75 MCCI Oregon State Rep Supporting Member

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    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
     
  7. McQuick

    McQuick Member

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    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?
     
  8. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Under that fender, it might help you find out the year, but if there is a swap involved here the "swapee" may have been smart enough to cut out that inner fender and weld it into the new car.

    This is an easy one to check - only 1970 had a drop in gas tank that is also the floor of the trunk. (like those early Mustangs) - 1971 and up had a tank mounted under the car held in by straps. If your car really is a 1970 it will have the drop in tank. There is no way anyone would take the time to change out the trunk floor.

    Something else you could do. It won't give you a VIN, but the wiring harnesses in these cars changed a lot over the years. Specially from the 1st year 1970 cars. If you look over the wiring try and find all the little tags and get the date codes off them. Other date codes can be found on the steering gear tag. Steering gears are seldom swapped out.
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2021
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  9. CA189HJN

    CA189HJN Robert Couse-Baker

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    It is the car's birth certificate. If you have more than one, it's a bad day.
     
  10. CA189HJN

    CA189HJN Robert Couse-Baker

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    Yes. You'll thank yourself later.
     
  11. McQuick

    McQuick Member

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    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. Mav gas tank.jpg (?)
     
  12. rickyracer

    rickyracer Member

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    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.
     

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  13. rickyracer

    rickyracer Member

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

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  14. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Thanks McQuick, for the update. Not sure how your DMV and any insurance company that writes the coverage for the car will look at it. Really a rock and a hard place. Possible legal action against the guy that sold it to you too.

    I wish you good luck ....... let us know what happens and if you find the real VIN under that fender.
     
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  15. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    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.
     

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