VIN again

[Andre K Jacobs <akjamc@xxxxxxxx>]

Jock
I know what you are saying about the door tag, BUT it to is part of the
identity of the car, has color, year, model info and all. AMC used the
VINs, and body sequence numbers to track running changes, and recall
info, as well as other things. The tag also has the " this vehicle is
SAFE for the road", " intended for public HWY use" etc ( not verbatim).
This is why the SS/AMXs DON'T have door tags ( liability). I have had a
lot of cars that have had the drivers door replaced and the tag removed
from the door. I have found that it usually was done early in the cars
life. I can not say, but I believe this was done because the cars were
new enough to go to a "real" body shop, where they followed the law, and
REMOVED the tag, as the tag would no longer be correct for that car. Some
times I would get the original tag when I picked up a car, the owner
would have it with the paper work, but it was never installed because of
the rivet issue, most of the time, they were pulled off and tossed. 
  The other post about the engine, and other swaps, You are correct here.
You can change these items, and it has nothing to do with the VIN ( well,
mostly) , or tampering with the VIN. Making a clone, is  different then
what is discussed here. You will find however, that a lot of states have
laws against some of this, well kind of. Once again I have not checked,
but in Texas, you can not put an earlier model engine in a latter model
car . You can put a later model in an earlier car. You are also supposed
to let the DMV know that you put a later model engine in, and they will
change the date of the car from what it was to the date of the engine.
IE, a 36 Ford PU with an 82 350, is LEGALLY now a 1982 Ford pick up (
yeah I know stupid), and I have seen a FEW hot rods advertised this way (
folks being honest, as their title now states its a such and such year,
instead of what year it was). This was common in the US, as the 1st place
identification numbers were put were on the engines, and even to the
point, that the title, WENT with the engine if the engine was sold and
installed in a different vehicle.
The rivets are illegal ( unless the law has been changed) and thats why
they are expensive. The excuse that they are sold everywhere is just
that. There are numerous activities that go one that are illegal, just
because they go on, just because everybody is doing it, does not change
the fact that something is illegal ( ENRON). If one thinks that its
illegal only if one is caught, that makes one a REAL criminal. Knowing
and then doing this activity ( any illegal act), shows criminality, not
knowing ( truly not knowing) that something is illegal is not a criminal
act, does not mean one has not broken the law, just shows INTENT,  and in
that intent, show whether one is a criminal, or an innocent person in the
wrong situation. 
Sorry folks too much to write on this. I did try calling the Oregon DMV (
541-384-2224, no answer, might be wrong number). I was going to ask if it
was OK with them for me to us the VIN and title of a 74 Pinto on my no
title 77 Pinto. You can do this ( any and all of you in your states, and
lets see how many states allow you to do this on your own with OUT
letting them know). I'm sure IF some body REALLY wanted to know, they
could research the correct info, instead of all the folks talking about
HOW to do it illegally, and making excuses as to WHY. If this were a
topic about getting taking on E-bay, you guys would all be talking about
how to CORRECT the problem, and how wrong or bad the deal was , not many
state, that E-bay ( and most everything else) have a STATED  policy, when
in fact there is only a policy of lies, excuses, etc ( no enforcement).
You think one way when you get screwed, but funny how many jump on to
tell others how to screw people!, and YES, if you swap numbers, and you
don't disclose it, you are SCREWING the next guy.
I am not calling anybody a criminal, or morally judging anybody, I too
understand the arguments, I too do not see or agree with some of the
laws, I too like to save good cars, all I am saying, ( and in reality all
that needed to be said) is:
It is illegal, do it at your own risk.

Andre " A.J." Jacobs, 
web page http://southtexasamc.tripod.com
(830)-980-3165 , akjamc@xxxxxxxx 

Owner & Proprietor, South Texas AMC