Vin Plate Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DieselPaul · #1 12-27-2010, 04:04 PM

I am replacing the dashboard in my Mk3 Golf because some crackhead broke into it and stole my ollllllddddd CD player and trashed the dash on an immaculate black leather interior'ed Mk3. So I got a new dash in perfect shape off Vortex.

I'm ready to install the new dash (old one was a treat to remove) and I noticed that the VIN plate is on the dashboard. So when I put in the *new* used dash it will have the wrong VIN on it. The vin tag is held down by two standard old pop rivets. Easily drilled out and I have a rivet gun so I can re-affix the original one.

Is there anything wrong or illegal about removing and re-installing a vin plate? The one on the dash is the main one so I assume it would cause more problems to leave on the wrong one.

I was going to hold onto the VIN plate that came off the new dash and put it in the glovebox if someone ever needed to know where it came from.

Pavka007 · #2 12-27-2010, 04:53 PM

You should be OK with that, the only person that will ever look is the guy for the annual state inspection and emission test. If you golf is after 1996 they will not even look that because the car is plugged for the test to a computer that is connected to the local DMV and automatically verifying the car VIN from the ICU.

DieselPaul · #3 12-27-2010, 05:54 PM

Ohio doesn't have inspections, or emission testing. At least in the 4 counties I have lived and had cars registered in, in 2 different major cities.

It is a 1999.

Txjake · #4 12-27-2010, 06:06 PM

this sort of like "dont ask, don't tell". Some states and the feds have laws regarding VIN Plates. Just do it, don't make it obvious and you are ok. You aren't a thief or a chop shop so...

MS Fowler · #5 12-27-2010, 07:09 PM

I would attach the correct VIN plate for the car to the dash, and lose the other VIN plate. No good can come from having it. Its presence would only confuse someone, and that never works in your favor. Do not give them anything that they could possibly misinterpret and use against you.

ShaggyDiesel · #6 12-27-2010, 07:28 PM

ever consider an Audi TT dash as the replacement??

as for the OP having the VIN that isn't for your car is going to cause you more problems than it's worth, best idea is to replace it with the original VIN then destroy the other. be sure to make it look as a factory install.

DieselPaul · #7 12-27-2010, 11:52 PM

My dad thinks I should leave it the way it is, and include the old dash when I sell it. The VIN under the hood matches the title, which matches the damaged dash.

I can't decide what to do.

As shady is it all sounds, I'm totally legit, which is why this is a tough call.

tbomachines · #8 12-27-2010, 11:55 PM

No worries man, my 300E was chop shopped, stolen (who knows?) at one point and missing the dash/pillar VIN altogether and its been passing inspections for 15 years. Most recently I had it VIN verified as part of the process and it passed that too

Txjake · #9 12-28-2010, 01:36 AM

I'd just change it. That's the vin cops are going to look at first. If they run the vin from the replacement dash and it comes up as salvage or worst yet, stolen. You'll have some 'splainin to do.

MS Fowler · #10 12-28-2010, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselPaul

My dad thinks I should leave it the way it is, and include the old dash when I sell it. The VIN under the hood matches the title, which matches the damaged dash.

I can't decide what to do.

As shady is it all sounds, I'm totally legit, which is why this is a tough call.

Nothing shady about it. You are keeping the correct VIN with the car. Using the VIN of the replacement dash would be misrepresenting the vehicle, and arouse undo suspicion.
We have ( or had) a cop on the forum. Perhaps he would chime in for the Law Enforcement Officer's perspective. ( LEO is the first part of his handle. Perhaps you should pm him.)

Txjake · #11 12-28-2010, 10:07 AM

Whatever you do, dont call DMV, or if you do, dont give them your name or use a traceable phone. DMV squids can and will always find some reason what you are doing to be in violation of something. Plus, given that the IQ of most DMV workers is that of a potted plant, the probability of error in reasoning is high....

DieselPaul · #12 12-29-2010, 11:36 PM

I'm just worried my rivets won't have a factory look, and that could look shady.

tbomachines · #13 12-29-2010, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselPaul

I'm just worried my rivets won't have a factory look, and that could look shady.

...reread my post please.

vstech · #14 12-29-2010, 11:45 PM

don't worry about the rivits, get the correct vehicle vin on the dash you install. if any issues arise, the frame, engine, firewall, window and MANY other hidden vins will show you are not breaking the law.
is it possible to remove the dash on that car and leave the vin portion of metal in place? if not, then you have to do the right thing and keep the correct vin plate in it's location.
if you are worried about it, go to any body shop and ask what they do with replacement dashes that come without any vin... I bet they drill and pop the right vin plate onto it.

4x4_Welder · #15 12-30-2010, 01:33 AM

At least you still have your VIN- I bought an AMC Eagle with no dash, and the ONLY place that car has the vin is on the dash. The replacement one doesn't match the title, of course so I pretty much can't sell the car.