VIN Tag
 

A few months ago while changing the front dash speaker in my 1982 300CD the VIN tag broke off as I was replacing the A pillar cover. I was able to get a local trophy shop to re-create a new blank VIN tag but now I am unable to find someone that is able to stamp/emboss the numbers with the proper size letters/numbers. I am able to provide proof of ownership of the car (copy of the owner's certificate).

Does anyone know of someone that can stamp the new tag in the correct size/style letters? Thanks

You might be able to order this from the dealer.

-J

Sorry
 

This is a felony under United States law.
Any lawyer will advise you against proceeding, especially since you made this forum posting on topic.

There are forum member "law enforcement agents" that will be forced to report and pursue you..

I suggest investigating TAPE options for holding the factory tag in place.

.

Sorry
 

Even the Classic center has serious legal issues with post WW2 vin tags.

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Go to your dmv and explain what happened. They'll verify it and issue an official sticker in the doorjamb with a reference number.

Since it's a replacement and he has proof of ownership I wouldn't see this being a huge issue.

Going the DMV route is a good suggestion though. I'd clean off the firewall vin and door sticker so they're as readable as possible. Trying to re-attach the broken tag with tape would yield a tampered look.

-J

I have checked with California DMV and they have no problem with a replacement VIN tag given that I can provide to anyone a copy of the ownership certificate in my name. The classic center is not able to help as Mercedes no longer has blank VIN tags. This is a common problem on later model W 123 cars whenever you have to remove the left A pillar cover. Actually, later model W123 cars have two VIN tags on each car - one on the door post and one on the left A pillar. This is a restoration project and tape will not do the job.

I researched this issue two years ago with DMV when I needed to replace a non legible VIN tag on my restored 1957 Ranchero.

You tried the classic center... did you try a regular dealer?

The VIN tags aren't listed as NLA in the EPC.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1386806067

I believe #50 is what you are after.

In this case there isn't any altering of the VIN as the VIN stamped into the body / frame is the official one. ( Re: He isn't taking the VIN from car A and placing it on car B. )

I'm not sure what the laws are pertaining to the public VIN ( visible through the windshield ) Some cars have a vin tag / sticker on the door integrated into the vehicle information data plate. When the door is changed I usually don't see a replacement sticker. Same goes for VIN coded parts such as hoods, fenders, doors and bumpers.

Did similar year Euro market cars have a public VIN?

I doubt that black helicopters are going to show up on your door step, the current administration hasn't reached "Minority Report" levels as of now.

Euro market cars don't have the vin plate on the A pillar.

When my car got a new windshield last year the installer cut the pillar trim. I didn't notice until months later.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U.../P85666301.jpg

This thread made me take a closer look at the VIN tag. Sure enough... it got cut too:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h.../P85665900.jpg

I think I'll live with the damage for now.

-J

OK
 

I just got off the phone with "Tom Hanson" of the MB Classic center.

#1. He has many requests for the aluminum #A pillar VIN# tag.

#2. Per his research virgin MB VIN# blanks do not exist for the W123 and newer vehicles, (new old stock or reproduction) from any source.

#3. The classic center will not become involved in the LEGAL red tape required, attempting to get a single replacement (best estimate at least 0.5 - 1 year) that will involve lawyers, United States law, and International Law/trade agreements.

#4. If you desire to pursue this, "Tom" suggests going through your local dealer plus be prepared to retain a Law Firm "Expert" in this field.

*******************************

Repeat after me: it's breaking the law if the FBI says it's breaking the law.

My opinion:
As far as making or having an artist make a reproduction VIN# tag.
Unless the tag can pass as 100% original in at least x500 microscopic detail, don't do it.


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x2 just glue it back on

Pelican has 115 584 09 02 for $21.75.

If the VIN block of your old tag is intact, stick it over a new tag and attach the new tag to the pillar. Is it held on by rivets as on an early W124?

In my case, I lost an A-pillar trim piece clip so the VIN tag is holding the trim piece in place :P

OT - it amazes me that on American trucks VIN relevant info is tacked to the door rather than the door jamb.

Sixto
87 300D

That is amazing... a door is likely to be damaged, and easily changed.

-J

I will try the part number with Pelican and the classic center. My biggest issue is finding someone to stamp the new blank tag in the proper size and shape numbers/letters. The comment made by one forum member about law enforcement is unfortunate. It would have been great if that person would have asked a question or two before implying that a law was being broken.