dash replacement: do you bother changing the vin?

[bruceguy]

well... when i picked up my s13, the dash was soooo ffuuuucked it was not worth fixing.

i went to the junkyard and found a nearly perfect dash, so i picked it up for less than 15 bucks!!:mephfawk::mephfawk::mephfawk:

im gonna replace the dash tommorow, then it occured to me, should i rock the new vin on the dash?????

what are the pro/cons of having a different vin?

-can you aviod parking tickets?

-if you get pulled over, would cops be like WTF!?!?

lets discuss.

http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/gallardoman/IMG_0095-1.jpg

http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/gallardoman/IMG_02501.jpg

:newbie::newbie::newbie:

[gyula hlavati]

I just used my original VIN plate on my new dash.

[s13boy89]

if you get pulled over and the vin does not match you get in a lot of trouble

[palmdale_mob]

I once saw a thread in here where the guy got his car impounded because the numbers didn't match

or maybe a ticket, I don't remember

[ThatGuy]

Leave the junkyard vin on, get pulled over. While you're car is impounded, you can decide if the 5 minutes it would have taken to drill the old rivets and pop on two new ones would have been worth it.

[HPballer76]

just put your old vin on the new dash.

[mxexux]

I changed my dash and actually forgot to change the vin plate. When I went to go smog it, everywhere I took it all the techs freaked out and would not even touch the car even when I explained the situation and showed them the other places where the vin matches. So instead of removing the dash again I just ripped the vin plate off with out damaging anything. I highly recommend saving yourself the pain that I went through and remove or transfer the vin plate. I can't imagine the even worse pain in the ass it would have been if I got pulled over or something.

[iloveturbos]

u have got too be one of the dumbest people on the face of the earth ..u can not be serious ...get a drill , get a 1/8 of a inch drill bit ...drill out the rivits on ur old dash ...do the same too the new one ..go to home depot and but some drop ceiling rivits (cheap) and a rivit gun...put ur vin on the new dash and use the rivits ..c'mon i cant even belive u asked that question..do it the right way ..save your-self alot of hassle from the cops ...

[w0nderbr3ad]

Just do it. Save your self some reassurance. Doesn't take 5 min to put your old vin plate on your new one.

[JRas]

definitely change it out, but don't admit to ever doing it to a cop.

[HalveBlue]

When in doubt...

call the department or agency that handles vehicle registrations in your area. They should be able to tell you what the proper procedure for this type of situation is.

[jrocslider]

was answered by everybody.

common sense.

i changed mine when i replaced my old dash. the extra 5 minutes it takes to do it is really worth it.

[Brian]

Weird.
I put a new dash in my car,
but

I had to cut my dash in the coners for my cage to fit through.

I chopped off the corner of my old dash with the VIN and keep it in my glovebox.
Maybe I'll try to attach it somehow.

[gyula hlavati]

was answered by everybody.

Common sense.

I changed mine when i replaced my old dash. The extra 5 minutes it takes to do it is really worth it.
^^^
common sense.

[HungryHank]

I got my car without a dashboard. ( shell )

if I bought another dashboard and replaced it and that one had no vin attached what should I do?

just ask the dmv to reprint one or make a copy?

[bruceguy]

I changed my dash and actually forgot to change the vin plate. When I went to go smog it, everywhere I took it all the techs freaked out and would not even touch the car even when I explained the situation and showed them the other places where the vin matches. So instead of removing the dash again I just ripped the vin plate off with out damaging anything. I highly recommend saving yourself the pain that I went through and remove or transfer the vin plate. I can't imagine the even worse pain in the ass it would have been if I got pulled over or something.


damn, judging by all your reactions, this is a pretty fukin serious matter!

i know this was pretty much a dumb question, but now i know the consequences of "forgeting" to change the vin. :spank:

its funny how u guys emphasize the importance of legit shit, but yet u guys have sr20 and rb25 engines that where design to fail smog..hahaha

thanks for your time:tweak:

[hapa_s13]

yeah, I swapped my dash and ripped off my vin..I lost it :bash:

Ive been lucky soo far but to be honest, I always forget I swapped it.



About the parking ticket topic though, I think it depends on where you are. I live in SF and I got a street cleaning ticket. My original VIN was on, nothing obstructing the view of it, yet on the ticket, it said that VIN was not readable. :wtf: SO iono..but to be safe, I say replace/swap it.

[soreballz]

Yes, change the VIN. Its easy. My is swapped, and it doesn't look out of place at all.

[cc4usmc]

its funny how u guys emphasize the importance of legit shit, but yet u guys have sr20 and rb25 engines that where design to fail smog..hahaha


A stolen car and a motor swap aren't the same. One will send you to prison, the other will get you a fine. And they weren't designed to fail smog...

[aznpoopy]

this shit is serious. like seriously serious.

here in NJ, merely tampering with the VIN plate = felony = up to 4 years in prison + never get a decent job again. the statute doesn't give a flying fuck if you own both the new dash and the car legitimately. you are not allowed to tamper with VIN plates, PERIOD. if you get caught you will be at the minimum out alot of money, and at the maximum fairly fucked for a long ass time.

local got totally owned by this. cost him about $2k to hire a lawyer and pay all fees to get it all cleared up .

i highly suggest you guys get it done properly, especially considering how easy it sounds. the proper method, btw, is definitely NOT swapping the vin plates.

proper way for you cali dudes:
http://zilvia.net/f/1941110-post37.html

[Otto347]

Oh christ, I was wondering about this. I threw the old dash out cause it was trashed and didnt grab the tag off it. fuck fuck fuck.........doesnt the vin under the hood count? Then again I am in florida.....the cops might not even care lol

[Trutrax]

What if you just rip the cars vin off the old dash and glue it over the the vin of the new dash?

[aznpoopy]

Oh christ, I was wondering about this. I threw the old dash out cause it was trashed and didnt grab the tag off it. fuck fuck fuck.........doesnt the vin under the hood count? Then again I am in florida.....the cops might not even care lol

florida:

319.33 Offenses involving vehicle identification numbers, applications, certificates, papers; penalty.--
(1) It is unlawful:
(d) To possess, sell or offer for sale, conceal, or dispose of in this state a motor vehicle or mobile home, or major component part thereof, on which any motor number or vehicle identification number that has been affixed by the manufacturer or by a state agency, such as the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which regulates motor vehicles has been destroyed, removed, covered, altered, or defaced, with knowledge of such destruction, removal, covering, alteration, or defacement, except as provided in s. 319.30(4).

(6) Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Any motor vehicle used in violation of this section shall constitute contraband which may be seized by a law enforcement agency and shall be subject to forfeiture proceedings pursuant to ss. 932.701-932.704.

775.082. Penalties
(d) For a felony of the third degree, by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years.

775.083. Fines
(c) $5,000, when the conviction is of a felony of the third degree.

pray you never get caught dude. lol.

[koukimonster139]

lol doesnt matter if the vin matches in other places. that just means your rockin a stolen dash

[ericcastro]

i know this was pretty much a dumb question, but now i know the consequences of "forgeting" to change the vin. :spank:

its funny how u guys emphasize the importance of legit shit, but yet u guys have sr20 and rb25 engines that where design to fail smog..hahaha


They werent designed to fail smog.
jeez, im trying to be nice........

It all depends on the officer.
Being in the valley.
and with your attitude.
you probably will get fucked.

Me being in LA.
Not trying to scam my way out of tickets and acting like an adult, prolly be just fine.


Your mind set is way off dude.
Guess it can be expected though, coming from the Valley :duh:

Change the way you think about that shit, its just gonna fuck you over later in life.
Dont make everything a scam and a lie, cause then you gotta stress and worry. That shit will eventually fuck you over, time and time again.
do your friends have the same mentality as you?
How are they doing?
Just do it the right way, and you will be good.
Any questions, talk to an officer or the DMV.
remember, you pay thier salaries, so utilize them.

[s13.dark1]

change it.. easy 1-2-3 no worries

[DALAZ_68]

Leave the junkyard vin on, get pulled over. While you're car is impounded, you can decide if the 5 minutes it would have taken to drill the old rivets and pop on two new ones would have been worth it.

pretty much what i have done for everyone if helped replace there dash boards.

to OP...honestly, this was without a doubt one of the dumbest questions asked in this section of the forums, you would think common sense would kick in and tell yah "yeaaaaa, ur gonna wanna take that off no questions needed on the matter", none the less, just dont leave it on there, and if u can salvage YOUR Vin, do so.

[YoungGun]

I never switched mine from the old one to the new one, but i've heard people go to jail overnight for different vin on the dash, I would change it out.

[Enna]

Shit when I replaced my dash last year I swapped it w/o a second thought. Its just stupid to not do it.

[Otto347]

Well then im fuct..........

[aznpoopy]

i don't understand how any of you think swapping the vin is still a good idea.

swapping the plate is just as illegal as having a mismatched vin and carries a harsh penalty.

yeah it's doubtful the police would pick up on it, but the legitimate proper procedure is so stupid easy.

call CHP and get the vin inspector.
show them new dash + receipt.
they stamp your car with a new vin
install new dash with the mismatched vin

done, and you just saved yourself from the risk of a fucking felony conviction, huge fine, and imprisonment.

[Row]

Put your old vin on the newish dashboard you picked up and trash the other vin.

when I picked up my dash from the junk yard , at the checkout they made me take the vin plate off.

[aoiken3]

i'm gonna change out the vin when change my dash out. as long as you keep it to yourself, there isnt anything to worry about

[Otto347]

i don't understand how any of you think swapping the vin is still a good idea.

swapping the plate is just as illegal as having a mismatched vin and carries a harsh penalty.

yeah it's doubtful the police would pick up on it, but the legitimate proper procedure is so stupid easy.Thats what I was thinking. And all though the penaltys are 5 years and fines, when you go to court and explain to the judge that you swapped a dashboard and the car is legit then you should be fine.

[Trutrax]

well I'm fucked then because mine is just ripped up and pasted on the dash. Unless Canada has different laws on it

[ericcastro]

i don't understand how any of you think swapping the vin is still a good idea.


call CHP and get the vin inspector.
show them new dash + receipt.
they stamp your car with a new vin
install new dash with the mismatched vin
.

Its tough here in SoCal.

Last time I went to get a fix it ticket signed off for not having my front plate hard mounted.
It turned into a 25 minute search and inspection of my whole car.
They made me sit on the curb and not talk.
Popped the hood, tried to give me a modified engine ticket for a zip tie that was helping hold the fan shroud in place and a loose air intake box.
the I was told that me and people like me are street racers and responsable for all kinds of innocent deaths in the united states.

They didnt want to hear how I help host events at a track everymonth for over 2 years and try and get people off the streets and into a safe environment.


you see why we avoid the fucking CHP at all cost.

[mRclARK1]

It's illegal if you do not change it. You just need to go through the proper procedures to do it. Your car needs to have its VIN # in all places displayed from the factory. It's also a good idea to have the dash swapped over by a shop so you have proof that's all that was changed... It's worth the extra few bucks for the security I would say.

[VanduzerLancerES]

Just leave the old dash on there, Its not that bad.
hah

[Otto347]

Its tough here in SoCal.

Last time I went to get a fix it ticket signed off for not having my front plate hard mounted.
It turned into a 25 minute search and inspection of my whole car.
They made me sit on the curb and not talk.
Popped the hood, tried to give me a modified engine ticket for a zip tie that was helping hold the fan shroud in place and a loose air intake box.
the I was told that me and people like me are street racers and responsable for all kinds of innocent deaths in the united states.

They didnt want to hear how I help host events at a track everymonth for over 2 years and try and get people off the streets and into a safe environment.


you see why we avoid the fucking CHP at all cost.
Sweet jeezus, fuck that. Florida cops are nothing like that.

[IIIXziuR]

Just don't get pulled over or do anything that would require a law official to look at your dash VIN. Risky Business

[Gnnr]

Sweet jeezus, fuck that. Florida cops are nothing like that.

That's not true. I know a shop owner who got his S14 Kouki SR impounded after he swapped the dash because the VIN matched a salvage titled car so they thought it was stolen.

[NeedCAforS13]

Sweet jeezus, fuck that. Florida cops are nothing like that.

so far in my experiences florida cops don't care. i've never had one of them even look at the vin # on my dash.

that being said, i "may have" swapped the vin from my old green dash when I converted my interior to black. i don't see how anyone would ever be able to tell the difference... it's riveted just like the factory ones. no big deal.

[Otto347]

so far in my experiences florida cops don't care. i've never had one of them even look at the vin # on my dash.Me either. Oh well gunna rock a new dash when I get it, we'll see what happens.

[driftsilvias13]

I purchased my current s13 with a replaced dash and no VIN plate. Any ideas on how this would be resolved?

[iheartmysil80]

its funny how u guys emphasize the importance of legit shit, but yet u guys have sr20 and rb25 engines that where design to fail smog..hahaha

thanks for your time:tweak:samesiez! that's about true.

[aznpoopy]

Its tough here in SoCal.

Last time I went to get a fix it ticket signed off for not having my front plate hard mounted.
It turned into a 25 minute search and inspection of my whole car.
They made me sit on the curb and not talk.
Popped the hood, tried to give me a modified engine ticket for a zip tie that was helping hold the fan shroud in place and a loose air intake box.
the I was told that me and people like me are street racers and responsable for all kinds of innocent deaths in the united states.

They didnt want to hear how I help host events at a track everymonth for over 2 years and try and get people off the streets and into a safe environment.


you see why we avoid the fucking CHP at all cost.

wow. that does sound really fucked up.

[racepar1]

Tampering with the vin number is a crime. You are not legally allowed to change the vin plates for ANY reason. The proper thing to do is to go to the CHP and get and "assigned vin". Basically they just put another sticker on the door and everything is AOK. I've gotta go get that done on my car.

[IIIXziuR]

Darn So Cal law enforcement is really hard on modified car owners/enthusiasts which is kind of nuts since that is like the best area in the US when it comes to anything car related.

[Gnnr]

I just got off the phone with the Florida DMV. It is legal in Florida to change the VIN plate in the dash because all other VIN #'s are on the Vehicle and match the one you are placing, and its not being concealed. There are no laws that say you can not change it, only when its done with the intent to conceal.

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0319/SEC33.HTM)

[aznpoopy]

that's interesting.
319.33(1)(d) seems to say otherwise.

"to possess, sell or offer for sale, conceal or dispose . . . a motor vehicle . . . on which any . . . vehicile identification number . . . has been destroyed, removed, covered, altered or defaced . . . with knowledge of such . . ."

the language of the statute does not require an intent to conceal.
simply possessing the vehicle on which you know a VIN has been tampered with is enough.

[Gnnr]

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0319/Sec30.HTM)

FL 319.30 5(c)

(c) This chapter does not apply to anyone who removes, possesses, or replaces a manufacturer's or state-assigned identification number plate, in the course of performing repairs on a vehicle, that require such removal or replacement. If the repair requires replacement of a vehicle part that contains the manufacturer's or state-assigned identification number plate, the manufacturer's or state-assigned identification number plate that is assigned to the vehicle being repaired will be installed on the replacement part. The manufacturer's or state-assigned identification number plate that was removed from this replacement part will be installed on the part that was removed from the vehicle being repaired.

Changing a damaged dashboard is a repair.

[Otto347]

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0319/Sec30.HTM)

FL 319.30 5(c)



Changing a damaged dashboard is a repair.Hells yeah! :trogdor::trogdor:

[aznpoopy]

florida obviously rocks. all other states, take notice.

otto, consider trying to dig up that old vin plate if you happened to toss it in a box or something. the statute still requires you to swap it over.

[NeedCAforS13]

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0319/Sec30.HTM)

FL 319.30 5(c)



Changing a damaged dashboard is a repair.

I knew it had to be something like that.

Contrary to popular belief, these laws weren't written to fuck you over. If you have a legitimate reason for changing it, it doesn't make sense to punish you for it.

[ericcastro]

wow. that does sound really fucked up.

yeah, just makes it harder to play by the book when they treat you like that.

florida obviously rocks. all other states, take notice.

Florida is like Austraila with cars, lol. Iv'e seen those ebay florida cars:ghey:
Although I loved Disneyworld, ;)

[aznpoopy]

I knew it had to be something like that.

Contrary to popular belief, these laws weren't written to fuck you over. If you have a legitimate reason for changing it, it doesn't make sense to punish you for it.

no, the laws weren't designed to fuck you over.

but in my studies and career, i've come across many instances where the legislature simply did not think of all the situations where the law would apply, and thereby 'catch' innocent people with a law that's over-broad.

as such, we don't have any such repair exception in new jersey. not because the legislature is evil, but probably because they forgot people might replace worn parts with vin numbers on them. and so our local got reamed up the ass. good thing his attorney pulled him out of the fire.

[Otto347]

otto, consider trying to dig up that old vin plate if you happened to toss it in a box or something. the statute still requires you to swap it over.Well only problem is that it went in a dumpster a month ago.....

If you have a legitimate reason for changing it, it doesn't make sense to punish you for it.Bingo, tell the judge if you get an asshole cop that takes it that far and youre good.

[aznpoopy]

Bingo, tell the judge if you get an asshole cop that takes it that far and youre good.

that's exactly what happened with our guy. after two court dates, impound and attorney (and all related fees). the law is obviously meant to catch people who are committing some kind of fraud. still sucks though; i really hope none of you ever have to go through it.

[hapa_s13]

So in Cali, what should you do? I dont wanna call CHP and just be like "Oh, I bought a car and noticed that it was missing a VIN on the dash, can I get a replacement one" cus I dont want it to seem as though the car was stolen.

Is there a proper way to ask?

[aznpoopy]

on the up and up; dig up the old broken dash, put it back on. dig up a receipt for new dash. call in.

on the down low; swap the VIN plate and kill anyone who knows you did.

[Brian]

Why not explain the situation?

If you have a valid reason, why would you be scared to explain it?

[hapa_s13]

ya see, bit of a problem...so when I was swapping the dash, I was in the neighbors parking spot. She came home, I was in a hurry to move the car, I put the VIN ontop of my roof without thinking, and yeah...After that, couldnt find it. I wandered up and down the street for like 30 min tryna find it..so iono if I should rock no vin..or kill everyone. Tough decesion.


Note* As I type this, CA DMV tells me I have a 10min wait for the next operator.

[aznpoopy]

i wouldn't admit anything. but i'm trained to think in worst case scenarios.

one option would be to tell them you bought the car with no dash from a private party. ask them what to do if you want to install a new dash with a different vin number on it.

[hapa_s13]

one option would be to tell them you bought the car with no dash from a private party. ask them what to do if you want to install a new dash with a different vin number on it.


I was thinking bout ^^^ that and the "dash repair" But I gave up on the DMV cus a magical voice keeps telling me to call back later, it'll be another 10 minutes on top of the 5 minutes I already waited :doh:

So hears a random thought my buddy just brought up. Couldn't you technically put your plate inside the car, on top of the VIN? I had that once and I got a fix it for that but when I think of it, the cop who signed me off just glanced to see that my plate was in the front.

My argument to this statement is that for a parking violation, youd be fine. But a moving one, the cops would stack the moving (i.e. speeding, wreckless driving) on top of the front plates not being properly mounted. So wouldn't (if at all) they ask you to move your plate so they could look at the vin, only to find out you have no plates? Then you would be like :eek3:. Im not too sure

Not to argue you with myself, but I wanna bring up more discussion

[racepar1]

Darn So Cal law enforcement is really hard on modified car owners/enthusiasts which is kind of nuts since that is like the best area in the US when it comes to anything car related.

What is so hard about this? You call the CHP, set-up an appointment, go get your sticker, done. That's it. If you have an SR then you swap the plate and take your chances. It's easy.

[marveluz]

I swapped dashboards off my totalled car before i junked her w/o bothering with the vin plates. Later took the car to get emmisions tested and just told them to get the vin number from the door jambs instead. no biggie, then again i live in washington...

[lflkajfj12123]

where is simba right now lol

The proper way here in illinois is to have the donor car be a salvage title that you own and someone who is certified has to swap the parts and keep a record (like how a junkyard is). You wont need to remove the vin but just need to be able to produce proof that you own both vins.

Anyways on to the story.

So as you all know bought another car got some work done to it, part of that work being a cage. So car is done and I am like 2 hours from TougeFactory and I drive it back. First problem that I knew of is that the car is not registered, but my other car still is registered and insured, but its the same car insurance doesnt say anything about hatch or coupe, just says purple 240sx. I just figured I have never had a cop verify vins. But anyways I am about 3 minutes from my destination nobody has bugged me except a few kids trying to race me, and I pull up to make a right and there is a cop at the light waiting to turn, all he sees is my intercooler, I turn, and he busts a u turn pulls me over.

He comes up to me, seems nice, kinda chuckles while telling me I shouldn't driving this thing like this (in a funny way), I explain its in the middle of some things and tell him I work at a body kit company, etc. Then he just asks for license and registration says he just has to check things and he will write me a warning, then takes a quick walk around the car and turns around and looks at me and see my vin plate cut and bent in the air. Now it was cut because the cage was in the way and he only noticed it because it was bent up. So then he asks me why its cut, and I tell him, and then tells me its a felony to cut the tag, and its also a felony to remove the rivet. Then he proceeds to tell me to get out of the car asks me if I have been arrested before, I say no, he cuffs me puts me in the squad car.

Then he is just looking at my car, checks the door vin, compares it to the vin on the insurance, its different because the insurance is for the hatch. Then he tells me that the door and the dash dont match, and there is not much I can say because I don't know if the door is from this car. But I dont know how he can figure they dont match when he doesn't have the full vin on the dash. I find out from the owner of the car that the dash and the door should all match, so the cop was just lying to me. He then tells me about the felonies and how in worst case scenario it could be something liek 10 years, I assume that is if the car was stolen. But at this point he is making it seem like I am definitely going to charged with 2 counts of felonies, both being big making it a class 4 or something like that.

So then another cop comes, younger guy, this guy is a complete dick. He comes over and starts making fun of me and my situation to the other cop as if I couldnt hear anything. He then starts saying they could get me on more tickets this one time than most cops can get in two weeks. So he says I should get a ticket for no front bumper, then another one for no front plate, then one for my front tires being shot (it was bald but still grips), then he wanted to get me one for unsafe car because the thing in front of my car was too low (my front mount), then he says I probably wasn't wearing my seat belt (keep in mind he showed up when I was already cuffed), then he says my turn signals and tail lights probably don't work (origin crystal tails, they work), then he says exhaust looks loud, and just keeps going over a bunch of stupid shit, in the end the cop only gave me like 4 tickets.

So the tow truck guy shows up first thing that comes out of his mouth is I hit the jackpot this time, it comes with a spare wheel, my 18x11 equip was in the passenger seat... They tow it away leave most of all my stuff in there, all I get is my keys and phone and wallet. So they take me away and tell me my bond is 2000 and I need 200 to get out on bail, I had almost all of it, so eric had to come get me.

So I get to go to jail, well I just went to holding cell where he got my story. I let him know everything that was going on, and he then calls the owner of the car to get the stories straight, my story matches his. Then the person that put the cage in calls and tells the cop he did it. He also tells the cop that he had asked his local police if cutting the vin was fine, and they said it was fine, but the cop says he should have asked a state trooper. So they basically tell the guy who did my cage that in order to swap car parts (especially doors and dashes or whatever has vins on it), he has to be a legal rebuilder which I soon found it will probably cost him 5 or so thousand in the end. Anyways so he now knows all my stories and he tells me that the states auto theft unit has to come and look at the car and make sure its not stolen. Check the vin tags etc, once they see it and clear it then they will have to retag it. Then when that is done I can pay to get my car out, but while it sits I have to pay for storage, and he says it might take a while. So they let me out after eric paid the remaining money and tell me that I have go to court for the final verdicts.

So I call my lawyer and he tells me this whole thing is really not that big of a deal, says he can get them to throw away most charges and that my court date is in a misdemeanor court room so thats one good sign. He also says he has had someone have their car taken away and from the sound of it, it was not a big deal. This lawyer deals with dumb kids like me all the time.

So as of now I have no car, I am one wheel short, I have a stack of tickets, and a court date.

Oh and eric your dash has no vin on it according to jon...

[handinpants]

I haven't even swapped in my hud dash til I figure how to do it cleanly and legitly. Better be safe then sorry, you should try the sandwiches when you're waiting to get booked into county, let me know if they still taste funny

[wickedjester]

lol my new dash didnt have one on it and i keep my old one in my glove box lol

[drift_student]

Why are you guys STILL swapping dashes?

Seriously, get a Coverlay dash cover:

88-93 Nissan 240SX 10-890 (http://www.coverlaymfg.com/index.php?crn=217&rn=497&action=show_detail)

They look way better than stock dashes, they will never crack, and you can pick almost any color you want. The best part is that they cost about the same as an average condition dash replacement. There is a hole for the vin plate and everything.

I've had one for about 8 months now and it survived a Texas summer and winter.

GET ONE!!!!

[DDDsquad_s13panda]

just put your Fkin old vin and call it a day. its a 5 min job to swap out vin #'s

1. you dont get hassled but the cops just incase they decide to check your vin on you dash.
2. this thread will be done and over with
3. youd be legal ANYWHERE!.

done and done

[MrFairlady]

well Weird then.
I bought a 90 Hatch w/ No Dash (no wiring,no nothing) and have a Dash from my old COupe (HUD) that I can maybe get the vin for but Whats the mean?wrong VIN for Wrong car = def Trouble?
I completly Stripped my coupe and put all the wiring etc,etc In this hatch for the most part but NEVER had the Orig Dash.

Is this a Cali thing or even in N.C I'm looking at getting in Trouble?Car is gonna be a race car but even the Vin Sticker on the Driver door area is Half there and some Gone?? Does that mean this car is totalled/salvage title?I will Be registering it soon once its running and have the Title for it that was Clear - just Had no motor so it hasn't RUn in like 5 years.

[racepar1]

well Weird then.
I bought a 90 Hatch w/ No Dash (no wiring,no nothing) and have a Dash from my old COupe (HUD) that I can maybe get the vin for but Whats the mean?wrong VIN for Wrong car = def Trouble?
I completly Stripped my coupe and put all the wiring etc,etc In this hatch for the most part but NEVER had the Orig Dash.

Is this a Cali thing or even in N.C I'm looking at getting in Trouble?Car is gonna be a race car but even the Vin Sticker on the Driver door area is Half there and some Gone?? Does that mean this car is totalled/salvage title?I will Be registering it soon once its running and have the Title for it that was Clear - just Had no motor so it hasn't RUn in like 5 years.

Why don't you take the 10-20 minutes it takes to call your state DMV rather then asking a bunch of idiots on the internet? Does that make too much sense or are you really just that damn lazy?


:mepoke:

[ThatGuy]

I'm in NC, get it taken care of.

[singlecamslam]

man my car came with no vin on the dash because it was replaced. Time to phone the DMV,

[racepar1]

man my car came with no vin on the dash because it was replaced. Time to phone the DMV,

You haven't been paying attention have you. You have to call the CHP, NOT the DMV. I know this for a FACT because I called the DMV myself.

[hatboyfox]

switch it to your original vin
when my car was stolen the car jackers only left the dash vin, which wasnt my original vin
so they said it was some one elses car, and pick and pull fought to keep my shell

switch it to yours trust me it will save alot of work in the long run

[ixfxi]

guys......................

nissan dealerships can special order replacement vin stickers, plates and dash vins in case yours get damaged.

just an FYI...

[racepar1]

guys......................

nissan dealerships can special order replacement vin stickers, plates and dash vins in case yours get damaged.

just an FYI...

YAY! I didn't know that! I'm gunna order one.



EDIT: I just called my nissan dealership and the parts guy said he was going to have to call someone on monday to see if you can order them. I'll let everyone know the answer on monday.

[ericcastro]

guys......................

nissan dealerships can special order replacement vin stickers, plates and dash vins in case yours get damaged.

just an FYI...

good looking!!

[NISMO_tuner]

guys......................

nissan dealerships can special order replacement vin stickers, plates and dash vins in case yours get damaged.

just an FYI...

thats great!! my doorjamb sticker got damaged when it was in paint and now im rolling with no vin numbers on there. its time to hit up my local NISSAN dealer. thanks for the info

[drift freaq]

guys......................

nissan dealerships can special order replacement vin stickers, plates and dash vins in case yours get damaged.

just an FYI...

I know what I am doing when I get home next week. :D

[Gnnr]

guys......................

nissan dealerships can special order replacement vin stickers, plates and dash vins in case yours get damaged.

just an FYI...

Do they ask for any verification? (I hope so)

[Otto347]

Do they ask for any verification? (I hope so)I would imagine same as getting keys cut from the vin, proof of registration.

Thanks ixfxi!

[ixfxi]

damn i cant believe so many of you guys actually appreciate that tiny tid-bit... i started to wonder if people actually read my anger-ridden posts.. but i guess my words are not in vein. awesome.

i've had my vin plate, sticker, and dash plate on order for near 6 months.. not sure what the holdup is.. but not like i give a fuck, my car is still undergoing restoration and wont be done till 2091.

but yes, they are available and i had mine ordered long ago. i do agree with everyone else on the forum here though, vin-related shit is NOT to be played with. if you swap a dash, be prepared to swap your vin plate and everything else associated with that. when i repainted my shell, i masked off the vin and then clearcoated over the entire thing. i've said it a million times, if you're going to modify things do it the right way - otherwise leave it stock. theres a reason why we "street racing hoodlums" are treated like assholes, because more often than not there are guys doing stupid shit in the community. it gets hard for non-car folk to separate piss from the shit.

[MrFairlady]

Why don't you take the 10-20 minutes (are you Serious???) it takes to call your state DMV rather then asking a bunch of idiots on the internet? Does that make too much sense or are you really just that damn lazy?


:mepoke:
All I'm saying is Everyone in Cali seems to get pulled over/ticketed for just having a Fucking Bumper Sticker or the wrong Air freshner hanging on their Mirror,and Here in N.C my Old Supra,w/ a 4" exhaust,Blaring in a cops face and Spitting Straight OZONE Layer at them (many times) hasn't been in trouble for Shit.wondering if its evern worth the time to do so.
We all Know cali is on Lock down for any type of Car modifications and so on.
I just don't have 30mins to an Hour right now to stay on Hold while those assholes wait to Take my call.

[waynehead05]

if you get pulled over and the vin does not match you get in a lot of trouble

Stress the word lot

Leave the junkyard vin on, get pulled over. While you're car is impounded, you can decide if the 5 minutes it would have taken to drill the old rivets and pop on two new ones would have been worth it.

Ding ding ding

u have got too be one of the dumbest people on the face of the earth ..u can not be serious ...get a drill , get a 1/8 of a inch drill bit ...drill out the rivits on ur old dash ...do the same too the new one ..go to home depot and but some drop ceiling rivits (cheap) and a rivit gun...put ur vin on the new dash and use the rivits ..c'mon i cant even belive u asked that question..do it the right way ..save your-self alot of hassle from the cops ...

Dude... you don't have to be an ass about the reply.

When in doubt...

call the department or agency that handles vehicle registrations in your area. They should be able to tell you what the proper procedure for this type of situation is.


Ding ding ding

[usdm180sx]

Just swapped my dash. Popping the rivets to secure the VIN plate to my new dash was the most fun part :D

[David B S12]

what if your car doesnt have a dashboard? lol.. like mine.. its a piece of metal

[usdm180sx]

Ask ixfxi he used to rock his car with no dash I remember that shit Mike haha good times!

[98s14inaz]

Definitely put your original vin plate on your new dash, paint the rivets black too. If you do not do this a ) you will get in trouble, b ) the next person that register's your car (at least in az) gets to register it as a "re-manufactured" vehicle with a new az vin number. I have one of these vehicles and it gives me sort of a loop hole with the whole sr thing in case they ever start cracking down on them here in AZ.

[DALAZ_68]

dare i ask how does that give u a loop hole? Definitely put your original vin plate on your new dash, paint the rivets black too. If you do not do this a ) you will get in trouble, b ) the next person that register's your car (at least in az) gets to register it as a "re-manufactured" vehicle with a new az vin number. I have one of these vehicles and it gives me sort of a loop hole with the whole sr thing in case they ever start cracking down on them here in AZ.

[landins13]

i want to poop on this thread, when you swapp your dash get a ford probe vin and put that on there. its bout as good of an idea as not swapping the vin plate with the correct one.

[Black240Ct]

i didnt swap vins. dont know what i was thinking
got pulled over
cop ran my dash vin and the cars vin.
'luckly' the dash vin wasn't reported ask stolen and he didnt care

[Fonix36]

fuck that my shit looks ghetto as fuck but my vin is there its all bent and shit but still holding on

[Ghost240]

Takes like 5 mins.

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/29102/2787217430086500251S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/44191/2711341330086500251S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/45250/2317500420086500251S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/42777/2989177580086500251S500x500Q85.jpg

[aznpoopy]

pictures forwarded to pennsylvania state police.

just kidding.

but yeah, you shouldn't go around posting that shit.
Seizure of vehicles with removed or falsified numbers - 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7105 - Pennsylvania Attorney Resources - Pennsylvania Laws (http://law.onecle.com/pennsylvania/vehicles/00.071.005.000.html)

[SlideWell]

id rather swap out my vin than risk getting my car impounded for 20 days like last time cuz the police thought it was stolen.

[Ghost240]

pictures forwarded to pennsylvania state police.

just kidding.

but yeah, you shouldn't go around posting that shit.
Seizure of vehicles with removed or falsified numbers - 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7105 - Pennsylvania Attorney Resources - Pennsylvania Laws (http://law.onecle.com/pennsylvania/vehicles/00.071.005.000.html)


Its fine as long as I have receipts of the items being purchased. And I do, its gotta get inspected so I can get my R title.

[aznpoopy]

doing it properly and keeping the documentation intact. i think my mind has been blown.

[BustedS13]

i got pulled over with the dash vin missing (had forgotten to put it on) and the doorjamb one painted over. dude didn't care, just told me to put the dash one back on, gave me my speeding ticket, sent me on my way.

just change it. all this fearmongering about "tampering"... they're not talking about this.

[zenki.life]

i got pulled over with the dash vin missing (had forgotten to put it on) and the doorjamb one painted over. dude didn't care, just told me to put the dash one back on, gave me my speeding ticket, sent me on my way.

just change it. all this fearmongering about "tampering"... they're not talking about this.

cops can be pretty gay sometimes though. especially especially especially(yes three times for emphasis) when the county is low on funds.

[240esux]

What if you just rip the cars vin off the old dash and glue it over the the vin of the new dash?

Why in the fuck would you do that??? if the dash is out then put your old vin on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DONE!!!!!!!:down::duh::keke::ghey::tweak:

[S14_Kouki]

i changed my vin and i did it the right way

[BustedS13]

cops can be pretty gay sometimes though. especially especially especially(yes three times for emphasis) when the county is low on funds.

but if you swap out the vin plate in the comfort of your own home, how could they POSSIBLY figure out that you've swapped vins? and why would they question it if the vin matches the other vins on the vehicle? it makes no sense at all.

[aznpoopy]

original rivets and such. some states have special rivets for vin plates, and, as a result, some states make it a crime just to sell said rivets.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb222/Z15_34396/vin_rivets.jpg

i know that this forum is just a bunch of 100% innocent silly kids restoring junky cars. and i really doubt a cop would be like, "a-ha, non-original rivets!" but you guys also need to remember there is alot of fraud out there associated with vin tampering (cloning, rebadging stolen cars, etc), and the precautions you should take to keep yourself out of trouble will depend on where you live.

[BustedS13]

you can easily cut the backs off the vin rivets and then epoxy the whole thing in place.

this thread is ridiculous fearmongering. you all need to stop being pussies.

the absolute worst case scenario involves you saying "i bought it that way". seriously. fuck.

[aznpoopy]

then go ahead and do that man. you are welcome to do whatever you want.

personally, i really don't see the point of risking all that trouble when it's super easy to fix, legitimately or not. i'm not saying you'll automatically be fucked and your car impounded anywhere in the US. i'm just saying people should be aware, and do whatever they are going to do intelligently.

[wayneSR20]

i kno this is a old tread but i went through it i got arressted these nyc pigs dnt care, they wanted to have me on a federal case for swaping ma own dash. both cars where mine jus one was crash and i had both plates in ma ash tray.

[wayneSR20]

this asshole cop did and said the same shit to me here in ny the jus lookin to get every 1 i told him i never got arrested he said first time for everything buddy. dumb me i had the front bumper off wit a big ass intercooler and no dash vin plate on(in the glove box chillin)

[saleaf]

i bought my car with a replacement dash installed already and the mix matched vins.... i haven't had any problems yet. but this is something i never even though twice about. even though this is an old thread, its still a helpful reminder. better safe than sorry. i will be contacting the CHP soon to keep it legit.

P.S. never admit guilt. unless you like going to jail .....

[miravete]

i bought my car with a replacement dash installed already and the mix matched vins.... i haven't had any problems yet. but this is something i never even though twice about. even though this is an old thread, its still a helpful reminder. better safe than sorry. i will be contacting the CHP soon to keep it legit.

P.S. never admit guilt. unless you like going to jail .....

having mix-matched VIN's is enough motive for a cop to impound your car.

best bet is, remove the vin (one that doesnt match your car), call chp and tell them you bought the car, and the previous owner swapped out dash's and you no longer have the original vin.

chp will inspect your car, and they will blue tag your car. (blue tag is a "blue tag" that is riveted to the side of the door that contains the vehicles vin and special case number.

special case number is in file with chp that indicates that your car is missing a vin :)

and then you can rock your dash with no vin :bigok:

oh, and if you guys forgot, rivets are special. by that i mean each motor company uses a different type/color/size of rivet. so trained ref. officers can detect "false" rivets.

aaaand on a side note,

if you grab the dash, and push the rivets from the bottom using something that is the same size as the rivet bottom, they slide out :fawk:
(thats if youre buying a dash from the junkyard only :ddog:)

[Gizmo_S13]

I bought my car with mix matched vins on the dash I told the previous owner about it and he said he didn't even notice that the vins didn't match so I ran them both and no problems. DEFINITELY gonna clear this up with CHP this coming week and see if I can get blue tag.

[miravete]

I bought my car with mix matched vins on the dash I told the previous owner about it and he said he didn't even notice that the vins didn't match so I ran them both and no problems. DEFINITELY gonna clear this up with CHP this coming week and see if I can get blue tag.

DEFINITELY do.

and post your experience :snoop:

[dued]

Bumping this up. Anyone in California go through the blue tag process lately? I just called & the CHP has to remove the old vin apparently.

[dued]

Alright, I figured it out. Just use a soldering iron to press out the original rivets from your old dash & place it into the new dash. All you have to do is heat up the rivet from the back side & push up, it pops right out in about 1 min of heating. To place into the new dash, re-use the soldering iron to widen the rivet holes, then press the VIN into place.


No drilling, OEM Rivets, Easy.

[PlumCrazyCoupe]

this shit is serious. like seriously serious.

here in NJ, merely tampering with the VIN plate = felony = up to 4 years in prison + never get a decent job again. the statute doesn't give a flying fuck if you own both the new dash and the car legitimately. you are not allowed to tamper with VIN plates, PERIOD. if you get caught you will be at the minimum out alot of money, and at the maximum fairly fucked for a long ass time.

local got totally owned by this. cost him about $2k to hire a lawyer and pay all fees to get it all cleared up .

i highly suggest you guys get it done properly, especially considering how easy it sounds. the proper method, btw, is definitely NOT swapping the vin plates.

proper way for you cali dudes:
http://zilvia.net/f/1941110-post37.html

This same rule absolutely applies in AZ as well. Seen many a Honda (Mostly RHD's) get impounded and some even destroyed because of this. Here it is actually mandatory that the MVD/DMV does it for you and documents it. Just sayin'

[Zapiel]

I'm in California and last month, I swapped my cracked dash with a non-cracked dash on my s13. I bought the dash from Pick-N-Pull and lost the receipt (I paid with my debit card if that makes a difference). I also forgot to switch the VIN off my old dash (bummer!). Nonetheless, I no longer have the old dash.

How will I go from here when talking to DMV/CHP? I bought this car as a project and haven't smogged it yet either.

I was thinking about going back to Pick-N-Pull and buying a cheap dash from a crappy car, just so they will print out a receipt for me. And then use that receipt as a proof of purchase. What do you guys think?

I hope there is still hope.

Thanks

[420sx]

i have never seen cops bother check the vin, that one we did get stopped he just asked and i told him i just swapped the dashes. there is more than 1 spot on the car with the vin.... this thread is ridiculous

[420sx]

oh wait y'all are in shitty ass california. dang, my bad. yes you need to get your vin right

[srvnt]

You have plates under the hood, and in the door jamb. If those match your registration, duh... Dash vins are just for convenience, and no cops are that stupid in Ca. to care or waste their time.

[GhostlyCoupe]

<3 my coverlay . No VIN swapping needed.

I live in Phoenix, hoping a 20 year old used dash won't crack is a hopeless cause.

[Mitsubayati]

This really does suck for those that bought a car without the original dash vin who have modified engines/cars that would get police officers questioning.

[KiLLeR2001]

No VIN plate on my dash. 5 years never had a problem... "Sorry officer but I purchased the car like that."

:dealwithit:

[Robby90]

Old thread is old, but Damn. I've gotten pulled over twice since I've swapped my dash.. m
Nothing was even mentioned about the vins, gotta take care of that this week I guess.

[2muchboost]

I did the same thing....got a new dash and forgot to transfer vin plate haha. I keep all receipts for things that I buy in the glove box to prove it was purchased and not stolen. My excuse for not having one would be that "I bought the car without one".

Hope that works....if not I have all documentation to prove it was purchased including credit card transactions.

[My1st240sx]

this just happened to me ...

parking enforcement driving down my block for street sweeping and noticed i didnt have my tags on my plates ( i know stupid stupid stupid ) i forgot to put them on when i messed around with my interior. anyways they ran the plates on the car n ran the vin on dash. they didnt match because i replaced my dash from one i bought at a junk yard. cops called tow company to tow car away and my wife heard the alarm go off as they tried to open the car. i was at work at the time n came home as fast as i could. my wife tried to stall the tow company n the cops so i can get there in time. the watch commander was there waiting for me n explained to me that since my plates dont match the vin on the dash its some law that they have to impound the car. i CALMLY explained to the watch commander that i bought the dash at a junk yard n had a complete brain fart about the vin on the dash. i also asked what about my other vins ( firewall door etc) he said it doesnt matter as long as 1 doesnt match they have to impound the car. this happened on black friday and i tried getting car out on monday. i was told by watch commander to go to chp and have them do a blue tag on the car. chp can only do a blue tag if the car is present. also chp doesnt do vin inspections without an appointment and only tues-thurs. chp said go to dmv and get paperwork started for when i do get appointment. went to dmv and the told me they cant do anything with out chp signing off on new vin and they also need to car. so i tired the tow yard next n was informed at tow yard i need a release from chp. again back to chp n this time they informed me that the law enforcement agency that impounded the car is only one that can release the car. i contacted police department n was referred to a traffic investigator. my good luck continued then was told the traffic investigator is at a trial to call back on wed. ugh! wed i call 9 am n investigator says to meet him before noon. i arrive at police department n the investigator is busy with the trial he is on n has another officer to help me . i explain what happened n the huge run around im getting . he is able to get the investigator to release the car n drop some storage fees n other fees. i ended paying administration fee, tow fee n 1 day of storage. on top of missing 2 days off work plus i still gotta get vin switched out plus tow company busted my muffler on a dip.

the officer explained to me even though the vin isnt coming back stolen or anything bad , it doesnt match the plates on the car. he understands that i didnt intentionally change vin number to mislead them but that fact is that i did change it. he also explained that if i was caught driving the car i wouldda be sent to jail no questions asked. even though not every officer checks the vin on the dash if they do check n they dont match it is up to the officer to decide what to do . the officer informed me i can still drive the car if i dare , but just cover it without looking like i covered it up or find the receipt from the junk yard. oh he also told me that anything with a vin number , if i bought it from the junk yard it is the junk yards responsibility to remove it.

i hope this helps anyone

[SuperSlydewayZ14]

this just happened to me ...

parking enforcement driving down my block for street sweeping and noticed i didnt have my tags on my plates ( i know stupid stupid stupid ) i forgot to put them on when i messed around with my interior. anyways they ran the plates on the car n ran the vin on dash. they didnt match because i replaced my dash from one i bought at a junk yard. cops called tow company to tow car away and my wife heard the alarm go off as they tried to open the car. i was at work at the time n came home as fast as i could. my wife tried to stall the tow company n the cops so i can get there in time. the watch commander was there waiting for me n explained to me that since my plates dont match the vin on the dash its some law that they have to impound the car. i CALMLY explained to the watch commander that i bought the dash at a junk yard n had a complete brain fart about the vin on the dash. i also asked what about my other vins ( firewall door etc) he said it doesnt matter as long as 1 doesnt match they have to impound the car. this happened on black friday and i tried getting car out on monday. i was told by watch commander to go to chp and have them do a blue tag on the car. chp can only do a blue tag if the car is present. also chp doesnt do vin inspections without an appointment and only tues-thurs. chp said go to dmv and get paperwork started for when i do get appointment. went to dmv and the told me they cant do anything with out chp signing off on new vin and they also need to car. so i tired the tow yard next n was informed at tow yard i need a release from chp. again back to chp n this time they informed me that the law enforcement agency that impounded the car is only one that can release the car. i contacted police department n was referred to a traffic investigator. my good luck continued then was told the traffic investigator is at a trial to call back on wed. ugh! wed i call 9 am n investigator says to meet him before noon. i arrive at police department n the investigator is busy with the trial he is on n has another officer to help me . i explain what happened n the huge run around im getting . he is able to get the investigator to release the car n drop some storage fees n other fees. i ended paying administration fee, tow fee n 1 day of storage. on top of missing 2 days off work plus i still gotta get vin switched out plus tow company busted my muffler on a dip.

the officer explained to me even though the vin isnt coming back stolen or anything bad , it doesnt match the plates on the car. he understands that i didnt intentionally change vin number to mislead them but that fact is that i did change it. he also explained that if i was caught driving the car i wouldda be sent to jail no questions asked. even though not every officer checks the vin on the dash if they do check n they dont match it is up to the officer to decide what to do . the officer informed me i can still drive the car if i dare , but just cover it without looking like i covered it up or find the receipt from the junk yard. oh he also told me that anything with a vin number , if i bought it from the junk yard it is the junk yards responsibility to remove it.

i hope this helps anyone

was actually just discussing this tonight at the shop...heard of impounding, chance of jail time and maybe even up to $2500 in fines. guess its up to the cop pulling you over...

[My1st240sx]

It is up to the cop from what I was told by the final officer helping me but also the way you come at the officer helps as well. I had a relaxed calm attitude with every officer I talked to. Ya I was pissed inside but that attitude helped in getting fines reduced. I still wanna get it taken care of so I have no idea if chp will charge me to blue tag the car or what dmv will chargee me to re resister the car with new vin

[Bushido]

holy shit that fucking sucks!!

you cali guys got it tough, i'd prob just ride the bus if i lived there.

[SuperSlydewayZ14]

holy shit that fucking sucks!!

you cali guys got it tough, i'd prob just ride the bus if i lived there.


you have no idea man.......LOL:rant2: