What do you do?

[RareSS]

I know this is a big topic under debate going on in here, but I am torn as what to do.
Situation:
I have access to an actual 69 Z-28 Camaro that is a super nice shell! It is perfect for restoring! Sheet metal is perfect!
The problem:
Both the original plates have been removed and supposedly put on another 69 Camaro (I think it has the original 302 engine out of this Camaro!)that has been restored and is in another part of the state! There is still a replacement VIN tag issued by the state that matches all the VIN stamped numbers that are still on the shell and frames.
Outcome:
Do I buy it and ask the state to reissue me the title to match the original VIN and let someone else take a fall for swapping the VIN plates? This shell is super clean! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[YenkoChevelle69]

I'd probably just pass, and not get involved at all.

Just my opinion.

[RareSS]

I would really like to hear some of your opinions on this.

[L89DRMR]

Hi.

There are many other better candidates out there. I personally would not get involved with any car involved in the scenario which you describe. Don't let the fact of this being an excellent starting point due to the nice condition of the shell cause you to think that you can't pass it up. Good luck to you.

Dave

[JQ]

I personally would look for another car or project,any time Vin's and trim tag's have been switched question marks will arise. I think in the long run you would be saving yourself from a big headache.... JQ.

[RamAirDave]

I agree with what has been said. Anytime you get into vin/tag swaps, the car will always be in question. If its a good, clean shell, then it might not be a bad candidate to build as a driver or g car, with #s not being important. Just dont pay Z money for it or expect Z money when its done.

Just a quick question: Was that car pulled out of Ark? Asking because I know of one around here that just surfaced, and has a similar scenario.

dave

[12bolt]

Run from this, do not walk away, But RUN!! too much effort to put into something that will ultimately be a bummer of a situation for the guy who unknowingly has bought the other car or is driving it. do you really want that Karma hanging over your head?? If you want to make a Drag Car thats one thing. My real question here now is if it is such a sweet car, why were the plates switched?? That usuall only occurs with wrecks or Rust buckets???????

[RareSS]

The Camaro has been here in Texas a long time according to the owner.
The other guy supposedly had bought his Camaro new, but it was a plain Jane and he wanted to keep it but make it the Z-Camaro later, so he bought the parts out of this one and left the shell. Dunno for sure, just the story I was told.
If I got it, it was just to restore back to a super nice Z-car non-matching #'s. Bead blasting the body, primered and painted, and start bolting on parts is what it would take to finish it. It would be like rebuilding one of the new "repop" shells!
Thanks for the replies. It is just hard to "walk away" from such a nice shell.

[MosportGreen66]

[ QUOTE ]
Run from this, do not walk away, But RUN!! too much effort to put into something that will ultimately be a bummer of a situation for the guy who unknowingly has bought the other car or is driving it. do you really want that Karma hanging over your head?? If you want to make a Drag Car thats one thing. My real question here now is if it is such a sweet car, why were the plates switched?? That usuall only occurs with wrecks or Rust buckets???????

[/ QUOTE ]

took the words out of my mouth!

[Jeff H]

First question would be, "how will you get a title for it"? Second question "will you be happy with it even if it gets a state issued VIN knowing it might make it difficult to sell in the future". I would also wonder if the current owner is legally the owner of the shell if the other person bought the VIN and trim tag and title then they really own the shell as well. Picture yourself going into DMV and saying "I need a title to this car I purchased" and you give them the full VIN. They tell you it's registered and titled to someone else so how did you get the car? I would ask a lot of questions at DMV and the state police before I spent a penny on the car. If they can issue a new title and VIN and you're comfortable with that, then it's like building one of the new shells like you menitioned. I'd still be interested to hear from one of the guys with a lawyer background.

[370454s]

Yes I think I would walk away from that Camaro. Are you sure that it did not come from Arkansas? Is it a Lemans Blue 69 Z-28?
Mike Bond

[olredalert]

-----The 1st post stated that the car already had a state assigned # on it, therefore I will assume it already has a title. That state ass. # will always be hanging over its head if you are considering a resto of any quality. Now, if you were looking at building a pro-touring or pro-street style car Id say go for it, as you will be rewarded with a great car and few will care what tag is evident. It appears as though the state of Texas has already made this a "legal" car, but the state of Texas can never make it a correct car. JMHO!!!.........Bill S

[Canucklehead]

I would say if your making a modern car go for it, but if you plan on making it look original walk away.