Question On rebody? 1973 Z-28

[beater68427]

I found a 1973 Z-28 white tan interior 4spd 3:73 car very complete running driving all numbers match original paint original hurst shifter and space saver with fill bottle, original wheels everything is there, Problem is this thing is rusty very very rusty I can get the car in the 3500.00 range I think, but the only way I would do this I think is a rebody, I know of a real clean rust free tub I can get for 800.00. Whats your opinions on this and is a 73 Z worth the effort???

[gb70]

I think so.

[TDW]

Would it be legal to do a rebody? If you are thinking about putting the VIN and trim Tag from the rusted one onto the good tub, I am pretty sure that isn't legal.

[beater68427]

[ QUOTE ]
Would it be legal to do a rebody? If you are thinking about putting the VIN and trim Tag from the rusted one onto the good tub, I am pretty sure that isn't legal.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point I have never done one before and was wondering, so I guess it is legal then to buy new quarters trunk floor body floor rockers rear frame rails dash cowl roof skin then switch the vin to the taiwan panels?? Thats what this car would need, or rebody? or is it just parts now?

[MosportGreen66]

You're honestly contemplating rebodying a '73 Z28?

[resto4u]

Keep in mind the diminished value of a rebody. 20-30 percent reduced value, or about equal to the knock recieved because of a rebuilt or salvage title. Full discloser if and when sold. Roger

[njsteve]

Don't bother. It's illegal to rebody. Is it worth looking over your shoulder for the rest of your life wondering if/when you'll get sued by some future purchaser and/or charged with felonies for swapping a VIN to a new shell and removing a VIN from the donor shell?

[Salvatore]

I am sure you can find yourself a real nice 1973 Z/28 for reasonable money. Not sure why anybody would even consider all that work/money for a 73 Z/28 or even a 69 Z/28 for that matter. Way to many of them out there IMO. Even if you did all that work yourself it would have to add up to double of what that car is worth.

[beater68427]

[ QUOTE ]
I am sure you can find yourself a real nice 1973 Z/28 for reasonable money. Not sure why anybody would even consider all that work/money for a 73 Z/28 or even a 69 Z/28 for that matter. Way to many of them out there IMO. Even if you did all that work yourself it would have to add up to double of what that car is worth.

[/ QUOTE ] I probably will pass on it, it has just been on my mind the last couple days and I like the fact that all the original stuff is there, but that is all it has going for it. I did a parts cost including the shell I know of and came up with 13k in the car done but that is not my time at all. I kinda like to work for .05 an hour it seems.... I think I better pass on this project!

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't bother. It's illegal to rebody. Is it worth looking over your shoulder for the rest of your life wondering if/when you'll get sued by some future purchaser and/or charged with felonies for swapping a VIN to a new shell and removing a VIN from the donor shell?

[/ QUOTE ]


Oh boy, this is a can of worms that is CONSTANTLY heatedly discuss on mopar sites. There is a difference between what SOME people consider ETHICS vs. LAW.

Let me say that what I am posting here is the LAW and not MY personal opinion.


Here is the link to the Federal law:
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/searc...11----000-.html

I have highlighted the areas that specifically show that it is not illegal in the regard we are referring to in the hobby.

(1) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration by a person specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection (unless such person knows that the vehicle or part involved is stolen).
(2) The persons referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection are—
(A) a motor vehicle scrap processor or a motor vehicle demolisher who complies with applicable State law with respect to such vehicle or part;
(B) a person who repairs such vehicle or part, if the removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration is reasonably necessary for the repair;
(C) a person who restores or replaces an identification number for such vehicle or part in accordance with applicable State law; and
(D) a person who removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters a decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act, if that person is the owner of the motor vehicle, or is authorized to remove, obliterate, tamper with or alter the decal or device by— (i) the owner or his authorized agent; (ii) applicable State or local law; or
(iii) regulations promulgated by the Attorney General to implement the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act

it is my understanding that some States have laws against it that do not spell out exceptions for the hobby. However, any links to individual State laws that have been sent to me I HAVE found a similar exception to the Fed. law.

The bottom line is, THE INTENT of the law. It is basically spelled out in the FEDERAL law. The law was created to thwart criminals trying to hide stolen vehicles, NOT the car hobby, restorations, lost V.I.N. of legal owners.

Futhermore, when Dynacorn first started offering complete bodies for 1969 Camaros this came up. Below is a copy and paste from their FAQ section addressing this.



Question: 2005/06/29

What about the VIN?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Answer: 2005/06/29

A Vehicle or Vessel Identification Number (VIN) is issued by a manufacturer or State Licensing authority. There are three ways for a vehicle to obtain a number.

1) An existing VIN on a vehicle that is titled in your name can be transferred to a repair part (as instructed by your State authority).
2) A number may be issued by your State to ID a custom built vehicle when it passes a safety and number verification inspection.
3) A licensed manufacturer issued a VIN when the vehicle (or vessel) is made and ready for delivery. This can only be issued when a "turn key" (completed) car, truck, boat or aircraft has been manufactured.


Many people are not aware that this happens all the time with wreck rebuilders when two cars are grafted togather and of course only ONE V.I.N. can be used.

With Mopars since they are unibodies the REAL question is, how much of a chunk of the original unibody with the V.I.N. attached has to remain to make a difference between a conventional restoration vs. a rebody. The V.I.N. plate is attached to the door on 67 back cars and on the dash panel on 68-up cars. BOTH of these items are bolt on items, so do you simply bolt THOSE items to a donor body and call it a conventional resto? It all boils down to what the owner can live with in their own minds.

Rebodys go on in the secret of individual garages simply because even though it is legal in the eyes of the Federal law it is still frowned upon by SOME of the hobby.