Cab swap legality

[Shields]

Hey all, this is my first post on this site as I was formerly a member of nastyz28. I traded my first car 80' camaro for an 83 Chevy c10 shorty that needs a cab and fenders I also have a 1976 c10 in good shape on a long box. What are the conflicting issues with me dropping the 76' cab and fenders on the 80' frame? I'm also located in BC, Canada.

 

[CSFJ]

You would need to find out what the rules are in your area regarding that. I know that down here, to be completely legit, I will need to get an assembled vehicle title. I know it's not uncommon to find trucks down here that are simply registered to whatever the cab originally was. I guess it would matter how the local law enforcement handles stuff like that up in your neck of the woods. There is a vin on top of the passenger side frame rail if the officers cared to crawl under with a mirror to try to see.

 

[smoothandlow84]

Most people swap the dash vin plate...now...is it legal....? better to check with your local department of motor vehicles.

 

[donmateo]

Swap the dash from the old one...that's how mine is. Registers just fine.

 

[smoothandlow84]

Mine too, but then again the op is in the great white North and their laws may vary.

 

[hatzie]

Not legal to swap vin plates. I believe it's a felony in most states.

 

[smoothandlow84]

Not legal to swap vin plates. I believe it's a felony in most states.

It is except when you have the legal blesing and a salvage/lost title to do so, followed by a vehicle inspection.

 

[1low4x4]

When I totaled my red 85 I bought an 84 k10. I lost the title and didn't want to go back into the process of filing so I took the dash vin plate from red and stuck it on the k10. and the license plates. No one the wiser

 

[smoothandlow84]

When I totaled my red 85 I bought an 84 k10. I lost the title and didn't want to go back into the process of filing so I took the dash vin plate from red and stuck it on the k10. and the license plates. No one the wiser

....except when they inspect it and find the correct vin number on the frame in the "hidden area" that most square owners know about. Some states perform inspections, some don't.

 

[CSFJ]

....except when they inspect it and find the correct vin number on the frame in the "hidden area" that most square owners know about. Some states perform inspections, some don't.

The one part of that I've always wondered about, is what do they do up in teh rust belt where the vin on the frame could be obscured or obliterated by corrosion?

 

[1low4x4]

lol im in texas. Inspection consists of blowing the horn, and making sure the brakes and lights work.

 

[yevgenievich]

With trucks getting older, frame swaps and cab swaps are common. The only reason inspecrion would raise a flag is if other vin is reported stolen

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I'm always very leery of mismatched VIN's, in fact, won't touch one without documentation for everything.

I've had TWO vehicles pulled from me when it came to light they were retagged. One had a lien, one was stolen.

I highly recomend to everyone that you find your local laws (Google), and follow them. Because the Michigan State Police did not care that "Mike from the internet" told me it was ok lol.

 

[donmateo]

I'm in WI, no emissions, no inspections. Just send them the $75 every year and that's all they ask. Everyone up here's frames probably got the VIN completely unreadable anyhow.

 

[yevgenievich]

I'm always very leery of mismatched VIN's, in fact, won't touch one without documentation for everything.

I've had TWO vehicles pulled from me when it came to light they were retagged. One had a lien, one was stolen.

I highly recomend to everyone that you find your local laws (Google), and follow them. Because the Michigan State Police did not care that "Mike from the internet" told me it was ok lol.

You happen to get the two reasons that they would care. I called the dmv office before to check on the status of a vin number. Always check before using different cab or frame. I see complete dash swap as acceptable if cab is trashed and simply needs new sheet metal.