VIN # not registering

[mytwoblues]

We've looked at this '69 Camaro SS to buy, but when we tried to look up the VIN, no online database could find any record of this car.  Called my car insurance company to get a quote on insurance, and they couldn't find any matching vehicles either.  The only place that found any information was our county sheriff's office, who could only tell us it hasn't been stolen.  What could be going on here?

VIN # 124379N643145

[ko-lek-tor]

It can be found on this site. Read up...and caveat empter
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=17731.msg161083#msg161083

[mytwoblues]

I guess I'm missing something big.  I cannot determine why this VIN will not show any records on any DMV site.  I've read through the explanation of codes, and am still confused.  Can anyone be more specific?  I didn't realize this research group was so cryptic.

[z28z11]

Not necessarily cryptic, but very cautious about giving explanations about specific certain details that cause the "caveat emptor" label, or "let the buyer beware", so as not to give any additional help to anyone who might be misrepresenting a car.  We have many good detectives associated with the CRG, very observant and experienced people. 

Concerning early VIN's, the 13 character VIN's of 1st generation cars have, to me, always been difficult to trace compared to later 17 character VIN's - Google has been better at looking the cars up, and then only occasionally. The stolen car database that law enforcement uses will determine just that; Federal Privacy laws govern everything else. Problem has been here for years, one of the reasons why so many misrepresentations are out there, and why we comment on them.

Regards,
Steve

[william]

I researched many COPO VINs back in the '80s. No easy way to do that even back then as there was no uniform state title/registration procedure in those days. Even the Feds had no easy way to do it; some states didn't issue titles [NY] some states registered cars by county [AL]. You had to know the state or county the car was in. If you knew that, for a small fee they would provide the owner of record. That was no guarantee of anything as the car could have been junked w/o title, sold and on an open title, or left the state. There is a Federal MSO registry that logged the state a car was originally registered in, somewhat useless after 50 years.

Also, a title search is different from a registration search. Unregistered cars drop off the file after several years.

The only inquiry an insurance company does is check for a stolen car. There is no way a private individual can research a VIN across 50 states; there are 236 million cars registered in the US. That the VIN isn't showing up is not a red flag.

Be sure to read the post about this car. It has a repro body tag which will affect future value and salability.

[mytwoblues]

Thank you for those last two posts.  That helps a bit.  I'm wanting a 69 Camaro that will be in my life until I die. We are trying to do as much research as possible before buying.  It seems every one is buyer beware. We're doing the best we can, with a little help from our friends here.

[69Z28-RS]

Where the 'false tags' come into play (mostly) is IF you are looking to PAY $$ for collectibility.  People fake the tags in order to *fool* someone into paying for a 'false' history/origin of the car.

OTOH, IF you're looking to buy a car to enjoy, then look past the sellers trying to sell you a 'story/history/etc', and just buy/pay for the car and it's parts...  Then it doesn't matter what the cowl tag says or doesn't say, nor what the seller says...

[Stingr69]

Fake tag cars are worth less than the real ones when it comes time to buy and sell.  That is the risk. 

[67conv6cyl]

It’s my opinion that if someone’s willing to go through the trouble to change trim tag...they most likely would re-stamp block, fake paper work and do what ever it takes to make the car something that it is not.

[BULLITT65]

It’s my opinion that if someone’s willing to go through the trouble to change trim tag...they most likely would re-stamp block, fake paper work and do what ever it takes to make the car something that it is not.

I agree. But as stated most of the cars this is done with is a special car (ex: SS, Z/28, Pace car, ) I think there are still many honest cars out there.
The problem I think is the sellers.
Do as much research as you can, and educate yourself about the cars. I would highly recommend to post a VIN, or website link to any car your interested in on this thread, and many guys can help you out and steer you in the right direction. Bentley & William or gave a good heads up on this one.

[william]

Most sellers are honest. There are many ads that mention or show paint flaws or other defects. But ignorance is bliss; sellers are not usually knowledgeable enough to know their car has an incorrect part or two. Always get other opinions. A bud just looked at an LS-6 Chevelle nearby, sitting for about 30 years. He wisely involved others and decided to pass on the opportunity. Not a bad car, just didn't add up.

I only log cars with a VIN listed; just over 1,800 in 3 years. Of those, 136 earned a spot on Caveat Emptor; less than 8%.

[Kelley W King]

Some people used to and maybe still do transfer a cars papers to states without titles then wait awhile and reregister them in title states for various (not good) reasons.

[rich69rs]

Some people used to and maybe still do transfer a cars papers to states without titles then wait awhile and reregister them in title states for various (not good) reasons.

This may only apply in Nevada, and the law may have changed in the last 10 years, but in 2001 when I moved out here Nevada only required me to register my 69 with DMV.  I was not required to obtain a Nevada title.  So from June 2001 to about 6 years ago my ride had a Louisiana title but was registered in  Nevada with Nevada plates.  I finally decided that I wanted it titled in Nevada as well and did so.

Richard