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I understand that there is a federal law that says if the original vin # is removed for any reason you have to file for a state assigned #. You can get into big trouble if you change it. At least that is the legal answer I recieved here in OKla.
Changing a vin #, even onto a new part is against the law. There are bound to be some big problems arrise over this one.
Someone is bound to screw it up for everyone trying to scam someone out of thier hard earned money.
Pantera
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No it's not illegal. The replacement body is considered a repair part similar to a quarter panel or full floor section.
Reference USC title 18 section 511 sub section (b)(1)
"(b)(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 ( <font color="red"> unless such person knows that the vehicle or part involved is stolen</font>).
(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;
<font color="red"> (B) a person who repairs such vehicle or part, if the removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration is reasonably necessary for the repair;</font>
(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) <font color="red"> the owner or his authorized agent; </font>
(ii) applicable State or local law; or
(iii) regulations promulgated by the Attorney General to implement the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act.
http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/f...%28%29%20%20%2
Good discussion (one of many) took place on this subject on Camaros.net just about a year ago.
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=54260