I would try to get title to the original(hidden) vin via the ababdoned vehicle route "someone left this vehicle in my field five years ago", or if you know anybody who owns an impound/auction tow yard, they can report the vehicle abandoned/impounded and get title/ownership for it via storage fees owed against it.
You have to get a bond ($500?) and the DMV contacts the last registered owner of the vehicle (by mail) and tells them where it is and how much is owed against it. If no one responds by a predetermind date then they issue you a title for the "abandond" vehicle.
but reserch the vin first and make sure it's clean.
then have the vin tag reproduced with the original vin number.
In my opinion not shady since you do own the car, just a little sneaky.
if it would make you feel beter, you can through away the "new" vin and let the car sit in your field for five years so it will all be on the up and up.
I have a feeling not everones gonna like my idea.
