Original vs Correct,, New Body Acceptable?

[MotownMadman]

The big question is: Is it acceptable in the collector car world to take a collector car that has the back half of the body extremely damaged by rust or previously cut up, to rebodie the car using the original frame and other componants? I have heard conflicting ideas on this and would like to get the opinions of the serious collectors on this site. Also, is it correct in thinking that an original car is just that, "original" with nothing removed or replaced, and a "correct" car is a car that has one or many major componants replaced with correct application and date coded parts? Lets here some thoughts on this. Thanks, Motown. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

No rebody is acceptable. I believe it is better to list the car as 'gone' rather than rebody it. If a major drivetrain item is replaced or restamped, it is no longer original drivetrain - aka; matching numbers. If an item is replaced with a properly dated, correct casting etc.... I guess you could call it 'Correct Drivetrain', but I'm not sure on that. This is subjective of course, some people are ok with switching bodies and hitting blocks, and I know it happens more times than most people are aware, but it's just not for me.

[MotownMadman]

Marlin, This is what I am looking for, honest opinions from knowledgable people in this field, by the way, I am working on both the Dik Watson Novas, the one I used to own and the Forrest Green one you told me about. I will let you know if I have any success in aquiring one or both. Thanks, Motown. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[copo9566aa]

Strange
But rebody car is <font color="blue">acceptable </font color> for me.
I have no problem with rebody (resurect)
I have more probleme with cloning. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif[/img]
Many many Musclecar is rebody. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[Stefano]

Tampering with a VIN,(removal,reinstalation without the approval, supervision and documentation by ,the appropriate regulatory authority, usually State Police)is a Felony.

Even "just" the posession of VIN securing Rosette Rivets is a Felony. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[MotownMadman]

Stefano, Devils advocate here, I tend to agree with you but as to your last post, how many first generation Camaros have had the rusted dash replaced with the VIN reattached with rivits available through Hemmings. Is every Camaro with a new dash supposed to be assigned a assemblers title because the VIN has been tampered with? Food for thought. Thanks, Motown. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

[Stefano]

That which is allowed by law and that which people may or may not do can be two completely different situations.

I have seen the rust repair of a dash as you mention handled by "supervision" and did not require a retitle or retag and all other Vins were also verified.

FYI, there was and is an ongoing "Sting" opperation where people are/were buying advertised illegal items. Some of these unsuspecting buyers have been arrested and convicted.

It is not Illegal however to purchase, change, make up Trim tags and info nor to posess and use the correct Rivets used on GM trim tags.

[Jeff H]

In my opinion, a re-body is no longer the same car. It is unacceptable. A car missing the original factory installed engine is not "original" drivetrain. An original engine, but replaced transmission I would consider "original" though. It is the engine that goes with the body that determines an original car. If the body is rusted out and you have to replace ever body panel, floors, trunk, etc., but the hidden VIN(s) is still in place and untouched then the car is original restored in my opinion. A car with a correct drivetrain is just that, a car with another drivetrain. A lot of classic car dealers will call a car with a correct drivetrain "matching numbers" when it isn't. That's done to enhance the value. A 69 Camaro X77 car with a DZ302 that doesn't match the VIN is not original, but it is as close as you can get, but it's not matching numbers. This is all obviously my opinion and I hate when someone misrepresents a car just to get me to come look at it.

[copo9566aa]

Full of felony in this world.
This is not a world for Kid. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]
a 71* A-Body Plymouth run in my town with a A-Body Dodge VIN
with no problem with the police. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
Street racing is illªgal but Musclecars was made for street racing. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/ooo.gif[/img]

[will]

I knew some one that had bought a wrecked 68 1/2 428cobrajet mustang,car was totaled.he cut the vins and surroung metal out and rewelded it to another car(Ithink vin was under the D.S.fender or something)I wonder what it makes that car out tobe ???