Erich
You do not describe what your registration says your VIN is vs what is
on the cowl plate. For instance, my actual factory VIN, on the cowl is
B9472289. The registration papers said 66B9472289. There is an obvious
discrepancy. It is partially explained by the fact that in 1966 US cars
had the year code, or numbers, as part of the factory VIN, but the
imports did not.
Some wise ass decided to correct that "error" by issuing a registration
that does NOT coincide with the actual VIN. When I went to transfer
title I spoke to the inspecting officer and pointed out the discrepancy.
I also had The Book of Norman with me, showing my car was built in Feb.
1965, so was obviously not a '66 model, as the registration also stated.
At that time this was important, as the cut-off on smog inspection was
pre-'66, and the only smog equipment on the car was a PCV valve.
The officer was a large woman, who carefully looked at the VIN plate,
and noted it's originality, looked at TBN, and made the change on the
new registration papers to the plate VIN and the '65 year model.
The line inside the DMV was ridiculous, so I went to the Auto Club. They
took me in about 15 minutes and then I was hassled about the numbers. I
showed them the sworn officer's signed papers, as well as TBN, and they
had to think about it at a higher management level. I pointed out the
length of my membership, and the DMV concurrence and they went along.
Should have waited at the DMV where they don't question their own
officers. Then, again, everything I had done was legal, above board,
supportable, and correct.
But, if the number differences are actually different, you have a larger
problem than whether you are forced to get an assigned VIN. They may
question whether the car you own is actually the car whose papers you
hold. That proof of ownership to the wrong car can get you in a world of
hurt. They may have another owner listed for that number, or have it
recorded as scrapped, or G-d knows what else.
Hate to bring you that news, but better you do some homework with the
seller, or you may not have even bought the car you are driving,
according to the State, and he may have committed some non legal acts in
selling you title to a car he did not deliver.
Check it out before you walk into the DMV, even if you have to pay a
fine for late registration. I think you have 10 days, and you are
probably way beyond that anyway. This is very serious.
Steve
--
Steve Laifman < Find out what is most >
B9472289 < important in your life >
< and don't let it get away!>
<SLaifman@SoCal.RR.com>
<http://www.TigersUnited.com/gallery/SteveLaifman.asp>
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