Is it illegal?

[speedy]

Is it illegal to run back the odometer on my truck even if it is getting rebuilt stem to stern mechanically?  New engine, driveline, steering, suspension, tranny, electronics. 

[Novadiecast]

Well it's not illegal to try and sell it as new or as low miles. You can restart the clock as long as you are up front about it. Most titles can be made mileage exempt or beyond mechanical limits. I would to it as a reference point on a complete rebuild truck. Just not the trucks mileage at the current time and include it if you ever sell it.

[Lt.Del]

It is very illegal in most states.  Tampering with actual mileage showing on odometer is illegal. On Va titles, there is a box you can check saying that the seller "believes" the odometer reading does not show actual miles ie: the odometer has tripped. Nowadays, these things have 6 digits.  When it has a over 999,9999.9 miles, you must check that box. 

[Captkaos]

Generally 100,000 miles on the 73-87's is mileage exempt due to vehicle exceeds mechanical limits.  With one this old you can assume that it has rolled a few times.  Of course if you sell it, you have to list it as mileage exempt even though you rebuilt the whole thing and started at 0miles.  Saying it has only, X miles on it since I rebuilt it as reflected is one thing, but saying it only has X miles on it and not stating you rebuilt it is definitely illega.

BTW, it is MUCH easier to roll it FORWARD instead of backward, especially if you have a drill.

[speedy]

Have the drill...got pics/instructions of how to do it?  Searched in here and on the net, but I can't find any instructions.  Thanks in advance.

[zeus8807]

easiest way (if u have the mech speedo, dont know what year they switched on trucks) but is to detach the speedo cable from the tranny, hook it up to a drill(you'll figure it out once u have it off the tranny) switch that puppy on and watch them go.  in pa, its not illegal to do on  vehicles that are miles exempt, but it is illegal to try to sell it as having lower miles than it does.  i always reset the odometer when i rebuild or swap motors.

[zieg85]

Very easy to do without a drill.  I have done it before with no problems.  I can walk you through it.  Let me know.

[BLUE BURBAN]

Using a drill can take a looooooooong time. I've always removed & disassembled the odometer then reassembled them back to either match the original miles or to read "0" miles. Like when I had my old '74 cutlass I changed out the dash in it to a pontiac LeMans with a factory tach setup. I did the reset then.
It was tedious as it was the first time doing it but in the end all worked great!!

[Captkaos]

You can disassemble them also, but some have deterents to prevent it.  And yes a drill will take a LONG time especially if you are at 20,000....

[Hank Hill]

Im betting you cant roll them backwards. On my 81 I pull my kids around on a sled with it. I do it in reverse so I can see them at all times. Anyway I know driveing backwards sure doesnt roll the mileage backwards.
If you want to start a 0 on a new build then why not just replace the speedometer with a new one.

[Lt.Del]

You mean the movies are correct??  Ferris Bueller tried that on a ferrari in a garage, jacked up on blocks, thrown in reverse, hoping the miles would go backwards.  Well, the odometer was the last of their worries by the time they figurd it out.   

[speedy]

If you want to start a 0 on a new build then why not just replace the speedometer with a new one.

I guess mostly because I'm a tightwad...LOL

[85MudMonster]

My title doen't have the mileage on it, so if I change it no one would know unless I tell them, but if someone is dumb enough to think an 80's something truck has 0 miles on it, make sure he gives you like $50,000 for the truck as well.