changing vins

[dumbucket1]

I found numbers under the cab on one of my frames but not on any others.

[Bunkerbuilder]

OK I know this thread is 8 years old but what I have to say is specific to the topic of changing cabs onto an originally owned frame whence one owns both the old cab being removed and the new one as well.

I would title this post "changing the Vin without drilling out the rivits."


As I understand it the 1981-1987 (1991) series of chevrolet and gmc trucks have the same as I call it dash / cluster mount / ash tray / glove box / framework that Unbolts from the sides and a brace that mounts to the firewall.

Maybe it's too much effort for some but once the bolts on either side of in the front of the door frame area are removed and the brace to the firewall is also removed the only other thing in the way is how this piece of sheet metal attaches to the firewall at the base of the windshield.

So swapping out the dash frame just happens to take the Vin tag that is still riveted to it with it.

I own 5 of this series of trucks ( mine are 1983 thru 1986 ) and if I ever need to keep a Vin from the cab matched to the frame this is the way I plan to accomplish that task.

[Rattler12]

With trucks the VIN goes with the frame, not the cab and your frame has the original factory VIN stamped in a couple of places, I wouldn't go changing the plate in the dash.....you're just asking for trouble when the two don't match, if and when.....

[Bunkerbuilder]

The whole thought behind this is that the Vin tag rivets won't be touched, the entire dash framework (not the trucks frame) that the Vin tag is attached to will be swapped out to put onto the cab that is being used on the new frame.

This makes it so there is only one Vin and not two.

Both trucks owned
Truck A has good frame Truck B has good cab and front clip.

Removing vin dash framework that trucks A cab had installing same dash framework into cab from truck B.

Just changing sheet metal Cab, Front fenders, hood etc, from one truck of the same general year range IE 1981-1987 vintage into another truck of the same year range.

Both trucks owned by same individual, no need to involve any government agency as their assistance not required with building my property.

[zieg85]

The whole thought behind this is that the Vin tag rivets won't be touched, the entire dash framework (not the trucks frame) that the Vin tag is attached to will be swapped out to put onto the cab that is being used on the new frame.

This makes it so there is only one Vin and not two.

Both trucks owned
Truck A has good frame Truck B has good cab and front clip.

Removing vin dash framework that trucks A cab had installing same dash framework into cab from truck B.

Just changing sheet metal Cab, Front fenders, hood etc, from one truck of the same general year range IE 1981-1987 vintage into another truck of the same year range.

Both trucks owned by same individual, no need to involve any government agency as their assistance not required with building my property.

still technically illegal but who is going to check a 30+ year old truck... My $.02

[fitz]

OK I know this thread is 8 years old but what I have to say is specific to the topic of changing cabs onto an originally owned frame whence one owns both the old cab being removed and the new one as well.

I would title this post "changing the Vin without drilling out the rivits."


As I understand it the 1981-1987 (1991) series of chevrolet and gmc trucks have the same as I call it dash / cluster mount / ash tray / glove box / framework that Unbolts from the sides and a brace that mounts to the firewall.

Maybe it's too much effort for some but once the bolts on either side of in the front of the door frame area are removed and the brace to the firewall is also removed the only other thing in the way is how this piece of sheet metal attaches to the firewall at the base of the windshield.

So swapping out the dash frame just happens to take the Vin tag that is still riveted to it with it.

I own 5 of this series of trucks ( mine are 1983 thru 1986 ) and if I ever need to keep a Vin from the cab matched to the frame this is the way I plan to accomplish that task.

The metal dash does not just bolt in.  You have about 5' of cutting and welding to do.

[Irish_Alley]

we (as a website) cant condone the act of breaking a federal law. i understand some people think "i own my truck i can do what i want to either one". and just like guns what part of gun is considered the "gun" (the lower receiver on ARs) and this part receives the number. our vins are easy to change rather its the whole dash or just the rivets but theres a few L.E.O.s on here and you never know who is watching.

[VileZambonie]

Most states have composite vehicle allowances for registering but if you have a vin and a title most states will not care or investigate unless there is a stolen property concern or a reason.

[Irish_Alley]

i had a friend who had a chevy with the vin in he door. problem was too many people knew, and one guy wanted his truck. so he got blackmailed and the guy told him he was going to alert dmv/cops so my buddy had to sell it to him.

[Blazin]

I would have payed him a midnight visit with a ball bat. Then he would be worried about recovering after leaving intensive care, instead of buying a truck!

[Bunkerbuilder]

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