Vin switch from rusty to trusty?

I know of a car that has been sitting for 20 years. Because I know the history of the car, I know why. It doesn't make it right but now what to do with the shell. The Vin was swapped back in the 80s after an accident. During the search for a new quarter panel a complete car was found with no motor. He bought the car for 100 and decided he didn't want to cut up the donor car. Against our advice the car Vin was swapped along with motor and transmission. Last numbers of Vin were only difference. Both cars had same options save for one was an air conditioning car. I know where this car sits now and the owner is afraid to sell it to anyone he doesn't know. This was done by him when he was 18 and not as wise as he is today now. Would the best course of action be to remove the Vin completely and apply for a replacement. If the original stamped numbers are in tact?