So....What is YOUR opinion on VIN swaps ?

jos51700 said
So I'm curious.

Let's say GM Guy buys a GM something or other with body on frame construction. It's toast, but the title is clean.
Said person buys a clean parts vehicle, and replaces the hood. No harm, no foul, right?
What if he replaces the frame? To my knowledge, this isn't an issue. The VIN lives elsewhere on the vehicle, so if I'm wrong, please tell me.

As he progresses, he replaces everything BUT THE VIN PLATE. Does the law specify a certain percentage of the vehicle that must remain original? As mentioned, some vehicles require removing the VIN plate for restoration.

On our Mopars, it's a little different.... unibody cars aren't so cut n dry.

your answer may depend upon the state you live in. look at the comment i just posted about a number of states i looked at. some of the states do break down vehicles into "major components" body, frame, engine. the aspect of "percent original" has more to do with insurance valuation and required disclosure to a potential buyer. but again, look at your state DMV - i was surprised at just have DIFFERENT the states that i looked at were in regards to the "correct" procedure to handle VIN numbers.