Cowl tag - is it missing information?

willismcbillio · Member

Cowl tag - is it missing information?

davelacourse · Poncho Master!

Yes the tag on the driver's side of the cowl (which is what you show in your picture) has only Serial and Engine numbers, the rest are blank. There should be a tag on the passenger side of the cowl that shows other data:

I don't know laws in Canada about replacement VIN plates, but in the USA "Its totally illegal to make 'reproduction' VIN plates. Possession of blank antique style VIN plates and especially special VIN rivets is a Federal offense. No reputable company will sell or fabricate one." (Quote from Hagerty who sells antique/specialty car insurance)

I notice your VIN plate is held on with a bolt - that is also not permitted in the USA (don't know about Canada) - should look like this with original factory rivets:

(Plates pictured above are on my 1956 Canadian Pontiac)

Dave

-- Edited by davelacourse on Saturday 13th of February 2016 09:24:49 AM

willismcbillio · Member

Thanks Dave. After talking to the guys at datatags, they said they would be able to do the trim tag so I naturally assumed it would all be on the same one. Seems as though I have a bit of a problem on my hand as what you describe isnt what or where mine was. I'll have to make some calls about federal and provincial laws now. Ugg.

-- Edited by willismcbillio on Saturday 13th of February 2016 12:17:37 PM

norontcan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Have you tried GM Vintage Vehicle Services using the serial number? I know 56 isn't one of the years that they have a lot of data on but it's worth a try.

I'm not so sure about it being illegal to reproduce tags for a restoration. Marti, who does Mustang coding, will make door tags for a small fee - have had them made. They advertise as such and are quite reputable.

willismcbillio · Member

I sent them an email a few days back but havent heard anything yet. They might be able to pull the trim and color codes out of their records using my vin

As for a replacement, hopefully on Tuesday I can get ahold of the provincial auto registrar and I'll get them to fill me in on the rules. They'll probably just want to generate a new VIN on one of those plain steel bands and stick that to my car.

dcneric · Poncho Master!

According to SGI. Your vin is valid and indicates a 56 4dr Pontiac. Last registered in 2012. The bolt through the tag looks like it's been there a lot of years. Tha tag probably got hooked and ripped off in the past during an engine overhaul and the shop just put it back on.

Getting another made may be difficult as it is the cars vin tag.