What defines a rebody ??

[MoparCarGuy]

I think the point of body VINs is kind of moot on this specific 383 car. With no dash VIN and no original fender tag, most potential buyers will not be interested.

It seems you missed the part of the discussion where I mention that the salvage yard body would be a donor body for a rebody of a different car's build, from the VIN and tags of a different 383 cuda.

No, I got that part. The value of a 383 Cuda tagged rebody won't be much different than a real 383 Cuda body without the original Dash VIN tag. The Dash VIN tag is the one that all 50 states consider as the VIN tag for title purposes.

Most Mopar buyers want to see as many of these items as possible...

• Dash VIN tag matching the cowl and radiator support VIN stampings and an original fender tag
• Matching engine and transmission VIN stampings
• Original Broadcast Sheet(s), Window Sticker, and Dealer Sales Invoice
• Owner's Manual with Warranty Card and Consumer Information Card

[anlauto]

No, I think now that he's saying he has all the tags from a rusted car that he wants to replace the shell with a junkyard car....meaning no reproduction tags

[RUNCHARGER]

I will not buy a car if the title doesn't match the VIN tag and body stamped Vin #'s. If it has a data tag, Buildsheet and #'s match trans and engine that's bonus and adds to the value. I don't assume those body #'s have been there from new either, I look them over pretty intensely.

[MoparCarGuy]

This discussion is basically a "Ship of Theseus" debate except one of the two ships (cars) has matching dash/cowl/radiator/engine/trans VINs. The one with those items for all intents and purposes is the real ship (car).

[lahatte]

Isn't one of the convertible hemi cuda's a rebody?

[lahatte]

The value of a 383 Cuda tagged rebody won't be much different than a real 383 Cuda body without the original Dash VIN tag. The Dash VIN tag is the one that all 50 states consider as the VIN tag for title purposes.

I'm not really concerned with value, only with rebuilding the car as Chrysler made it, but using a different body.

What I have from the original car of interest is the dash VIN, fender tags, build sheet, and the hood, doors, fenders, grill, etc.

[torredcuda]

The value of a 383 Cuda tagged rebody won't be much different than a real 383 Cuda body without the original Dash VIN tag. The Dash VIN tag is the one that all 50 states consider as the VIN tag for title purposes.

I'm not really concerned with value, only with rebuilding the car as Chrysler made it, but using a different body.

What I have from the original car of interest is the dash VIN, fender tags, build sheet, and the hood, doors, fenders, grill, etc.

The only thing is you don`t have the cowl and radiator support with the partial vin stampings so either the ones on the donor body would not match or you could just cut them out and have none. The issue would be if your DMV or other LEO were to check the car over for some reason or if you or your hiers tried to sell it the legality might come into question.

[anlauto]

I would just grind the cowl/rad support numbers off and leave it blank.

YES one of the existing 1971 Hemicuda convertibles is thought to be a rebody because pre-restoration photos of it show basically only the front clip surviving 

[lahatte]

The only thing is you don`t have the cowl and radiator support with the partial vin stampings so either the ones on the donor body would not match or you could just cut them out and have none. The issue would be if your DMV or other LEO were to check the car over for some reason or if you or your hiers tried to sell it the legality might come into question.

Doh! I forgot to mention that I DO have those pieces.

[lahatte]

I would just grind the cowl/rad support numbers off and leave it blank.

That's what I have been considering might be the best option if this ever gets built.

[larry4406]

The only thing is you don`t have the cowl and radiator support with the partial vin stampings so either the ones on the donor body would not match or you could just cut them out and have none. The issue would be if your DMV or other LEO were to check the car over for some reason or if you or your hiers tried to sell it the legality might come into question.

Doh! I forgot to mention that I DO have those pieces.

Sounds like you have all you need.

[HP2]

I think the point of body VINs is kind of moot on this specific 383 car. With no dash VIN and no original fender tag, most potential buyers will not be interested.

It seems you missed the part of the discussion where I mention that the salvage yard body would be a donor body for a rebody of a different car's build, from the VIN and tags of a different 383 cuda.

No, I got that part. The value of a 383 Cuda tagged rebody won't be much different than a real 383 Cuda body without the original Dash VIN tag. The Dash VIN tag is the one that all 50 states consider as the VIN tag for title purposes.

Most Mopar buyers want to see as many of these items as possible...

• Dash VIN tag matching the cowl and radiator support VIN stampings and an original fender tag
• Matching engine and transmission VIN stampings
• Original Broadcast Sheet(s), Window Sticker, and Dealer Sales Invoice
• Owner's Manual with Warranty Card and Consumer Information Card

This is spot on.

I've had to get lost titles replaced and had vin inspections done on several cars over the years. Local law enforcement where I am at are only concerned that the vin tag on the dash/door matches any paperwork provided. I have NEVER had any LEO ever check body stampings much less engine or trans numbers. These latter issues are pretty much limited to the enthusiasts world  unless you end up in a legal quagmire.

Buyers, on the other hand, can be very picky and I've occasionally had buyers check for these stampings. However, I've never dealt in cars so valuable that the presence of these impacted my ability to sell it.

[Filthy Filbert]

I have NEVER had any LEO ever check body stampings much less engine or trans numbers. These latter issues are pretty much limited to the enthusiasts world  unless you end up in a legal quagmire.

The idea that police would even know what to look for is silly.  Every manufacturer did their own thing in terms of body stampings, and expecting your run of the mill officer or even detective to know ALL of them for ALL the years is simply not realistic.   Same thing with your average DMV or title office employee.    Dash tag is all they will ever care about

[anlauto]

  there's even a lot of people that own these cars that don't know about those numbers....I've lost count of the amount of people that I've shown them for the first time...

[torredcuda]

Yup, I`ve had a number of vin verifications done by local police and all they do is look at the vin tag and write it on the form. The DMV officers are more knowledgeable as they deal with rebuilt cars and salvage titles etc. As I`ve said many times    the only reason numbers were stamped into the body is for identification purposes due to theft so unless there is an ownership question most Leos don`t care about them, only us enthusiasts.