I need help in California

[80malibootay]

Ok so my first problem is I’m in California. It sucks here for multiple reasons but todays gripe is about my 80 malibu. I bought it from Oregon, it’s cammed with full exhaust. I got it “smogged” and needed a vin verification as well. My dash vin is RUSTED so dmv wants me to take it to chp. My door sticker is there but very faded. I’m also missing the engine bay emissions sticker as well as the spid in the trunk. Is there anyway I can get replacements of each of those items? After posting this I’m headed to g body parts website to check but I really need a replacement dash vin. Any help is appreciated. And please keep the judgement to yourself, I’m just trying to enjoy my car by any means necessary, without actually hurting anyone.

 

[EduardoS92]

Have you tried a 3rd party vin verification not directly with DMV? Where in Cali are you im in Compton i can ask around? The emissions stickers you can find on gbodyparts or mikes montes.

 

[ck80]

First off, and I won't post exactly where because this thread can be search by others with nefarious means, CHP can check hidden body vin locations.

Second, there are a handful of companies out there that with a copy of title in your name, and pictures of your rusty vin, can reproduce the dash vin tag for a fee upon proving you own the car.

Door decals are made, but, not heavily advertised because gm slaps down anyone who gets too big making them. A local graphics guy could cut you something similar, but, won't be the peelaway protection type.

Not familiar with malibus, but, I know other gbodies didn't really get trunk SPIDs until 1984. You could have one made, but, wouldn't likely be correct. Lots of places make them to order though.

 

[EduardoS92]

First off, and I won't post exactly where because this thread can be search by others with nefarious means, CHP can check hidden body vin locations.

Second, there are a handful of companies out there that with a copy of title in your name, and pictures of your rusty vin, can reproduce the dash vin tag for a fee upon proving you own the car.

Door decals are made, but, not heavily advertised because gm slaps down anyone who gets too big making them. A local graphics guy could cut you something similar, but, won't be the peelaway protection type.

Not familiar with malibus, but, I know other gbodies didn't really get trunk SPIDs until 1984. You could have one made, but, wouldn't likely be correct. Lots of places make them to order though.

Going to the CHP might not work for him because of the heavily modified engine and here in Cali that year car is still supposed to be emissions controlled. +1 on the reproduction VIN but it could be a double edged sword because depending who you get to inspect it they might call it vin tampering as only the CHP can usually issue a new one

 

[ck80]

Going to the CHP might not work for him because of the heavily modified engine and here in Cali that year car is still supposed to be emissions controlled. +1 on the reproduction VIN but it could be a double edged sword because depending who you get to inspect it they might call it vin tampering as only the CHP can usually issue a new one

There are some limited exceptions for body shops to remove and reattach a vin when doing certain body work. Different states handle it differently. Prohibitions are stronger for replacing a missing one than they are for reattached an existing one removed for work or for replacing one that is currently present.

It's also possible the existing tag could be restored, depending if the tag is pitted/rotted or just has so much dark surface rust it's unreadable. Benefit is being a stamped vin rather than laser etched due to the age, makes it somewhat more restorible.

 

[EduardoS92]

There are some limited exceptions for body shops to remove and reattach a vin when doing certain body work. Different states handle it differently. Prohibitions are stronger for replacing a missing one than they are for reattached an existing one removed for work or for replacing one that is currently present.

It's also possible the existing tag could be restored, depending if the tag is pitted/rotted or just has so much dark surface rust it's unreadable. Benefit is being a stamped vin rather than laser etched due to the age, makes it somewhat more restorible.

very true never thought of restoring it.

OP,

I'd try ck80's idea first of removing surface rust if that is the issue and restoring it to avoid any possible issues then go back.

 

[80malibootay]

Have you tried a 3rd party vin verification not directly with DMV? Where in Cali are you im in Compton i can ask around? The emissions stickers you can find on gbodyparts or mikes montes.

I have tried as of this morning. Waiting to hear back from them via email as we speak. I did find the emissions sticker on opgi I’ll try to see if my wrap shop connect can make my door sticker for me.

 

[80malibootay]

First off, and I won't post exactly where because this thread can be search by others with nefarious means, CHP can check hidden body vin locations.

Second, there are a handful of companies out there that with a copy of title in your name, and pictures of your rusty vin, can reproduce the dash vin tag for a fee upon proving you own the car.

Door decals are made, but, not heavily advertised because gm slaps down anyone who gets too big making them. A local graphics guy could cut you something similar, but, won't be the peelaway protection type.

Not familiar with malibus, but, I know other gbodies didn't really get trunk SPIDs until 1984. You could have one made, but, wouldn't likely be correct. Lots of places make them to order though.

Ok maybe that’s why I don’t have a spid. If you feel comfortable enough, can you message me who makes the door sticker? I have a graphics guy but it might be less time consuming to use someone who does it all day and can get it done. Also I did find a company on like who can make the dash vin. Do I just need to pull the dash out the car?

 

[80malibootay]

There are some limited exceptions for body shops to remove and reattach a vin when doing certain body work. Different states handle it differently. Prohibitions are stronger for replacing a missing one than they are for reattached an existing one removed for work or for replacing one that is currently present.

It's also possible the existing tag could be restored, depending if the tag is pitted/rotted or just has so much dark surface rust it's unreadable. Benefit is being a stamped vin rather than laser etched due to the age, makes it somewhat more restorible.

Maybe if I document it correctly, with pictures and videos time and date stamped I can make it work. The dash is shot so maybe this could be the catalyst to “repair” everything dash related.

 

[EduardoS92]

I have tried as of this morning. Waiting to hear back from them via email as we speak. I did find the emissions sticker on opgi I’ll try to see if my wrap shop connect can make my door sticker for me.

Nice! if your looking for a dash i got a guy that has some and will repaint to your exact color he's in Canoga Park