I would guess it's a case of inexperience. There were 2 VIN markings on '74s. The plate that's affixed to the dash and a sticker with the manufacture month/year and VIN number in the door jamb. I could see the sticker being peeled off for painting (I would never do it), but removing the riveted dash plate as well??
The cowl tag, well they're screwed on with hex/philips head screws, easy to pop on and off.