1965 Chevelle SS Convertible on BAT -- Sad fake VIN tag, and BAT censorship

[jeffschevelle]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...-malibu-ss-26/

138675B131307 --

Buyer beware (depending on where you live, or if you ever want to resell it).

This is a pretty nice driver car, and interesting due to the odd combo of SS with the 3-on-tree and no console. But it has a glaringly fake replacement VIN tag:

https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content...size=620%2C413

BAT included a notation saying "A reproduction serial number tag is fitted and shows 138675B131307, which is consistent with a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS convertible and matches the VIN shown on the Oregon title."

Engraving some numbers onto a flat plate is not a "reproduction" of anything. Hell, if it was, then they could have just written it on a piece of paper and taped it in the door jamb and that should count as a "reproduction".

To make matters worse the thing is not even riveted on. Looks like it has some sort of plastic push-pins in the holes holding it on! Or maybe that is glue or double-sided tape showing through the holes?

Someone commented early on that it was not a correct VIN tag since it was missing the CHEVROLET. Seller said tag was "not wrong" because it matched the title ...

Then another person posted "The vin tag is definitely not an original".

So I posted simply to give fair warning to anyone in a State that requires DMV inspections on cars coming in from out of state, that that bogus VIN tag might result in major problems, potentially including confiscation of the car and a long legal battle. Here is what I posted (which I retrieved from the Wayback machine since BAT deleted it):

"That is a homemade VIN tag. Not original. Someone should try to find the hidden VIN stamp on the frame and make sure it matches the Title and that VIN tag. The stamp is on the driver’s side frame rail between the rear wheel and the rear bumper. Since it is on top of the frame rail you need a mirror to see it.
Also be aware that some states (including NC) require DMV inspection of cars coming in to be titled from out of state. That bogus VIN tag on this car would result in that car being immediately confiscated and impounded in some states.
Also google ‘ Richard Martinez 1959 Corvette Kansas ', and read about what a nightmare that guy went through and how much money a similar situation cost him. And his VIN tag even LOOKED real and correct, and the car was initially red-flagged just because the rivets were not correct.
Any buyer better be educated and investigate your state’s laws before you buy an old car with an obviously bogus VIN tag!!"

Then some of the typical know-nothing BAT peanut gallery said I should not say it is a bogus tag if I don't know it for a fact. Come on, man! Just look at the thing. There's no question about it.

After some back and forth, someone flagged all my comments on that auction as "not constructive" and BAT deleted them. I tried to reply again, with nothing other than a link to the Martinez story and "Facts, not my opinion". But BAT staff filtered it and did not post it. I guess they are more concerned about getting a fee on a sale than they are about selling cars that violate any of those pesky federal or state VIN tag laws.

Then after it was all deleted, some guy who (based on his post count) apparently lives on BAT all day long every day, posted that I should not have said anything about it because it "could have an effect on an auction." Well, duh, of course, if you expose a major problem with an item that is being auctioned, it SHOULD have an effect on that auction -- the immediate cancellation of that auction!! Even B/J would not allow this car to cross their block with such a glaringly fake VIN tag.

Then the guy proceeded to lament about all the people from Camaro and Chevelle forums coming on BAT and making "uninvited proclamations" to point out problems with cars. Then he basically said we only do that to show off. What an a$$-hat.

So call me petty if you want, but if whoever ends up buying that car runs into any DMV problems, I really hope they Google the VIN and find this post, and then sue BAT for its intentional cover-up of significant, relevant negative information.

Oh, and Merry Christmas and/or Happy Hanukkah everybody!