OK. So, I'm nowhere near the truck, so getting more pics of the rear can't happen right now. I'll try to get some more soon.
Regarding the DMV fees... I was able to sweet-talk the gal at DMV to skip that part, since I still had the previous pink slip, and all numbers were intact, and the pink states the weight rating.
I hope I don't regret it, but I'm gonna get the repop VIN tag made, judge it's quality and appearance, and if all looks good, try to pass it through the system. As far as THE MAN knows, there's currently no missing tag or issue.
BTW... would any of you mind sending me a pic of your 1970 VIN plate? Please block out the numbers, I don't need them. I've noticed a few different versions on wrecking yard trucks. Some are a single large 3x4 plate, and some are two smaller (business card size) plates, where the top one only has the GM mumbo jumbo, and the lower tag is ONLY for the VIN.
Thanks!!!!