Legality of cab swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*ksjh1316* · 11-04-2007, 11:18 AM

Going to us my 71 GMC cab on a 67 Chevy SWB that the cab is too far gone what is the proper was to make this change title wise ect. Want to do this right but at the same time don't want to register it as a 71 and have to make it have side markers. Maybe I am over thinking this but don't want future problems with this truck if for some ungodly reason I have to sell her.

RShaips · 11-04-2007, 11:25 AM

Anybody who knows anything about these trucks will know that its not a 67 because it won't have a small back window. I wouldn't worry about side marker lights, lots of guys fill those in anyway.

72armyswbtruck · 11-05-2007, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RShaips

Anybody who knows anything about these trucks will know that its not a 67 because it won't have a small back window. I wouldn't worry about side marker lights, lots of guys fill those in anyway.

67's could be ordered with the Panoramic Back window, so not all 67's were small windows, and not all small windows were 67's. C40,50 and 60 cabs still used the small window up thru 72

**Classic Heartbeat** · 11-04-2007, 11:25 AM

Best way to do it legaly is to check with your local department of licencing. I know that here in Washington they give you the option to call it whitch ever year you want. WES

**Classic Heartbeat** · 11-04-2007, 11:27 AM

RShaips, The 67s had large rear windows as an option and several do have them. WES

berencam · 11-04-2007, 11:27 AM

i thought it went off the frame whatever year it is... but dont take my word for it, i am just going by what ive heard.

*ksjh1316* · 11-04-2007, 11:37 AM

Ya it will now have a large back window unless I swap the top of the cab to keep the small window otherwise it will have the panoramic view option when the new sheet gets created after rebuild. Another big clue will be the vented door jams. I'll check with my local people here but wanted to know if it was ok to use the vin plate out of the 67 as well. I think older trucks that have repop replacement cabs can do this just curious about ours.

myoldchevytruck · 11-04-2007, 11:37 AM

My son had an S-10 and we scrapped the truck. We gave them the title and it was then marked as a salvage vehicle, therefore, it was to be used as parts or to be crushed. I sold the scrap cab and a few other things for $50.00. Nuf Said about the S-10.

Now, the same process for your old cab. Salvage/Scrap the cab and surrender the title to them and then have them classify that as salvage. This will then clear that title and as for the cab that you will reinstall, go to your local tag agency and explain to the that the vehicle cab has been replaced and you want to re-register the new vin number. Fees may apply. Get a copy of the salvaged title.

Good Luck

Harry

Old Chevy Mech · 11-04-2007, 11:44 AM

Are there numbers on the cab somewhere other than that rivited plate?

Frank

**stllookn** · 11-04-2007, 11:54 AM

Easiest way is to just switch the old vin plate to the new cab using rosebud rivets and cut up the old cab. You don't want a salvage title and you don't want to get it reinspected...save yourself the grief...just my 0.02!!!!

myoldchevytruck · 11-04-2007, 11:58 AM

No, Vin Number is only on the cab. On my 69', its on the door jamb on the drivers side. Now days, the vin number is scribed on windows and even some parts.

67ChevyRedneck · 11-04-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stllookn

Easiest way is to just switch the old vin plate to the new cab using rosebud rivets and cut up the old cab. You don't want a salvage title and you don't want to get it reinspected...save yourself the grief...just my 0.02!!!!

sneakysnake · 11-04-2007, 12:20 PM

If it were me, Id use the vin that I had a clear title for. I know around here the woman at the tag office just takes the #s she couldnt tell you the difference between 67 and 71. As long as the title matches the door jamb nobody should hassle you.

Old Chevy Mech · 11-04-2007, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stllookn

Easiest way is to just switch the old vin plate to the new cab using rosebud rivets and cut up the old cab. You don't want a salvage title and you don't want to get it reinspected...save yourself the grief...just my 0.02!!!!

I'm not a criminal, so if it was me and so as long as there are no other numbers, I'd just move the plate over to the new cab, and chop up the old cab. Then I'd take the cab to a scrap yard and NOT an auto junk yard.

Frank

c10addict · 11-04-2007, 02:54 PM

Swap the vin tag from one to the other... my opnion there is nothing criminal about it..I have done it with these many times.. I have never seen vin numbers in the frame. Its not like a car where the body is all one piece. it would be criminal to buy a title and vin tag from someone else and put it on a truck with a missing title or vin but you own the truck and are changing the cab.. I do not see why it is any different than changing the front clip or the bed.. I think you use your title on the older chvey trucks where you can buy an entire complete cab.. I would not want a new vin issued...sounds like a pain and would let future buyers ask questions.. My 2 cents but then again I am always wrong

factorystock · 11-05-2007, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stllookn

Easiest way is to just switch the old vin plate to the new cab using rosebud rivets and cut up the old cab. You don't want a salvage title and you don't want to get it reinspected...save yourself the grief...just my 0.02!!!!

I agree 100%, very important to use the correct style factory rivets. The California DMV checks the rivets on ID plates to see if they have been tampered with on salvage titles vehicles.

sjarrett71 · 11-04-2007, 11:50 AM

Contact your state patrol. They should know the regulations.

centsless · 11-04-2007, 01:27 PM

I took the vin plate off of mine to replace the rockers and cab corners. I just used regular pop rivets to re attach it. The laws are different from state to state, but I would just put the 67 VIN plate on the 71 cab, then it will match the frame ( it is stamped on top of the left frame rail near the steering box). If you are replacing the cab with a used cab, it is not any different than if you replaced it with new parts, then it would not require a VIN change.

bobthecop · 11-04-2007, 01:54 PM

In most states it is a felony to swap vin plates, be careful.

bobthecop · 11-04-2007, 03:17 PM

Swaping vin tags is illigal to prosecute the chop shop guys, call the local DMV and ask how to legally do it. There is always a legal way around these things. In some states there is no title on the older vehicles. Here in Oklahoma, you just do a title 42, $50.00 and 60 days and you get a title in your name. I wasn't calling anyone a criminal, just be cautious. I wouldn't want to see anyone get into trouble. I get to do the same thing, I have a cab and no title, so title 42 route for me.

Old Chevy Mech · 11-04-2007, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobthecop

Swaping vin tags is illigal to prosecute the chop shop guys, call the local DMV and ask how to legally do it. There is always a legal way around these things. In some states there is no title on the older vehicles. Here in Oklahoma, you just do a title 42, $50.00 and 60 days and you get a title in your name. I wasn't calling anyone a criminal, just be cautious. I wouldn't want to see anyone get into trouble. I get to do the same thing, I have a cab and no title, so title 42 route for me.

I shouldnt have said it that way, I apoligize for that as I didnt mean that anyone was calling anyone a criminal. Bad choice of words, sorry for that.

Frank

*ksjh1316* · 11-04-2007, 04:35 PM

Maybe I am looking at this too hard I have title to both trucks in my name(or will have once I pay the other off) The 71 is registered and on the road with antique tags the 67 hasn't been registered it what looks like years. Maybe the new vin is the way I hate doing it though.

Ackattack · 11-04-2007, 03:41 PM

I'll be doing the same thing with, putting a 72 cab on my 68.

Anyways, my dad, who is a Kansas State Trooper, warned me that just swapping the vins is illegal. Know matter if you're correct in your intentions (not being a chop shop) it's still illegal.

I plan on going through the correct legal process. May save A LOT of headaches down the road if you ever decide to sell.

bobthecop · 11-04-2007, 04:38 PM

I'd call DMV and see what they suggest, seeings how you have both titles you will probably be OK.

In this case asking for forgiveness is not easier than asking for permission .

Huck · 11-04-2007, 07:36 PM

Some states are a real PITA while others are pretty easy. If there is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to do it legally, that is the thing to do so when you decide to sell it, the new owner will not have any hesitation to do the deal. In ky, you apply for a new vin tag and it's done---they send you a new tag you attach with their glue backing or you can add rivets.
Every 67-72 chevy or GMC truck I have ever seen has the VIN numbers stamped into the drivers frame just behind the steering box. I have also seen a GMC Jimmy with the vin # stamped into the top leading edge of the firewall.
I deal with lots of street rod guys and they all try to do the legal thing which often results with 1920's titles, new vin plates and legal titles/registrations.

11-04-2007, 11:18 AM	#1
ksjh1316 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 1,599	Legality of cab swap Going to us my 71 GMC cab on a 67 Chevy SWB that the cab is too far gone what is the proper was to make this change title wise ect. Want to do this right but at the same time don't want to register it as a 71 and have to make it have side markers. Maybe I am over thinking this but don't want future problems with this truck if for some ungodly reason I have to sell her.

11-04-2007, 11:25 AM	#2
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	Re: Legality of cab swap Anybody who knows anything about these trucks will know that its not a 67 because it won't have a small back window. I wouldn't worry about side marker lights, lots of guys fill those in anyway.

11-04-2007, 11:25 AM	#4
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Legality of cab swap Best way to do it legaly is to check with your local department of licencing. I know that here in Washington they give you the option to call it whitch ever year you want. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

11-04-2007, 11:27 AM	#5
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Legality of cab swap RShaips, The 67s had large rear windows as an option and several do have them. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

11-04-2007, 11:27 AM	#6
berencam Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: branson mo Posts: 933	Re: Legality of cab swap i thought it went off the frame whatever year it is... but dont take my word for it, i am just going by what ive heard. __________________ 69 chevy c10 350 3 speed manual wood bed build thread here r.i.p. 70 c10 auto 350 build here

11-04-2007, 11:37 AM	#7
ksjh1316 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 1,599	Re: Legality of cab swap Ya it will now have a large back window unless I swap the top of the cab to keep the small window otherwise it will have the panoramic view option when the new sheet gets created after rebuild. Another big clue will be the vented door jams. I'll check with my local people here but wanted to know if it was ok to use the vin plate out of the 67 as well. I think older trucks that have repop replacement cabs can do this just curious about ours.

11-04-2007, 11:37 AM	#8
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: Legality of cab swap My son had an S-10 and we scrapped the truck. We gave them the title and it was then marked as a salvage vehicle, therefore, it was to be used as parts or to be crushed. I sold the scrap cab and a few other things for $50.00. Nuf Said about the S-10. Now, the same process for your old cab. Salvage/Scrap the cab and surrender the title to them and then have them classify that as salvage. This will then clear that title and as for the cab that you will reinstall, go to your local tag agency and explain to the that the vehicle cab has been replaced and you want to re-register the new vin number. Fees may apply. Get a copy of the salvaged title. Good Luck Harry __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors

11-04-2007, 11:44 AM	#9
Old Chevy Mech Keepin it runnin! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Deep River, CT Posts: 1,036	Re: Legality of cab swap Are there numbers on the cab somewhere other than that rivited plate? Frank __________________ 1970 K-5 4X4 Blazer 1970 K-20 4X4 Long Bed "Liberty Means Responsibility, that is why most men dread it"

11-04-2007, 11:54 AM	#10
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,463	Re: Legality of cab swap Easiest way is to just switch the old vin plate to the new cab using rosebud rivets and cut up the old cab. You don't want a salvage title and you don't want to get it reinspected...save yourself the grief...just my 0.02!!!! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary) Last edited by stllookn; 11-04-2007 at 11:56 AM.

11-04-2007, 11:58 AM	#11
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: Legality of cab swap No, Vin Number is only on the cab. On my 69', its on the door jamb on the drivers side. Now days, the vin number is scribed on windows and even some parts. __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors

11-04-2007, 12:20 PM	#13
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: Legality of cab swap If it were me, Id use the vin that I had a clear title for. I know around here the woman at the tag office just takes the #s she couldnt tell you the difference between 67 and 71. As long as the title matches the door jamb nobody should hassle you.

11-04-2007, 02:54 PM	#15
c10addict Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: pittsburgh pa Posts: 1,970	Re: Legality of cab swap Swap the vin tag from one to the other... my opnion there is nothing criminal about it..I have done it with these many times.. I have never seen vin numbers in the frame. Its not like a car where the body is all one piece. it would be criminal to buy a title and vin tag from someone else and put it on a truck with a missing title or vin but you own the truck and are changing the cab.. I do not see why it is any different than changing the front clip or the bed.. I think you use your title on the older chvey trucks where you can buy an entire complete cab.. I would not want a new vin issued...sounds like a pain and would let future buyers ask questions.. My 2 cents but then again I am always wrong __________________ 68 C10 Shorty TPI,Bagged, and all the good stuff. Classic trucks feature June 06, On the cover of Jegs Christmas Catalog 08 67 C10 Shorty Shop truck project Bagged and Z'd under destruction and getting nowhere fast. 64 C10 Shop Truck/Daily driver, Bagged, Dropmember, SOLD!!!! Gone but not forgotten.. 54 GMC under the knife getting a S10 chassis swap and bagged. See my build thread... 07 GMC Sierra 5/7 drop, 22's and 24's Air ride on my mind.. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=339340 See pics of my trucks in my profile Last edited by c10addict; 11-04-2007 at 02:56 PM.

11-04-2007, 11:50 AM	#17
sjarrett71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 2,463	Re: Legality of cab swap Contact your state patrol. They should know the regulations. __________________ -Scott-

11-04-2007, 01:27 PM	#18
centsless sufficiently talented fool Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Forest Hill, MD Posts: 2,231	Re: Legality of cab swap I took the vin plate off of mine to replace the rockers and cab corners. I just used regular pop rivets to re attach it. The laws are different from state to state, but I would just put the 67 VIN plate on the 71 cab, then it will match the frame ( it is stamped on top of the left frame rail near the steering box). If you are replacing the cab with a used cab, it is not any different than if you replaced it with new parts, then it would not require a VIN change. __________________ "it's impossible to be surrounded by idiots when you are part of the circle" 2003 Suburban 2002 Pontiac Montana 1981 Corvette 1966 Impala Convertible Click here to support the board

11-04-2007, 01:54 PM	#19
bobthecop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Yukon Oklahoma Posts: 2,647	Re: Legality of cab swap In most states it is a felony to swap vin plates, be careful. __________________ Happiness is towing your "new" truck home. 1972 C-10 1982 GMC (parts truck??) 1969 c10 parts truck 1969 C-10 ( my sons) 1992 Silverado 4X4 (now the boys truck)(now mine again) 2002 Tarus (my wife loves that car)



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11-04-2007, 03:17 PM	#20
bobthecop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Yukon Oklahoma Posts: 2,647	Re: Legality of cab swap Swaping vin tags is illigal to prosecute the chop shop guys, call the local DMV and ask how to legally do it. There is always a legal way around these things. In some states there is no title on the older vehicles. Here in Oklahoma, you just do a title 42, $50.00 and 60 days and you get a title in your name. I wasn't calling anyone a criminal, just be cautious. I wouldn't want to see anyone get into trouble. I get to do the same thing, I have a cab and no title, so title 42 route for me. __________________ Happiness is towing your "new" truck home. 1972 C-10 1982 GMC (parts truck??) 1969 c10 parts truck 1969 C-10 ( my sons) 1992 Silverado 4X4 (now the boys truck)(now mine again) 2002 Tarus (my wife loves that car)

11-04-2007, 04:35 PM	#22
ksjh1316 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 1,599	Re: Legality of cab swap Maybe I am looking at this too hard I have title to both trucks in my name(or will have once I pay the other off) The 71 is registered and on the road with antique tags the 67 hasn't been registered it what looks like years. Maybe the new vin is the way I hate doing it though.

11-04-2007, 03:41 PM	#23
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: Legality of cab swap I'll be doing the same thing with, putting a 72 cab on my 68. Anyways, my dad, who is a Kansas State Trooper, warned me that just swapping the vins is illegal. Know matter if you're correct in your intentions (not being a chop shop) it's still illegal. I plan on going through the correct legal process. May save A LOT of headaches down the road if you ever decide to sell. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

11-04-2007, 04:38 PM	#24
bobthecop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Yukon Oklahoma Posts: 2,647	Re: Legality of cab swap I'd call DMV and see what they suggest, seeings how you have both titles you will probably be OK. In this case asking for forgiveness is not easier than asking for permission . __________________ Happiness is towing your "new" truck home. 1972 C-10 1982 GMC (parts truck??) 1969 c10 parts truck 1969 C-10 ( my sons) 1992 Silverado 4X4 (now the boys truck)(now mine again) 2002 Tarus (my wife loves that car) Last edited by bobthecop; 11-04-2007 at 04:39 PM.

11-04-2007, 07:36 PM	#25
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Re: Legality of cab swap Some states are a real PITA while others are pretty easy. If there is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to do it legally, that is the thing to do so when you decide to sell it, the new owner will not have any hesitation to do the deal. In ky, you apply for a new vin tag and it's done---they send you a new tag you attach with their glue backing or you can add rivets. Every 67-72 chevy or GMC truck I have ever seen has the VIN numbers stamped into the drivers frame just behind the steering box. I have also seen a GMC Jimmy with the vin # stamped into the top leading edge of the firewall. I deal with lots of street rod guys and they all try to do the legal thing which often results with 1920's titles, new vin plates and legal titles/registrations.

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