Been reading this forum for a while, just registered, This is my first post.<img src=images/icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle> I've had 1st hand experience in this matter (I had a vehicle stolen,and recovered with a different VIN). It is Federally Illegal to tamper with the official VIN of a vehicle (on a mustang, the official vin is the dash numbers on a later car, I'm fairly certain they are the stamped in apron numbers on an earlier car) So.... A federal law was broken when the numbers were removed from the original car, and would be again when you replaced your old VIN with the K serial number. State Police in most states are quick to seize vehicles when they suspect VIN tampering (that's how I got mine back)
I borrowed This from the boss302 site:
18 USCS § 2321
TITLE 18. CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I. CRIMES
CHAPTER 113. STOLEN PROPERTY
18 USCS § 2321 (2003)
§ 2321. Trafficking in certain motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts
(a) Whoever buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part, knowing that an identification number for such motor vehicle or part has been removed, obliterated, tampered with, or altered, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
107 A.L.R.5th 567
SUMMARY: Illegally removing or altering a vehicle identification number (VIN) or selling or possessing a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part with an altered or removed VIN constitutes a crime in most states. In order to impose liability, state courts normally require a culpable mental state on the part of the defendant in altering or removing a VIN or in possessing a vehicle or vehicle part with an altered or removed VIN. Some states, however, do not require any culpable mental state on the part of the defendant when selling a vehicle or vehicle part with a removed or altered VIN.
They have a good section on there sight addressing this Go to http://www.boss302.com and click on the "Vin Legalities" section.
Dynacorn bodies are issued a unique serial number and most states title them as kit cars, it would be illegal to do anything else with them (except cut them up and use them for parts to restore an exzisting body) Many states are passing laws that are making "back halfing" cars unregisterable (addressing the previous post about repairing new cars)
This topic has been addressed in alot of the other collector car forums (generally every time someone posts a VIN and title on Ebay)
I'd hate to see someone go to alot of effort to restore a car ( even if the had no ill intent) the run afoul of the law and have there car impounded or worse.
Now, on a happier note, This is a great site, keep up the good work!, ( don't own a "K" car yet, just an engine ..... ) John