Missing VIN on ds apron - 1965 Mustang Fastback - impact sellability?

[JohnEarls]

Missing VIN on ds apron - 1965 Mustang Fastback A couple of months back, I purchased a 1965 Mustang Fastback (VIN 5F09C270215) from Coyote Classics in Iowa. The car was financed and inspected by JJ Best. Car shipped to MO where I live. During the state inspection, the inspector used the door tag because the VIN was not visible (on the drivers side apron) likely cause it was replaced years and years ago during a restoration. Guessing he shouldn’t have done that, but he did and I was able to get plates for it

Fast forward, after putting about 3500.00 (plus 1500 sales taxes) into the car, I am wishing to sell it. I had 2 dealers look at it and feedback is same – without the VIN under the hood, it makes it tough to resell. Lots of questions

1. Clearly JJ Best (who inspected the car) and Coyote Classics used the door tag to verify the VIN. Do I have any legal recourse there since technically, the door tag cannot be used for ‘inspection purposes (essentially, they sold and financed a car they legally didn’t verify and now the problem is pushed downstream to me trying to resell/trade)

2. Replacing the VIN –Are there company’s that make replacement aprons with stamped VINs (assuming not cause it could lead to shadiness)?

3. Alternative VINs – is it true that other locations are the passenger side apron (underneath the fender) and the passenger side rear apron (underneath)?
a. If I pull and look at the other 2 areas and there are no VINs, what options do I have? I heard (but not verified) that if I take it to the MO DOT inspection stations (run by the MO State Highway Patrol), they can seize and impound the vehicle until the authenticity is resolved! UGH
b. Also heard that they can issue a new VIN (obviously not a 1965 VIN). Is that possible? I am sure it would devalue the car and impact sell ability to the purist.

4. How can I sell or trade the car with only a visible door tag?

[Realmongo]

Yes there is another VIN under the passenger side fender (assuming that apron was not replaced also). It is located on the top just like on the driver's side, only difference is the passenger side fender is not notched like the driver's side is.

I had a replacement state-issued VIN about 15 years ago and it pretty much killed the car's value.

[fastlane65]

Can you trace the title of the car prior to the company you purchased it from? They had to buy it from someone with a valid title. If they can't prove the VIN prior to their ownership I would be suspect of their dealings.

[CharlesTurner]

There are 2 hidden VIN stamps on a 65-66. One is located under the fender lip on the rear inner fender on the driver side and the other under the fender lip on the rear inner fender on passenger side.

If you unbolt the fenders, you might be able to pull them back far enough to view the VIN stamp.

It's not uncommon for the front apron to be replaced, most times it is due to accident damage or rust damage. It could be that the stamping is there, but filled in with paint, so be sure to inspect the area, you might be able to sand it off and reveal the stamp.

There are letter/number stamps that can be bought, but you'll have a really hard time making this look correct and doing so is typically illegal, since it can be viewed as VIN tampering.

[Realmongo]

There are 2 hidden VIN stamps on a 65-66. One is located under the fender lip on the rear inner fender on the driver side and the other under the fender lip on the rear inner fender on passenger side.

If you unbolt the fenders, you might be able to pull them back far enough to view the VIN stamp.

It's not uncommon for the front apron to be replaced, most times it is due to accident damage or rust damage. It could be that the stamping is there, but filled in with paint, so be sure to inspect the area, you might be able to sand it off and reveal the stamp.

There are letter/number stamps that can be bought, but you'll have a really hard time making this look correct and doing so is typically illegal, since it can be viewed as VIN tampering.

Charles-

Do you have any photos of the VIN on the rear inner fender? I've never seen that one.

[CharlesTurner]

Charles-

Do you have any photos of the VIN on the rear inner fender? I've never seen that one.

All 65-66 were supposed to be done that way. Changed in 67 to just the 2 front inner fenders.