I just found out the frame on one of my project rigs is toast. I have a spare frame that I can use to replace it with but I have two issues:
1) The frame I'm replacing potentially faces salvage title issues(ie vin check, lights check, etc).
2) The replacement frame is newer than the one I'm replacing

The spare frame is one I was going to turn into a trailer but haven't touched it yet(thank god). Both are registered currently as NO-OP. Both frames have the vin stamped on the frame rail.

Before I waste a day at DMV on this, has anyone sucessfully and legally replaced a frame in CA? What process did you go through to do it?

Do I simply go to DMV with the vin from my FUBAR frame and the vehicle with the new frame under it and say: "This is the new frame for this VIN?"

Thanks in advance for any LEGAL information provided.

i would think there has to be a way. i mean they sell aftermarket frames and im sure those dont have VIN#s im sure someone knows about this

Surely someone on the pirate board has legally replaced a jeep frame:rolleyes:

There MUST be a market for replacement jeep frames as there are more than one place selling them:D :D :D

Anyone?

I would just change it and not worry about the DMV. Do you think that anyone is going to crawl under anc check for matching numbers?

And if you are worried, just weld on some plates for reinforcement over the numbers.:D

ditto what Bob/CA said,...when i swapped the frame on my truck, i didnt tell dmv anything...my front frame numbers are covered up and the only readable thing is where it says fj40, so there is no way for someone to see if it's the stock frame or not,,just cover up the vin # and say its the same frame,,and if you really want it taken care of, cover the vin# on the old frame too so theres definitly no way of telling.

cut vin from old frame, weld into new one:flipoff2:

Normally I would do that(cut and hide).

But the problem I MAY run into is my project vehicle could potentially fall into the catagory of "salvage vehicle".

What this means to me is the following once I get the rig rolling and ready to be fully registered:
1) I need to have brakes/lights checked
2) I need to have the vin verified by a cop

As I stated originally, I am most worried about the problem of having the vin verified. My luck is such that I'd be the only guy in a decade to get "caught" changing vins:p Granted, I have titles for both frames/vins.

If the project vehicle isn't a salvage vehicle, I'm not going to worry about it;)

Anyone have some other input?

BTT. Anyone?

You DONT have to get it checked by a police officer... I joined AAA of California and the ladies that work DMV services at the AAA office of your choice are legally allowed to do VIN checks. I had them check three of my cars for registration purposes. They are easy to "guide to look at the right VIN's" They will need to look at two VIN numbers, so show them the doorjamb and the inner righjt fender VIN plate(or the RH firewall depending on vintage) I did not even show them the frame(which is different than the other two... CA can legally issue you a title on the frame VIN if you choose-go to AAA in the early afternoon when the laides are not busy and ask them to break out their huge books and look at the options. There are ways to do it legally...

-Brett

check here (http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html) for the real info. I typed in "frame replacement" in the search and it came up with a lot of info. Make sure to check the box next to Vehicle code.

Brett,
Thanks for the input. I forgot that AAA could do registration type stuff(and after looking, transfers) I'll run down there tomorrow and see what they say.

Well, after a futile day at AAA with no answers other than to call the DMV office. After calling the DMV office and being sent to CHP. After phone tag with a CHP officer, I now have an answer to this question.

The answer is: If a frame is being replaced and the frame has a VIN number on it, the vehicle is now whatever the frame is. But if the frame is a new construction(aka aftermarket), he didn't know if it would become the year of the vehicle getting a replacement frame OR if it would become a specialty constructed vehicle.

Clear as mud now :p

I had to have a VIN check on one of my Scouts, I used a city cop to verify the VIN. I only showed him the VIN on the door jamb and that was enough. Let's just say that rig is still registered and will never not be registered again ;)

Joe

If you dont tell them, they wont know.
I replaced my 98 tacoma frame w/ a 85 xcab frame and DMV had no clue. AAA does not due Vin checks anymore either so you have to go to a DMV VIN verification station. Whatever you do, dont go to a CHP inspection station--they can screw you over big time. All the DMV did was look at the door VIN, Motor id, the mileage, and the liscence plates.

Just call the DMV and ask where a DMV inspection facility (a lot of bay area ones have inspections).

good luck