Replace a VIN plate? Yes or No?

[schuetz1619]

The VIN number stamped into the metal of the chassis on my car is clearly legible, but the neighboring VIN plate is utterly shot--except for the also clearly legible VIN number (pictures).

 

The first-day-of-production VIN number is possibly a component in the resale value of the car.

 

Would the replacement the metal VIN plate with an identical, new metal plate negatively affect the value of the car on resale?

 

I'd appreciate the opinions of those who have some knowledge in this area.

 

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Mike Self]

It's really your call, but in some states that's illegal, so check with your state DMV (anonymously, of course!).  And if you do, I'd keep the old one, and use identical pop rivets to install the new one.  

 

Too bad some clever person hasn't figured out a way to silk screen all the printing on a plate worn like yours but with the stamped-in numbers nice and visible.

 

mike

[AceAndrew]

My supremely knowledgeable opinion; who cares?  Unless you bought the car as an investment….?  Do what you think is best.

 

This was just talked about at length if you go back a page or two.  

Riveting conversation (get it?)!

 

 

[jgerock]

Buy a new reproduction one from Coupe King and keep the old one in your toolbox. It’s what I did for my tii.

['76mintgrün'02]

Never use Simple Grün to clean a vin plate.  It takes the black off. 

 

(That's just a warning, not an accusation). 

 

((No, I didn't ruin mine.  Luckily, I noticed right away)).

Edited January 27, 2023 by '76mintgrün'02

[NYNick]

I'm not sure why you would do this. Unless you're trying to win concours, it looks much more original with the old one. Besides, any concours judge worth his salt will spot a repro a mile away.

[tjones02]

Replace it if you want, but KEEP the original in the car’s files! Also, the correct rivets were available from BMW Classic at one time. Do your due diligence to find correct looking rivets.

[David Layton]

The issue as I have heard is that state troopers look carefully at tags and rivets to spot theft.  We have some advantage in that our serials are clearly stamped in the frame next to the number plate.

[Georges]

Leave it alone. The numbers are still legible and that's all the law and a future buyer require. Think of it as well-earned patina. 

[Gordon]

It will look so much better after. Coupeking reproduction VIN tag in my tii. 

 

 

[schuetz1619]

Thanks to all for your conrtibutions. I've decided to mount a new plate and keep to old in the car--if I can find someone to engrave/stamp/engrave the VIN onto the new plate (that I already own).

 

Any ideas who might do this?

 

Thanks again.

 

P.S. I've inquired of Coupeking but haven't received a response. 

[AceAndrew]

CK won't do it if it isn't their plate.

 

I would reach out to local trophy/award businesses.  They'll likely do an engraving rather than a stamp.