Re-stamping engine numbers is OK.... IF...

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by KR500

Isn't it illegal to tear off the tags on pillows and mattresses also?

Not for the final user. It is illegal for wholesalers and retailers to remove them.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

I think you need to pay attention to who those certain people are.


U.S. Code › Title 18 › Part I › Chapter 25 › § 511
18 U.S. Code § 511 - Altering or removing motor vehicle identification numbers

Current through Pub. L. 114-38. (See Public Laws for the current Congress.)
US Code
Notes
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(a) A person who—
(1) knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters an identification number for a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part........

(1) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration by a person specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection (unless such person knows that the vehicle or part involved is stolen).

(2) The persons referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection are—

(A) a motor vehicle scrap processor or a motor vehicle demolisher who complies with applicable State law with respect to such vehicle or part;

(B) a person who repairs such vehicle or part, if the removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration is reasonably necessary for the repair;

(C) a person who restores or replaces an identification number for such vehicle or part in accordance with applicable State law; and

(D) a person who removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters a decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act, if that person is the owner of the motor vehicle, or is authorized to remove, obliterate, tamper with or alter the decal or device by—
(i) the owner or his authorized agent;
(ii) applicable State or local law; or
(iii) regulations promulgated by the Attorney General to implement the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act.
.......

Chris, you need to read it again. It tells you exactly who those certain people are.
Instead of copying the whole thing again I have just highlighted the important parts.

[Chris Haynes]

I don't see anything there that says you can change a number to suit your needs.

[eagle]

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

I don't see anything there that says you can change a number to suit your needs.

Depends on what your "needs" are. If you are "needing" to change an engine due to it being unrepairable, puting the VIN number that has been previously assigned to the vehicle onto the new engine is not illegal. Changing or adding numbers to a vehicle to match the numbers off of a title you purchased on ebay, illegal. etc

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by eagle

Depends on what your "needs" are. If you are "needing" to change an engine due to it being unrepairable, puting the VIN number that has been previously assigned to the vehicle onto the new engine is not illegal. Changing or adding numbers to a vehicle to match the numbers off of a title you purchased on ebay, illegal. etc

OK, but how will the LEO know if the number you remove is stolen or not?

[eagle]

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Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

OK, but how will the LEO know if the number you remove is stolen or not?

Quick answer is keep the old engine as proof.

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by eagle

Quick answer is keep the old engine as proof.

Keeping the old engine doesn't prove the new engine isn't stolen.

[Cornishman]

Originally Posted by RonC

To me that would reduce vehicle value

My A is registered in France using the Nevada identification tag riveted to the firewall. It certainly hasn't devalued the car, in fact it was worth its weight in gold. As my car has a B block it has not and never has had an engine number stamped on it.
The real fraud involving re stamping numbers comes when those cars are sold as being 100% original. With many collectible cars that can multiply their value by several times.

[V4F]

I have been told --- that nothing is illegal until you are in jail .