trimacar Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 Just went to pick up a new acquisition, 1971 Pontiac Firebird Esprit, a possible car for my young son to drive.Showed up with money, they pulled out the title.I told them, hey, just for grins and giggles, let me go check the VIN on the car against what's on the title, and told them the story of buying a Camaro a while back and the middle letter was "M" not "N" as on car tag, and what a hassle to change.Couldn't believe it, same thing on this car, a "Z" where an "L" should have been.Told them to call me when title fixed, not going through that again.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
33 Lasalle Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 Good advice! I had the same situation with my '63 split window.Someone had transposed a 5 and an S on the title, I didn't noticeit when I bought the car although I did compare the title and tag.It was 6 months before I finally received a letter confirming theywould change my title. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacerman Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 I agree, but that mistake may have been on the VIN from the factory. L would be Van Nuys. N would be Norwood, OH. Those were the only places that Firebirds were made. There's no logical reason for a Z in a VIN sequence in a 1971 Firebird. Might be easy to fix. Might not. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike brady Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Checking the title against the vehicle is common practice for those who use international shippers and cross the border (to snow free Ontario Canada). David is correct.......it is a habit that should be practiced by all. A few years ago I held up a purchase while the owner has the California DMV issue corrected papers. I wasn't prepared for a document error to be my problem as I know that that the transport company nor customs will touch a vehicle if the documents don't match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted February 1, 2012 Author Share Posted February 1, 2012 Well, the "L" was on the VIN on the car, so now I know it was born in Van Nuys, thanks Joe!They apparently had an easy time fixing it, issued a new title that matches, car was picked up today. I was hoping to post pictures of a new Pierce Arrow acquisition, but that deal's not coming to fruition, so guess I'll have to get pics of the Firebird!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike brady Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 David,I hope you and your son don't get too distracted with your new purchase. I'm hoping that you return to Auburn again this year with your Cord. There is also the "Spring Meet" which is a lot closer to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 No, I still plan to go back to Auburn, that was a great time, and this is the year of the unrestored car, so mine fits right in! The Firebird is just something that happened, not any kind of dream car.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Crusty Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Great advice David, haven't bought that many cars but I don't think I've ever checked - something like that could really come back to haunt you. Will definitely always check in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Maine Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Interesting that some states/provinces issue titles on older vehicles. Maine does not. Anything older than 15 years is transferred with a bill of sale and copy of the registration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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