Hey Guys..
..I am there....do I spend the money for new quarters, trunk pan kit, outer wheel house, drop offs and the associated labor.....or should I try to find, or does someone have a lead on, a clean '66 convertible shell that does not need ALL that work. The more I look the more depressed I get...I know it is going to cost one way or another.....but IF I can find a donor shell I will figure out how to swap VIN tags later, if needed....I did the floors in mine already but I am an ametuer compared to some of you here and they did not turn out so good....they will work but.......If that elusive shell is out there I would be willing to consider it....

I am working with a neglected Michigan shell that has seen better days.....

Thanks for any input or encouragement

Mike

hi Mike, looks like you are in need of some,good old fashioned cheering up. graemlins/hurray.gif
are you attached to this car?
if so step back and take a good look at it.
are you enjoying the experience?
or not?
if you are go for it.
if not change it.
what ever you do have FUN.
jim graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I guess you could say I am attached....I have a payment due the first of every month. I bought the car as a driver and spun a rod bearing a few days ater buying it. One thing led to another and I now have repalced the frame with one from AZ and put in and on all new goodies totaling about $5000.00. So yea, I gues you can say I am attached. I just figured if I could find a really solid convertible body for a decent price (under $2500 or so) then it woudl be worth it. It IS an original SS except for the engine frame transmission and interior...so maybe it is not so original...it still has a "138" VIN tag....just fishing for more incentive I guess.... smile.gif

Heck I am saying go for it. You will appreciate it just that much more... and you can say you did it.

I would also say that the floors are a good spot to start and learn so that by the time you get to someplace thats seen you have the hang of it.

I have a friend who replaced all but the roof on his. I find myself doing the same thing as you but its the "while I have it apart I might as well". Welcome to the club. :D

Originally posted by Chief:
.....but IF I can find a donor shell I will figure out how to swap VIN tags later, if needed....

Thanks for any input or encouragement
Start with this USC Title 18 Part I Chapter 25 Section 511 (http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/casecode/uscodes/18/parts/i/chapters/25/sections/section_511.html) which leaves the state some autonomy to regulate.:
"(a) A person who -
(1) knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters an identification number for a motor vehicle or motor vehicle partshall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both."

Then this for your state of MI. (http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1631-30067--,00.html)
"It is illegal to remove an existing VIN plate or to be in possession of VIN plates. State law deems this a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than four years, a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, and revocation of the dealer's license. VIN plates may never be removed or moved from one vehicle to another."

DAMN... graemlins/angry.gif ..Just what I needed a Lawyer that owns a Chevelle... graemlins/waving.gif ..I figure it this way....if I do not attempt to "defraud" anyone.....and if I "OWN" both bodies.....who cares....but if I buy an untitled body shell.....how do I go about this....and what if I had to replace that portion of the door jamb where my plate is mounted...you saying that would be illegal to remove, repair, and replace????

I doubt I will ever find a decent body.....but you never know......and if I did replace the plate....it would not be the first one ever done....

Originally posted by Chief:
..I figure it this way....if I do not attempt to "defraud" anyone.....and if I "OWN" both bodies.....who cares....but if I buy an untitled body shell.....how do I go about this....and what if I had to replace that portion of the door jamb where my plate is mounted...you saying that would be illegal to remove, repair, and replace????Hey Chief, I'm just trying to save you some future grief. The state of Michigan cares. You should not be able to buy an untitled body shell. Yes, it is illegal to remove or replace. Here's the full text. (http://www.michiganlegislature.org/mileg.asp?page=getObject&objName=mcl-750-415&highlight=)