Subject: Re: Stupid Newbie Question #2, VIN tool?
Author: Patrick Hayes
Date: Feb 12, 2005, 3:59 PM
Post ID: 1718379619
AJ Huff wrote:
| posts about this tool. What is the need to remove the VIN plate? The only thing I can think of is prepping to paint/powder coat the frame. |
Um, that would be the primary idea and the reason the tool was
constructed. However, if I have a bent bike and you sell me a nice
identical frame, then I have two choices when I reassemble. Either I
can move my vin plate to your frame and do it back up, or I can just use
your frame and then hassle like crazy with the DMV records and
inspections to verify the vin transfer. Care to opine?
If you are into authenticity, then moving the plates is a bad idea.
There are structural differences between a civilian loop frame and a
police loop frame. Immediately I think of rear crash bar gusset support
and puny sidestand anchor lug. Wouldn't be too difficult to sell
someone a civilian frame with a re-attached police vin plate.
On a similar note, I know of some Guzzi vintage racing singles that are
going for outrageous prices. Problem is that the stamped numbers in the
frame don't match anything in the factory library archives. What do you
suppose that does to collector value?
Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA