Legal question: frame replacement with aftermarket frame options?

Cameronswmp9

Active Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2017
Location
Raleigh
Found a pretty rusty TJ that will either need way to much frame work to make sense. Looking at different options Goat Built has the WIY chassis, the one Ian used on his black and yellow jeep buggy thing.

I have a feeling (a good feeling) that it's not street legal because of VIN stamps and all, even with VIN tags on the tub and dash.

While I don't believe the fuzz would ever go that far, more thinking inspection issues and all, even though would have title and all corresponding paperwork. Never seen an inspector look for VIN plates and all on a frame, but this is obviously not a factory frame.
 
The only time i have seen the police look at a frame is when the vehicle it has been burnt and the easy vins are burnt off or they have been involved in a theft.
 
Cameronswmp9 said:
Found a pretty rusty TJ that will either need way to much frame work to make sense. Looking at different options Goat Built has the WIY chassis, the one Ian used on his black and yellow jeep buggy thing.

I have a feeling (a good feeling) that it's not street legal because of VIN stamps and all, even with VIN tags on the tub and dash.

While I don't believe the fuzz would ever go that far, more thinking inspection issues and all, even though would have title and all corresponding paperwork. Never seen an inspector look for VIN plates and all on a frame, but this is obviously not a factory frame.
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If you scrap the old frame and restamp the vin on the new frame, what's the problem? It's still the same vehicle.
 
jeepinmatt said:
If you scrap the old frame and restamp the vin on the new frame, what's the problem? It's still the same vehicle.
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This is my thinking.
The whole point of the VIN is to ID the vehicle. Yes it's ovciously not the same metal but who cares? The only reason people go looking for frame VINs is if there is concern of theft or fraud.
 
It's a replacement part. really no big deal, Same as replacing the block of the motor, but if it worries you, carry a copy of the frame purchase receipt along with your registration, and staple another copy to your paper title.

I don't know about NC, But in Virginia, you could take it to The State Police Inspection office, and they'd inspect and give you a brand new builders title and VIN plate, (This is what guys building one off vehicles, Like putting an old Cab/Bed on a more modern chassis do) And that will cause a lot more questions than a frame with no VIN, but it makes it all 100% legal.
 
All the frankensteins ive glued together over the years... with many varying VINs. Ive never had an issue with inspections, cops, or even getting it from a impound lot. It all goes by tag, unless youre under investigation for a stolen vehicle. etc.
Just my experience across: Texas, Alaska, Florida, SC, Ga, NC, WA, MO, MT

Heck. On more than one occasion ive completely cobbled together a vehicle, bought a title off a random joe, and full sent it. Never an issue.
 
I appreciate you thinking all this through but in my honest opinion you’re thinking way too hard on this like other have said.
I have built numerous CJs over the years including frame swaps with OEM as well as TDK. As long as the vin plates on the tub match up - no one cares about the frame.
I’ve even purchased multiple classic vehicles from out of state and had to go through the highway patrol inspection process. Not a single time did they care about the frame.
 
AdamH said:
I appreciate you thinking all this through but in my honest opinion you’re thinking way too hard on this like other have said.
I have built numerous CJs over the years including frame swaps with OEM as well as TDK. As long as the vin plates on the tub match up - no one cares about the frame.
I’ve even purchased multiple classic vehicles from out of state and had to go through the highway patrol inspection process. Not a single time did they care about the frame.
Click to expand...

Biggest reason is I'm wanting to build a truly go anywhere rig and means driving it in many states, but housed in NC, so keeping the blue boys at bay several states away is a bigger deal than getting a failed inspection 5 minutes up the road.

Conversely, putting all this into this little TJ is going to cost tons more than buying a nice LJ that doesn't need this work. So, back to the drawing board to look at options and what's available
 
You’ve got to look at the intent of the law.

If you are replacing a damaged component, you should be just fine.

I’m no attorney and this isn’t legal advice. :D
 
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