Counterfeit Cars on FABO!!!
Counterfeit Cars on FABO!!!
Got your attention? Good, read on, because they are among us here on FABO.
Within the last month I’ve encountered two individuals who either admitted to owning and considering swapping VINs or have already swapped VINs. The later actually has advertised his car for sale; thankfully it did not sell on FABO. Both are still active here, so beware. And to the guy that has actually swapped VINs, I’m watching and waiting for you to sell here or on EBay. You know who you are. If you can prove you are legal, then I will apologize here in public. If you harass me with PMs, I’ll call you out here in this public forum.
I know all of you are going to ask me who these perpetrators are, if you want to know, click on my Avatar (left hand side) and view my profile. Click “statistics” and then click “find all posts by Demon 408”. You only need to go back to March 19, 2011 to see both.
I started this thread because I’m really sick of what is happening to our hobby and I wanted to educate the unknowing and warn those who are buying, or selling, cars. One particular issue that pisses me off is FABO members buying a “Duster” and turning it into a “Demon”. I know some of you will disagree (flame on), but if you want a Demon, buy one. And if you are swapping VINs and titles to make the Duster a Demon…may you rot in hell. Okay, I know, you “like Demons” better than you do Dusters and there are more Duster out there, so why not? Well, maybe you are honest and you will represent that 71 Demon as what it really is, a 71 Duster. But, then you sell the car and the next owner is not as honest. Buyer and seller beware.
You may disagree with the following definitions but you need to be familiar with them:
VIN: A VIN is a Vehicle Identification Number; every A-Body has one. The early VINs up through 1965 had 10 digits in the number. The 1966 and up have 13 digits in the number. Basically, VIN tells you the model, engine, if it is a Dodge or Plymouth and what plant assembled the car. The key to an original car is the VIN.
Original “numbers matching” car: An original numbers matching car is a car that has all its correct parts, to include motor, transmission, and interior. The motor, transmission and all other parts match the VIN serial number and paint is original color. The original VIN, data plate and title remain with the car. If the car was advertised for sale the seller would list it as original “numbers matching” car.
Original “numbers correct” car: An original numbers correct car is a car that has all its correct parts, to include motor, transmission, and interior. Motor and transmission may not match the VIN but they have the correct date code. Paint may be a different color, but is a color that was available for that year make and model. The original VIN, data plate and title remain with the car. If the car was advertised for sale the seller would list it as original “numbers correct” car with a color change.
Clones: A clone car is a car that looks like a muscle car but wasn’t built as one. For example, A 71 slant-6 Demon with a 340 in it and all of the exterior 340 badges would be a clone of a 71 Demon 340. But there would be no attempt to pass it off as a Demon 340. The original VIN, data plate and title that reflected the slant 6 would remain with the car. If the car was advertised for sale the seller would make it clear it was a clone.
Resto-mod: This car uses newer parts to increase performance and safety, but may or may not attempt to look like a clone (see above). The original VIN, data plate and title reflecting the original car would remain with the car. If the car was advertised for sale the seller would make it clear it was a resto-mod.
Counterfeits: A counterfeit car is similar to a clone (or even resto-mod). However, an attempt has been made to hide this fact and owner tries to pass it off, or advertises it for sale, as an original. WARNING: Changing or duplicating the VIN on your car is a federal offense. Federal offense means you will be someone’s *****. If you have a VIN then it must have a legal history…period.
To the honest FABO members out there, no harm no foul.
Peace out.