Altered Vin. How to figure the original VIn

You best let that sleeping dog lie. If you had it registered in 97 with the VIN that rides on the car, just get plates on the title you have. If you didn't get it registered on the VIN currently on the car, and just kept using the title/registration from the Dart you junked......you're pretty much F'ed! I don't know if you can get a bonded title in CA, or not? That would be the best option if you can. If that is possible in CA, you can buy an insurance bond on the car, and apply for a bonded title for the car wearing the current VIN. It's much cheaper than one of those flim flam title companies, and is 100% legal if it can be done in your state. Good luck to you.