Any CHP or DMV out there?

[golfish]

received a 1970 HD sportster a few weeks ago. 1970 is when HD started putting VIN on the frame,. The frame has been powder coated so no number can be seen. The engine number is on the pink slip (issued in 1989) and there's a VEH ID # that starts CA499***,

Why did the DMV issue a CA number and not use the VIN number that would have been put on the frame 45 years ago when it was made?

The engine cases are 1970, the frame and all the parts looks 1970 but who knows.

[jeffyhog]

Has the frame been replaced?

[golfish]

jeffyhog, I really don't know about the frame because there are no numbers on it. It looks like a 1970 frame. It should have numbers on it no matter what year it is. My guess is the previous owner powder coated it 25 years ago not thinking about the numbers, then again, I've had two frames powder coated in the last 8 years, they always make sure to leave the numbers visible.

I got it from the son n law of the guy who owned it (died) I don't think its stolen because I met the guy at his house. The engine I know for sure is GTG..

My guess is he started to rebuid it 25 years ago and ran out of talent or money. Of course I don't have the talent or money either, just lots of time

[golfish]

anybody?

[golfish]

I'm loosing all confidence in you guys I can see it now. This poor old guy (me) spends 16 months and his life savings (couple grand) getting this little Ironhead back on the road.
One day while I'm stuck at the 7-11 trying to get the POS to kick over (I can't afford an electric start) one of you guys pulls up and starts giving me the run around. Since you don't know what to do because you can't find a VIN on the frame you call Jose the scumbag tow truck driver to take it down to the station so you can sort things out. While its down at the station Jose and his family strip this little bike down to the frame. They don't want the frame cause there aint no numbers on it.

I thought using the word "station" sounded better then "scumbag tow yard"

fish

[AR15Man]

I'm loosing all confidence in you guys I can see it now. This poor old guy (me) spends 16 months and his life savings (couple grand) getting this little Ironhead back on the road.
One day while I'm stuck at the 7-11 trying to get the POS to kick over (I can't afford an electric start) one of you guys pulls up and starts giving me the run around. Since you don't know what to do because you can't find a VIN on the frame you call Jose the scumbag tow truck driver to take it down to the station so you can sort things out. While its down at the station Jose and his family strip this little bike down to the frame. They don't want the frame cause there aint no numbers on it.

I thought using the word "station" sounded better then "scumbag tow yard"

fish

This is a possibility on what happened with your bike

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/reg_hdbk/ch7/ch7_7.htm

Try here for info on how to get the reg history for a small fee;

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel10/2010-07.htm

http://www.vehiclehistory.gov/

http://www.vinverifyplace.com/dnn/default.aspx

Good luck with your project.


My guess is that you probably will have to remove the powdercoat so that a verifyer can read it. But that's just a guess as your DMV may vary

[Jimvh2]

I am not CHP, LEO or with the DMV.....

But I bought a barn bike that had been parked for 10+ years. I took it home and worked on it for another 3 years. Once it was done I started the DMV process. I had a title but the bike had fallen out of their system.

I ended up trailering the bike to the DMV for inspection. I had to scrape the paint at the frame number so the inspector could read it. I knew the paint was thick and didn't think about it.

I took it home, fixed the paint and never had anyone want to see it again. So, in my case the inspector was the only one worried about it.

[34marine]

I'm loosing all confidence in you guys I can see it now. This poor old guy (me) spends 16 months and his life savings (couple grand) getting this little Ironhead back on the road.
One day while I'm stuck at the 7-11 trying to get the POS to kick over (I can't afford an electric start) one of you guys pulls up and starts giving me the run around. Since you don't know what to do because you can't find a VIN on the frame you call Jose the scumbag tow truck driver to take it down to the station so you can sort things out. While its down at the station Jose and his family strip this little bike down to the frame. They don't want the frame cause there aint no numbers on it.

I thought using the word "station" sounded better then "scumbag tow yard"

fish

Take it to CHP office. First call local area office to you and ask for VIN inspector, schedule an appointment. They should be able to help get you straightened out. Now for the "scum bag" stuff and knowing what we'd do while you're at 7-11 or whatever. That was way off base. Please help end the perpetuating cycle of hatred and distrust toward LE, and don't think for a second that we are not bike guys or have friends who are bike guys. Hope this helps you and good luck with the ride.