I'm going to be buying an XJ shell to swap engine, axles, everything onto to replace my twisted unibody. BUT, it has no title. What's the best way to keep it legal without committing too many felonies? Should I just swap VIN tags from the old body onto the new? I know that's illegal

 

Call the dmv see if they can get you a title for the new body or give you a new vin number.

 

for the record, the VIN plate is only attached to the dash...

 

I believe its also on the firewall

 

there is a hidden vin somewhere underneath your vehicle. i am not sure exactly but most are at the rt rear area.....I would look into what your state requires to do this body swap...in California you bring in the paperwork on BOTH vehicles and the changed vehicle to the CHP and DMV and they will issue a new vin and title...your state may vary
Cameron

 

No title on the "new" rig is going to require a load of paperwork. You have to prove that the vehicle is not stolen. I would find a doner with a clean title, it's not worth the headache to dink around on the one with no title.

 

If you can get a bill of sale its not that bad but still a headache in most states.Or tell them you don't want it unless they can get a title for it.

 

There's a vin stamped on the right side of inner fender. And there's a tag with vin stamped on it and its attached under the bumper on the unibody. There's one more location but I forgot where it is

 

If you swap just the VIN plate it sticks out like a sore thumb to Law Enforcement because of the fasteners whatever you use, not original. That was the first thing taught about spotting stolen cars.

Fred