replacement dash VIN plate

Man, on the dash plate, that's a hard thing to do...I hate to say it, but you are probably going to have to check the DMV on this.

I think you are going to be SOL...only suggestion is to put in another dash top, and have a new plate assigned by the DMV?

Only thing is around here, they typically rivit the plate in the door jam.

Andrew:GTS.ORG admin, '72 Q code 5 speed Restomod
Pondering: #99Problems

I found an ad in Hemmings Motor News from a guy that makes replica tags. www.datatags.com. He said he usually does tags for older, 60's era and earlier, but may be able to help me out but would need a sample of a dash VIN to see if its possible..

Would someone be able to email me a nice close-up of a VIN for a '76, You can block out the last few numbers, just need a sample of what they look like, font style..etc..

You can send to gfife@new.rr.com

Thanks alot,

Gary

Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

Double checked with Marti, said Ford doesnt license anyone to make VIN tags...Hmmmm, not good. hopefully this other guy can come through by hook or by crook...

I'm even going to give that old body shop a call, just in case, they may on a long shot may still have that thing laying around somewhere, along with my rear bumper and fuel tank...

Not sure the previous owner left them on the best of terms though....maybe a nice "finders fee" would motivate them....fingers crossed...

Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

Cool, I'll keep that in mind!!

Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

I called Wisconsin DOT and they said they would have to reassign me a new VIN number. It comes on a metal plate with revits and everything to put back in the dash...but I dont want a different #, if this wasnt a collector car I guess I wouldnt mind but I want everything to match on this thing, it even has the original 351W...

So I drove down to Milwaukee to the old body shop, it hasnt been turned into a Starbucks, but is under new ownership. Guy was really nice, let me look upstairs at what he had laying around, which wasnt much from the old owners. Said the old owners were told to get rid of everything when they went under so if there was anything left of my car its in the dump...

...

Good news is the only thing I REALLY wanted was that VIN plate for the dash. I sent some pics of VIN plates,( thanks guys ) to that datatags.com guy and he said he can replicate

a plate for my car right down to the funny script "f" at the front and back....Its going to set me back $300.00 but he guarantees I'll like it or my money back...He sounds legit, wants a copy of my title and everything to make sure I'm not a scammer....Oh well, I gotta have it...

I'll let ya know how it turns out...

Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

where can you get the special rivits?

-Pete
1972 montego GT
1970 Torino cobra SCJ
1970 mustang mach 1
1965 Falcon futura

That's a fantastic outcome for a potentially catastrophic situation. 2 thumbs up!

Paul~

1972 GTS 351CJ-4V black/black

Hi Garyfi,

Do you still have the contact info for the guy that reproduces Ford Gran Torino dash VIN plates. I’ve tried Datatags and it’s not working anymore. Thank you very much.

darrell_and_jacque@hotmail.com

Thanks Jim. I still want to find a pair of the OEM rivets for one dash cover and the original VIN plate of one of mine.

Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000 rpm 351 stroker
73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later.
92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W

Just an FYI, I modified my metal dash insert for 4" dash speakers and 1" tweeters(I was big into car audio-still am) near each corner of the lower windshield, drilling holes using a paper template. I did this to an extra metal insert not to potentially mess up the original. Once done I removed the VIN tag then just used "regular" 1/8" rivets to attach it to the insert. No issues with Florida DMV for plating or insurance. Not trying to argue here, but just how many folks at a DMV would still be employed that knows and/or remembers how a mid to late 70's Ford VIN tag is attached and what or what doesn't look "right". I bet 99.99% don't GAF and/or couldn't tell what was right or wrong with it. It is good to know that there are folks who can make a replacement VIN plate look like an original. Sorry for the crappy, finger print laden pic.

Edited by aquartlow - 21-January-2026 at 6:23AM

www.supermotors.net/22468
Yeah, It's a Hybrid...It burns gas and tires.

No matter how good she looks, somebody, somewhere, is tired of her sh*t.

Beauty is skin deep, ugliness goes clear to the bone.

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GaryFi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23-October-2008 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 256	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryFi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: replacement dash VIN plate Posted: 23-September-2009 at 6:07PM
	The old body shop which started my car's repair with the previous owner, lost (dont ask me how) the metal dash panel including the metal VIN tag for my car. Fortunately I have a near perfect built sheet and the metal plate under the hood on the passenger side to prove its identity. I know Marti makes replacement door jam stickers, does anyone know of a place that replicates the metal VIN plates for the dash?? Edited by GaryFi - 23-September-2009 at 6:08PM
	Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

Eliteman76 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 20-March-2006 Location: Nebraska, USA Status: Offline Points: 5450	Post Options Post Reply Quote Eliteman76 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24-September-2009 at 5:32AM
	Man, on the dash plate, that's a hard thing to do...I hate to say it, but you are probably going to have to check the DMV on this. I think you are going to be SOL...only suggestion is to put in another dash top, and have a new plate assigned by the DMV? Only thing is around here, they typically rivit the plate in the door jam.
	Andrew:GTS.ORG admin, '72 Q code 5 speed Restomod Pondering: #99Problems

GaryFi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23-October-2008 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 256	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryFi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25-September-2009 at 3:42PM
	Ya, looks like the DMV is the place to start, I let you know what I find out.... Thanks.. Gary
	Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

GaryFi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23-October-2008 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 256	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryFi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26-September-2009 at 3:10PM
	I found an ad in Hemmings Motor News from a guy that makes replica tags. www.datatags.com. He said he usually does tags for older, 60's era and earlier, but may be able to help me out but would need a sample of a dash VIN to see if its possible.. Would someone be able to email me a nice close-up of a VIN for a '76, You can block out the last few numbers, just need a sample of what they look like, font style..etc.. You can send to gfife@new.rr.com Thanks alot, Gary
	Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

crispy23c Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 10-November-2007 Location: New Hampshire Status: Offline Points: 1100	Post Options Post Reply Quote crispy23c Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26-September-2009 at 11:30PM
	Cool, Gary. Let us know how you make out. Sorry, I don't own a '76 or I would post a pic. ~Chris
	Chris P. '73 GTS FastBack 351CJ-4V Triple black "Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils." - Gen. John Stark

GaryFi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23-October-2008 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 256	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryFi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27-September-2009 at 7:56AM
	Double checked with Marti, said Ford doesnt license anyone to make VIN tags...Hmmmm, not good. hopefully this other guy can come through by hook or by crook... I'm even going to give that old body shop a call, just in case, they may on a long shot may still have that thing laying around somewhere, along with my rear bumper and fuel tank... Not sure the previous owner left them on the best of terms though....maybe a nice "finders fee" would motivate them....fingers crossed...
	Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

Eliteman76 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 20-March-2006 Location: Nebraska, USA Status: Offline Points: 5450	Post Options Post Reply Quote Eliteman76 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27-September-2009 at 3:57PM
	I don't know if it would help, but I have a tag I saved off a 1972 Q code Ranchero...it's floating around the house somewhere, if they need a sample. Keep in mind, that dash tags use specific rivits, but I don't have a clue where you need to get them from you.
	Andrew:GTS.ORG admin, '72 Q code 5 speed Restomod Pondering: #99Problems

GaryFi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23-October-2008 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 256	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryFi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27-September-2009 at 6:12PM
	Cool, I'll keep that in mind!!
	Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

GaryFi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23-October-2008 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 256	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryFi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 29-September-2009 at 6:10PM
	Uhh Ohhhhh, I called the old shop's phone number and its disconnected and no new listing in directory assistance.... Sent off an email to the old owner asking him to drive over to see if it is under new ownership or turned into a Starbucks...... also sent him an updated photo of the car to drive him nuts....
	Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

GaryFi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23-October-2008 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 256	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryFi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 19-October-2009 at 3:31PM
	I called Wisconsin DOT and they said they would have to reassign me a new VIN number. It comes on a metal plate with revits and everything to put back in the dash...but I dont want a different #, if this wasnt a collector car I guess I wouldnt mind but I want everything to match on this thing, it even has the original 351W... So I drove down to Milwaukee to the old body shop, it hasnt been turned into a Starbucks, but is under new ownership. Guy was really nice, let me look upstairs at what he had laying around, which wasnt much from the old owners. Said the old owners were told to get rid of everything when they went under so if there was anything left of my car its in the dump...... Good news is the only thing I REALLY wanted was that VIN plate for the dash. I sent some pics of VIN plates,( thanks guys ) to that datatags.com guy and he said he can replicate a plate for my car right down to the funny script "f" at the front and back....Its going to set me back $300.00 but he guarantees I'll like it or my money back...He sounds legit, wants a copy of my title and everything to make sure I'm not a scammer....Oh well, I gotta have it... I'll let ya know how it turns out...
	Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

GaryFi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23-October-2008 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 256	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryFi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14-November-2009 at 7:24AM
	EUREKA!!!!!!!! Well, this guy really came through..it cost me but still cheaper than the alternative of having to retitle my numbers matching car under a different VIN # and given the depreciation that would have resulted as well.... Special thanks to Alan for the pic and especially Mark for actually shipping me a whole metal dash with VIN plate to use as an example!! I did have to drill out the holes in the plate just a hair so it would line up perfect in the window. One shot of primer and two lite coats of BBQ black (flat but not real flat) paint for just the right look...also have to touch up the rivets just a bit yet, paint came off when it was riveted on.....
	Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

ramair351 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 08-May-2006 Location: west michigan Status: Offline Points: 1561	Post Options Post Reply Quote ramair351 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14-November-2009 at 10:34AM
	where can you get the special rivits?
	-Pete 1972 montego GT 1970 Torino cobra SCJ 1970 mustang mach 1 1965 Falcon futura

GaryFi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23-October-2008 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 256	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryFi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14-November-2009 at 10:59AM
	mine were included with the tag, I did find an old post-it note lying around that I had written "rosette rivets..?" PH (519) 322-1870 awhile back, not sure where I got if from..I never did call it. Give it a try and let me know...
	Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

picon3 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 20-February-2007 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 2106	Post Options Post Reply Quote picon3 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14-November-2009 at 11:27AM
	That's a fantastic outcome for a potentially catastrophic situation. 2 thumbs up! Paul~
	1972 GTS 351CJ-4V black/black

73GTS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 22-September-2008 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Status: Offline Points: 947	Post Options Post Reply Quote 73GTS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15-November-2009 at 8:33AM
	I bought some of those rivets off Ebay
	Jim

351CJ4spd Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Probationary Member Joined: 11-March-2023 Location: Running Springs Status: Offline Points: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote 351CJ4spd Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20-January-2026 at 3:48PM
	Hi Garyfi, Do you still have the contact info for the guy that reproduces Ford Gran Torino dash VIN plates. I’ve tried Datatags and it’s not working anymore. Thank you very much. darrell_and_jacque@hotmail.com

73GTS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 22-September-2008 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Status: Offline Points: 947	Post Options Post Reply Quote 73GTS Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 20-January-2026 at 4:53PM
	Sorry to barge in, but I have some info you are asking for. A G Backeast was the only one who made them. I purchased mine from them. This is info regarding them now..... According to another forum, there was a death in the family & business was closed for a while. Previous owner retired and the business has a new owner. This caused a back up and no communication for a while but it sounds like they are back in business. I hear the new owner is the son. Not comfirmed.
	Jim

72 RS 351 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04-September-2014 Location: Knoxville TN Status: Offline Points: 3443	Post Options Post Reply Quote 72 RS 351 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21-January-2026 at 12:58AM
	Thanks Jim. I still want to find a pair of the OEM rivets for one dash cover and the original VIN plate of one of mine.
	*Don* 73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000 rpm 351 stroker 73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later. 92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W

GaryFi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23-October-2008 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 256	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryFi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21-January-2026 at 4:55AM
	I see some other members beat me to it. 😊 Glad to hear someone has taken the torch and continuing such a valuable service for classic car enthusiasts..
	Starsky and Hutch Limited Edition #559 in rehab

aquartlow Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19-December-2011 Location: Summerfield, Fl Status: Offline Points: 2341	Post Options Post Reply Quote aquartlow Report Post Thanks(2) Quote Reply Posted: 21-January-2026 at 6:18AM
	Just an FYI, I modified my metal dash insert for 4" dash speakers and 1" tweeters(I was big into car audio-still am) near each corner of the lower windshield, drilling holes using a paper template. I did this to an extra metal insert not to potentially mess up the original. Once done I removed the VIN tag then just used "regular" 1/8" rivets to attach it to the insert. No issues with Florida DMV for plating or insurance. Not trying to argue here, but just how many folks at a DMV would still be employed that knows and/or remembers how a mid to late 70's Ford VIN tag is attached and what or what doesn't look "right". I bet 99.99% don't GAF and/or couldn't tell what was right or wrong with it. It is good to know that there are folks who can make a replacement VIN plate look like an original. Sorry for the crappy, finger print laden pic. Edited by aquartlow - 21-January-2026 at 6:23AM
	www.supermotors.net/22468 Yeah, It's a Hybrid...It burns gas and tires. No matter how good she looks, somebody, somewhere, is tired of her sh*t. Beauty is skin deep, ugliness goes clear to the bone.