[gerryserrano]

Good Old Cali and DMV. Can anyone share a picture of an OEM door sticker for a 1970 SS El Camino. My El Co was painted and the OO, failed to tape this off and now, I can't register her until DMV validates the VIN which I'm told, is either on the frame rails or on this sticker, which I can buy and did, but need to be sure it has the OEM information on it, which I believe to be the build date and VIN... Need a picture of an original one. I have one for my 72 El Camino, but it has quite a bit more information than what I believe was originally provided for the 70 SS. Keep me honest here guys.

 

[Old Bear]

For a 1970, there is a visible vin plate ahead of the driver, just behind and below the lower windshield.

 

[cyberray]

if it's painted over, why can't you use Q-tips and paint remover to carefully swab the paint off?

 

[Old Bear]

The metal VIN tag is forward of the dash pad, below the forward part of the windshield.
It is easy to find on a stock 1970 El Camino.

 

[Old Bear]

There are some other derivative and partial VINs, yet they can be hard to find. They also are not likely to match prior paperwork.

Check this link.
Partial VIN Locations (chevellestuff.net)

and this link.
Federal VIN location on 70 Chevelle - Chevy Message Forum - Restoration and Repair Help (chevytalk.org)

 

[gerryserrano]

For a 1970, there is a visible vin plate ahead of the driver, just behind and below the lower windshield.

Thank you for the heads up. I know about that VIN , but DMV needs to verify the information on the door (Drivers Side). I have a new sticker, but need to ensure that I have the necessary information that came from Chevy back in the day. My 1972 has quite a bit of information on her original sticker, but I don't know information the 1970 sticker should have. I was looking for someone to share a picture of their sticker and or tell me if it just needs the VIN and year built on it.

 

[gerryserrano]

if it's painted over, why can't you use Q-tips and paint remover to carefully swab the paint off?

I would under normal circumstances if I was 100% sure that the old sticker was still there, which I don't believe it is. This is why I bought a new sticker, but I need to know what information came from the factory on that sticker. Is it only the year built and VIN. My 72 has quite a bit more information. Hopefully I can get someone to tell what came from the factory for a 1970 SS El Camino.

 

[cyberray]

I would under normal circumstances if I was 100% sure that the old sticker was still there, which I don't believe it is. This is why I bought a new sticker, but I need to know what information came from the factory on that sticker. Is it only the year built and VIN. My 72 has quite a bit more information. Hopefully I can get someone to tell what came from the factory for a 1970 SS El Camino.

so you can't even see the outline of a sticker there under the paint?

 

[B52bombardier1]

Where is the VIN plate under the windshield glass on the drivers side, lower corner? This VIN should be sufficient for the DMV. There is a partial VIN on the passenger side of the firewall if you need another confirmation VIN. Mine is upside down and hard to read.

Rick

 

[ECFAN]

I’m in CA and feel your pain. Been through it MANY times. Sounds like you are bringing your EL into CA from another state aka “ initial registration”. Is that correct? The door sticker is considered a “secondary” vin for two reasons, the door and/or sticker can be replaced with another part. “ Primary”vins like the windshield and frame are riveted or engraved and relatively permanent.
Sometimes, the DMV , CHP or AAA will want to see two VINs for verification. Is it DMV,CHP, AAA, or independent registration office looking at the car? The independents are privately owned and can be a bit more lenient in these situations and accept the vin on the dash. You know your EL isn’t HOT. If you are in a local car club maybe one of the members has a referral and get you through this. Any peace officer can verify it too. Do you know a cop? At least you don’t have to get it smog tested too. Btw, if your sticker is close, has the vin and the gross weight that should fly. Good reading below. Good luck!

1.165 Vehicle Verifications - California DMV

Chapter 1 General Registration Information 1.165 Vehicle Verifications DMV may require a physical inspection of a vehicle (verification of vehicle) prior to completing a vehicle registration application. A verification of vehicle is always required for: Registration of a vehicle last registered...

www.dmv.ca.gov

 

[gerryserrano]

I’m in CA and feel your pain. Been through it MANY times. Sounds like you are bringing your EL into CA from another state aka “ initial registration”. Is that correct? The door sticker is considered a “secondary” vin for two reasons, the door and/or sticker can be replaced with another part. “ Primary”vins like the windshield and frame are riveted or engraved and relatively permanent.
Sometimes, the DMV , CHP or AAA will want to see two VINs for verification. Is it DMV,CHP, AAA, or independent registration office looking at the car? The independents are privately owned and can be a bit more lenient in these situations and accept the vin on the dash. You know your EL isn’t HOT. If you are in a local car club maybe one of the members has a referral and get you through this. Any peace officer can verify it too. Do you know a cop? At least you don’t have to get it smog tested too. Btw, if your sticker is close, has the vin and the gross weight that should fly. Good reading below. Good luck!

1.165 Vehicle Verifications - California DMV

Chapter 1 General Registration Information 1.165 Vehicle Verifications DMV may require a physical inspection of a vehicle (verification of vehicle) prior to completing a vehicle registration application. A verification of vehicle is always required for: Registration of a vehicle last registered...

www.dmv.ca.gov

Thank you for your support and understanding. I'll be going to the GoodGuys in Del Mar, so maybe I can get a picture of an OEM sticker for a 1970 and that should be sufficient. The VIN on the cowl tag is easy to read, but as you stated California requires two forms and if you don't have the door one, you have to drive to your local CHP for them to verify. Something I'd like to avoid as the brakes need some work.LOL

 

[gerryserrano]

so you can't even see the outline of a sticker there under the paint?

Trust me if I could, I'd take the chance but no...Great idea, but there is no outline what's so ever.

 

[Old Bear]

I registered my 1970 after PO had it painted.
There is no decal on door.
AAA used the VIN plate on dash for registration for CA DMV.

 

[Old Bear]

There must be more to your situation that you have not shared.
The Vin plate (not the cowl tag), provides the information.

Are you looking for curb weight or GVW?
That is available from GMHERITAGECENTER.com
================================================
Extracted from CA DMV website.
1.115 Registration by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - California DMV

1.115 Registration by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Chapter 1 General Registration Information
1.115 Registration by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (CVC §671)
Vehicles are primarily registered by the manufacturer-assigned VIN which is die-stamped into the vehicle frame or stamped on a plate attached to the vehicle body. The certificate of title and registration card contain the VIN.

 

[ECFAN]

Good Guys in Del Mar is a great show. I’m nearby in Carlsbad. Btw, if you can find the another vin on your car and lead the person inspecting to that place that will work too. They just don’t want to or know how.Just your typical government employee “punt” maneuver. AAA inspectors too. In fact, AAA will not verify a vehicle if on a trailer. Nothing in the CA vehicle code that I see says it has to go to CHP if a second vin can’t be easily seen. All qualified vin verifiers can do it.

 

[Old Bear]

Is this 1970 not in the CA DMV system?

There are three ways to register a 1970 El Camino in California.
* Most common - As a Commercial Vehicle which needs to pay annual weight fees and is more expensive. You need to know the weight.
** Less Common - As a "House Car" it must have a camper or shell on at ALL times. You cannot take the shell off to haul a refrigerator. Lower annual fees (does not include annual weight fee).
*** Like mine - California Historical Vehicle (you cannot use haul stuff like a refrigerator. Less affordable, limited use (parades, shows, club meetings).

 

[Old Bear]

Possibly @DougA knows.
He started a thread at chevelles.com
70 Door Jamb Stickers | Team Chevelle (chevelles.com)

 

[Old Bear]

Just for fun. Here is my door with all the info on it before registering in 2014 in California via AAA.

 

[gerryserrano]

Possibly @DougA knows.
He started a thread at chevelles.com
70 Door Jamb Stickers | Team Chevelle (chevelles.com)

So many thanks to all who are always willing to help. I believe based on the example of the sticker reference provided, I should have sufficient information to apply the sticker with the VIN and year built and that should do it. @joe Caballero, your picture is also appreciated. I went to AAA in Escondido where I live and that's the 2nd place they looked before the VIN on the Cowl and stated that w/o the sticker, they would no verify is and I'd have to take it to a CHP location for secondary verification. I guess it truly depends on where you go, but I'll try this again..... What a pain..

 

[Gabby]

well being in Cali the door sticker would tell them if it had the air pump and/or EGR valve. If you had the build sheet that would also help. welcome to emissions hell lol