whats the difference between early and late shells?
 

I'll hopefully be looking at a 85/86 shell that apparently was an insurance loss and comes with a 74 ID. i plan on an RSR rep. if i use the 74 id on the shell will there be any noticable differences between the the two years of car other than galvanising and the late inner wings? the shell is straight (legally)and comes with a history by the way.


Andy, UK

How can an '85/'86 shell come with a '74 ID ?

The VIN will always identify it as an '85/'86 - if a '74 VIN has been welded in place then I would personally avoid it.

Also if this was an insurance loss it will show up on the VCAR register & any HPI checks when/if you come to sell it.

Andy

is it That serious though?
the guy says that he has documentation to prove that the shell has come from a straight legitimate source, i can see what you are saying about welding in the 74 details but.....does it matter that much? Im not selling the car, its for life, so if it gets it on the road...has anyone else gone this route? there is a big breakers over here called Douglas Valley and they sell ALL their shells minus any details, so how do they get put back on the road? I know Im sounding like i just want to convince myself but at the same time im having trouble finding a decent shell at the right price so.......

I guess the question would be 'why would you change the plates and number to begin with?' I would say that if you started with a shell that had been wriiten off by an insurance company, welded in some other vin that, when traced, said trhe car was 'accident free', you would be setting yourself up for a real problem down the road. So, if it is for 'life' what does it matter? Personally, I would stay away from anyone that changed vin #'s for re-sale...
Good luck.

You have to imagine the 'worst case scenario' ...

- what happens if you purchase that shell, build your car & the finished car is involved in a major accident (through no fault of yours) ?

What if the police &/or insurance company carries out certain checks & discovers that the shell is from a previously 'written off' vehicle ?

Or that the VIN has been changed ? Or both ?

As for shells sold without ID from places like Douglas Valley Breakers, etc I think you'll find that they are either sold purely for racing use or will be issued with a 'Q' plate by DVLA.

Andy

i see where you are coming from Andy.

I suppose the only way that im going to get a shell is to spend more money.