I am considering replacing the right front inner fender panel that has the VIN number stamped on it. I am concerned later when or ifwe sell the car somebody will question why it isn't there. What should I do about this, replace it and keep the old panel or weld the small patch with the stamp on it which I really don't want to do. The panel hs had a replacement before but they welded just half on the new panel in leaving the VIN intact. It looks shoddy and I was going to just replace the whole thing.

 

Lots of cars are missing VINs in places that have been repaired. Even new cars with repaired collision damage. I can't imagine anyone being concerned with a missing VIN on a fender unless they want a 100 percent original. Detroit hasbeen hidingVINS all over cars for years. I guess the theory is a thief who wants to change the VIN would have to find them all. I found a VIN stamped on the frame of a 1974 Cutlass once, and on a 1969 Mustang I found one behind the dashboard.

 

Many people have cut the original VIN stamping out of the original panel and welded it into the new panel. Just cut enough excess so that you can grind the welds smooth without disturbing the stamping. I know you said you didn't really want to do that but it seems to bother you that the VIN wouldn't be there unless you do.

 

Graft the vin back in on the new pannel and if anyone questions it the vin is also stamped in the right side inner pannel but under the fendor.