Vin Plate Differences - Usa Vs Australia

[Groundhog]

I bought a USA made reproduction VIN plate for a RHD 260 that looked good in the photo.

I didnt pay close attention to the details on the USA VIN and now that I have received it, I realise there are quiet a few differences.

Most notably the size.
Original Aust 260 2+2 VIN 80 mm x 60 mm, vs USA reproduction 102 mm x  70 mm

Font is not the same.

Categories are different.

Aust VIN- Engine type vs USA Engine no.

Aust VIN - Chassis No. vs USA Car no. 

 

And missing a detail in the lower right corner of N4223.
Another minor difference is sharp corners which need to be rounded to match.

 

If you don't mind these differences, the plate is very well made with etched numbers rather than the original screen printed.

 

 

 

[theremm]

Looks to be just a 240z VIN plate with the 260Z details printed on it. Not sure about dimensions but looks to be identical otherwise

[gilltech]

Must be different size plates for different markets then. My RS30 - NZ new - is the same size as the repro one.

[AndBir]

Looks to be just a 240z VIN plate with the 260Z details printed on it. Not sure about dimensions but looks to be identical otherwise

 

Based on the wheel base the reproduction is for a 2 seater and your original is for a 2+2.

The very weathered plate on my 2 seater 74 260z says Engine No. and Car No. as per the USA reproduction.

Also the corners are square on mine.

[gilltech]

 

The very weathered plate on my 2 seater 74 260z says Engine No. and Car No. as per the USA reproduction.

Also the corners are square on mine.

Ditto.

[gav240z]

Based on the wheel base the reproduction is for a 2 seater and your original is for a 2+2.

The very weathered plate on my 2 seater 74 260z says Engine No. and Car No. as per the USA reproduction.

Also the corners are square on mine.

 

I was going to say, how did you 2+2 turn into a 2 seater? Did someone get a grinder out?

 

I personally like the weathered original ID plate and would retain it, there was a 240z listed for sale not long ago with a reproduction plate that didn't quite look right. It flew up red flags for me immediately, it was only after studying the car in detail that I realised there was nothing wrong with it. (it was indeed the correct engine no. for that year/spec etc..).

 

Interestingly you don't have your engine no. stamped on your ID plate? So how does 1 verify no's matching cars when it comes to 260z 2+2's? This was the same for Japanese Home Market cars and some European markets too!

 

Which is why I often wonder if the numbers matching is important (it is) but is it?

[Groundhog]

I agree. I plan on putting the original VIN behind the reproduction VIN and then whoever owns the car after me can discover the time capsule. I dont agree with losing original VIN plates.

The engine number not on the VIN was something I have seen on other early Z VIN plates.
Our 68 2000 Sports has engine number and chassis number, however I have seen a few 240's with no engine number.

 

I knew the USA VIN was not for a 2+2 however making a 2305 into a 2605 and adding a G infront of RS is not a big deal.
I just dont want to drill four new holes and then not be able to have the original plate behind it.
The new RHD  RS30 VIN plate is for sale 

 

FYI I am getting an order of 14, GRS30 2+2 blank Australian VIN plates made.
Cost @$25 plus postage.
Any profit to the forum.

If you are interested in a plate PM me.

[Gtv240z]

My 73 240Z Nissan tag is held on with screws, is this normal?

 

whilst my Aus Compliance is riveted which is fair enough , it was probably done when it got here in Australia.

 

 

should my Nissan tag have been originally riveted on at the factory in Japan?

[AndBir]

My 73 240Z Nissan tag is held on with screws, is this normal?

 

 

My 74 260Z Nissan tag is also held on with JIS (phillips head type) screws - as far as I know this is the original fitment.

[gav240z]

They are held in with screws from factory, compliance plates from what I've seen were riveted.