[olddog]

I fully admit on my part this was total wild speculation base on no facts.

However you are assuming that only the manufacturer could have powder coated the frame. I can take any frame cut pieces out and weld new ones in. Then strip it and have it powder coated again. It will look like it came from the factory that way.

For the record, I have no negative opinion of you. I give everyone the benefit of the doubt, until proven otherwise. I assume that whatever has been done to this car happened before you took possession, and you have no knowledge of its history. I agree you asked because you want to learn more about the car.

However if someone before you did do something that was not legal, it could impact you. For instance, in the US you can be charged with receiving stolen property, even if you had no clue, if they can establish that a reasonable person should have suspected something was not right. Hence my warning to listen to Bill and not assume he was just being a dick. "begin Edit" I am not in any way trying to imply the car was stolen or anything illegal was done. I am merely pointing out that when things do not add up be careful! Bad things can happen to unsuspecting innocent people. "end Edit"

Someone did question the grinding the paint off of the COB number. Why is there rust in the impression, as the paint should still be in the impression, if ground off with a flat paper or wheel. This could easily be explained, but something about this raised suspicion.