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FYI: This is what the 120-series book I have shows. . . .
The VIN tag is a bare aluminum strip with 2-screws and one stamped number mounted on the front fender mount brace (near the round "overdrive" relays).
The Model ID plate is the aluminum square with 4-screws, black paint, and "Volvo...Gothenburg" text.
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I've now found out that my twice painted-over VIN tag is corroded: you could sorta read the paint, but the tag behind it was just gone . . . white dust.

Did I just lose all authenticity on a potentially show-winning 122? Engine rebuilt and OD added last year, exterior bodywork prep done this year, almost there...thought I'd finally peel the old paint off the VIN tag while cleaning up the engine bay. This happens to be the kind of clean wagon we all dream about finding (original seats & headliner, perfect dash, rust-free tailgates, rust-free...rust-free....)- - - now this!!!!

I've read this board for 3+ yrs & its an issue that no one seems make much progress on here --->> the 122s VIN tag faults: A) detachable; B) corrodes; C) mounted exactly where 122s are most prone to rust; D) always confused with the Model ID plate. In short, this is the Volvo 122's biggest design flaw.

I'm speculating that there may be alot of 122s with shady #s due to the plate confusion and VIN corrosion issue. So, do I have to now look at those two tiny screw holes and have unlawful thoughts? I'd feel pretty guilty using a bootleg VIN plate, if one even exists. On the other hand, if I bought another powder-blue '66 wagon with clean title and had both cars together in the driveway,. . . . I wouldn't hesitate.

If anyone has public advice on this, please post to the board . . . any other advice/sympathy please forward to vovo222@aol.comm

Bill