My paint on my dash VIN has faded and I wanted to repaint it to be easier to see. Anybody done this before , do I have to remove the windshield to do it? Thanks
Since there is a pattern applied originally to the dash VIN tag that is very detailed and if your going for the factory look I would suggest purchasing a clear sticker that they sell for this purpose and before you install cut the section that will go over the imprinted VIN out so that the “frame” of the sticker will now lay flat. Would guess (haven’t checked) that WCC carries them
Guess you could paint the whole thing like later years but your not going to get a nice smooth or clean surface finish without painting it without the windshield in place or bending it rearward making it difficult to get it back where it should be
Examples of the pattern I’m referring to above
Anything having to do with the VIN plate is a touchy issue in the sense of legal terms. Although, there should be no harm in doing some touch up in order to achieve better clarity, some statutes may be of concern. Perhaps a good place to be certain may be to inquire as to such laws at a reputable autobody shop. There too maybe someone on the forum here that too has some proxy in answering that question. Last thing anyone owner needs is the ‘is this stolen?’ from your friendly, municipal peace officer. Removing the windshield will make the process far easier.
By using the sticker and cutting out the center there is no issues with reducing clarity or obscuring of the VIN so you’ll be safe there 
Nothing like detaching and reinstalling nor hiding it under the dash pad as we see from time to time when someone replaces a day pad. Later cars can be a real issue since the VIN is mounted to the trim plate in front of the dash pad and comes out with the dash pad if unbolted. Great design. Had one of those years ago where someone swapped the panel out but during disassembly I found the hidden numbers didn’t match the dash pad VIN
Don’t want to be that guy knowingly
Jeff,
I tried Googling to find the sticker you spoke of but I’m not seeing it. Do you have a link to someone that sells it?
Thanks,
Scott Beck
Scott,
Please note that these were only used on 1968 and 1969.
To my understanding no Mercury VINS utilized these decals from model year 1970 on.
IIRC, there is a period of the 17 character vins with a bar code.
Yes the '70 VIN tags are a sort of charcoal color I think. The description says 68 - 69 which is accurate.
For the 70 Dearborn owners. Sorry didn’t have any Cougar ones handy Lighting explains the differences between the two examples. Lower one gives you a peek for comparison with the dash pad. Pretty close
