"According to federal law I have to title it as a 1980 since I
used the frame from a 1980. I also have that title just in case.
But I do not want to have to pass emissions so I am not titling it as a 1980."
Where did you find that? I wasn't aware the feds could retroactively apply VIN laws to vehicles created prior to adoption of the laws. Actually I just did a little searching in the federal laws and did not find anything concerning salvage or reconstruction.
FEDERAL LAW link
