My seat pan looked like new, so I had Wayne just re-paint mine again black again. Figured it was rust free, and it's stored inside the house. Figured it would save on both the cost, and "turn around time" it takes for him to send it out for stripping and powder-coating.
I have the VIN sticker I was issued from the DMV under my seat similar to you Rick. I have another on the underside of the tank support channel also that can't be seen easily also, just in case. (as if there's another one to be mistaken for mine. LOL. BTW, I rode mine for first time since last fall a little bit in my underground parking area when I moved it out of the house. Ran great! Seat is little bit more comfy to I think too.