You can tell that this car was painted by a unique individual. I am going to guess that the fender tag was removed to color coordinate the engine bay. Quite likely the screws were put in a place were they wouldn't get lost, or were thrown in the pile and lost. Then its "use what you have on hand"
I didn't buy it because I wanted a perfect original car. I drive my cars and the driver quality cars are more fun for me. I have gravel roads, and most paved roads around here are in rough shape
The vin plate is intact, complete with the J for engine