Re: [Amc-list] VIN

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Since about the mid 70s (don't know exactly when, it's mentioned in the TSMs though) the insurance companies made auto manufacturers (well, the gov't did, under pressure from ins. cos.) stamp the last 6-7 characters of the VIN in several locations over the car. One was always behind the steering box, with 1-2 locations moving from year to year. The location information was only available to insurance company officials (not normal agents) and law enforcement personnel (only those dealing with identifying/recovering stolen property). The industry managed to keep this info close at hand -- maybe because no one really cares except a few old car buffs. The steering box location was always used because someone selling a stolen car wouldn't go to the trouble of removing it, neither will a buyer. 

I wouldn't worry on an old car now if a different number was found -- not unless I paid a premium price for a premium vehicle. I would get upset if I bought an all original AMX or SC/Rambler, but probably not a run-of-the-mill Javelin that has a newer engine installed also. 


---------------
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:57:39 -0500
From: "Armand Eshleman" <aje1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Does any one know for sure how many locations AMC placed VIN on the Cars
they produced??
In 1970 were the VINs placed on top of the dash, driver's side, visible
through the windshield and
behind the steering box only? Were the VINs placed anywhere else??

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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