VIN/Chassis number - Rust is eating the VIN number!

M

Madalicesdad

New Member
The VIN number on my 1976 3500 is stamped into the offside inner wing. I have just found a rust hole about 25mm from it. Although I think I can weld a patch over it without touching the VIN number, what if I find the rust is more advanced and the VIN number crumbles away?
Can I simply 'restamp' the number myself (either directly onto the body or a riveted plate) or is there an official way it has to be done?
Any thoughts?
 
hi mike,
it should be stamped on both sides of your inner wings. if it has been welded on the other side then it could be missing. pre-72 cars had the VIN number on a tag which was spot welded only on the o/s so i do not see any reason why if you have to cut it out to do just that.

ian
 
Hi Mike,

The problem I forsee if you loose the V.I.N (Vehicle Identity Number) is when it comes to the M.O.T, as the tester has to check the number to ensure the identity of the vehicle he is testing and record the details on the certificate (ie no number, no MOT).

I believe it is possible to apply to D.V.L.A for a new/replacement Identity Plate but it is a long process (or so I have been told). There is a firm in Ripley, Derbyshire called 'Tag Plates' who will make you a new identity plate you can rivet onto the car. They will however require full documentation of both you and your car as car theft/ringing is still a problem.

Hope this helps.

Jules65
 
hi Mike
the vehicle inspectors manual says "a vin number is required on all vehicles first used on or after 1st august 1980, execept kit cars and amateur built vehicles" so if you are refused a mot certificate refer them to section 6.3 page 5.
you could also ask for an apeal form.
this should quickly produce a certificate.
this should mean that all p6`s do not require one due to there age.
there is no problem with restamping the vin number yourself but a word of caution here because if it is not done right you could make it look like a ringer,at this point you would be better to leave the panel welded and not restamp it.
signed
anon mot tester
 
hi,
that is probably why a car i have fetched in has " service r " a service replacement base unit stamped on the tag where the VIN should be and has got away with getting an mot all these years.

ian
 
I was also under the impression that the vin number was also stamped on the panel below the rear screen under the boot lid ?

Richard
 
hi,
it is stamped under there but not always, i have seen a lot more without a stamp under there than i have with.
 
I have had another look and found the number on the nearside wing also (under thick black paint) so the panic is not as great. Thanks for the advice though!
Mike
 
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