Need some VIN plates to register a new project

Started by Funpig, June 30, 2017, 04:22:27 PM

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Funpig

Hey everyone... got a new project that is missing its VIN plates.  It's a 76 former auto-x car.  I would like to register it but can't without these.  If anyone has any plates from an old car that is non salvageable I am interested.

Thanks in advance.
MikeB

MiniDave

Just do what everyone else does, make them up?   ;D
Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad

Funpig

Thanks MiniD...  I think I would like to try to make it a little more legit but... if I have to I will take your suggestion.  77.gif

MiniDave

Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad

MPlayle

Is the body's "FE" number still present?

Sometimes the BMHT can locate sufficient records to recall the original VIN from the "FE" number.

There are some suppliers that will properly stamp a new VIN plate if you have the details and can show proof of ownership.  If you have the original VIN (from a BMHT search), you would be able to get/make a replacement plate.


BruceK

Quote from: MPlayle on June 30, 2017, 06:01:41 PM
Is the body's "FE" number still present?

Sometimes the BMHT can locate sufficient records to recall the original VIN from the "FE" number.

There are some suppliers that will properly stamp a new VIN plate if you have the details and can show proof of ownership.  If you have the original VIN (from a BMHT search), you would be able to get/make a replacement plate.

Just the FE number may be enough for some states.  Some Minis, like a recent one on Bring a Trailer, have used the FE number has a VIN for titling purposes. 

But by 1976 I'm not sure they were still FE numbers present.
1988 Austin Mini
2002 MINI Cooper S
1992 Toyota LiteAce (JDM)
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

ADRay

I had to get a new state issued VIN when I registered my Mini in NH (the real VIN was a number/letter combo that didn't jive with the computer software).

Might be an easier route.
1982 Mini 1000 HL
@andyray998

BruceK

Quote from: ADRay on July 01, 2017, 04:12:04 AM
I had to get a new state issued VIN when I registered my Mini in NH (the real VIN was a number/letter combo that didn't jive with the computer software).

Assuming your car had a typical and valid early Mini VIN, that would really piss me off.   

Any state vehicle registration system should  be sophisticated enough to recognize that a whole world of car numbers existed before the standardized 17 digit VIN came into play in the early 80s. 
1988 Austin Mini
2002 MINI Cooper S
1992 Toyota LiteAce (JDM)
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

MPlayle

Bruce,

There is at least one whole generation (if not more) that has no clue about anything older then 10 years.  There are tons of software developers that only know how to do the barest minimum to make their software "work" for the "normal" case.  They make no effort to research allowable exceptions let alone accommodate them.

We encountered that a bunch in healthcare systems this past year while going through having both my parents in/out of hospitals.  Mom qualified for Medicare through dad.  There records were constantly getting jumbled together because Medicare uses a suffix to the qualifier's SSN for distinguishing and the hospital systems did not allow for the suffix because some junior programmer did not bother to learn or ask.  (Since when were men capable of having a hysterectomy?)

For those interested in knowing: The qualifying Medicare beneficiary gets suffix 'A', the qualified dependent gets 'B' while the qualifier is alive.  If the qualifier dies, the dependent's suffix is changed to 'D'.




Funpig

The FE number and Vin plate/chassis plate are all gone.  There is nothing to indicate its identity and unfortunately the gentleman that I have purchased it from is not able to help.  What I was hoping to find is a lead to someone that may have an old parts car that is way to far gone that still have a valid vin plate/title so that I could get this one up and going.  I know that some people frown on this approach to old cars and others are of the mind of not caring.   I personally do not mind if the vin plate is not original to the car as it is very modified and will continue to be modified as it gets built further.
SO... with that being said if anyone here has a vin plate available or knows of a lead it would be GREATLY appreciated.  I would like this to be more than a lawn decoration if possible!  Thanks guys!

Quote from: MPlayle on June 30, 2017, 06:01:41 PM
Is the body's "FE" number still present?

Sometimes the BMHT can locate sufficient records to recall the original VIN from the "FE" number.

There are some suppliers that will properly stamp a new VIN plate if you have the details and can show proof of ownership.  If you have the original VIN (from a BMHT search), you would be able to get/make a replacement plate.

Willie_B

I have a VIN and FE plate but it is from a 1962 mini.

Funpig

Brad
I will give you a call.  Maybe I should just do a large bundle purchase of all your spares!!! ;D 

SirGeode

I have a 82 plate I believe. Needs a 67 or earlier wagon and truck. My 67 wagon has one but is no longer good in California. Way too much of back fees. My truck is registered as an Austin America go figure. Thx

MiniDave

#13
Hey Mike, does the '76 have the vin stamped in the underside lip of the scuttle - at the back of the hood opening? If you can get the original vin from there, you can have a correct plate made that actually matches the car.

Bruce told me about this so I went and found it on my '89, don't know when they started doing that. I used some steel wool to make it more visible, then used my phone to take a pic of it, otherwise the only way to see it is with a mirror.

Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad

Jimini II

The scuttle was never stamped before 17 digit vin numbers were introduced which was 1980.

MiniDave

Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad

BruceK

Just spit ballin' here.  BMC/British Leyland/Austin Rover/Rover made well over 5.4 million Minis over 40+ years of production.  In terms of sheer numbers, few remain.  Which is another way of saying that probably over 5.3 million of them have been scrapped.  So I'm kinda leaning to what Dave said earlier:  It should be possible to use an appropriate VIN character scheme and ummm.... when you get to the sequential part of the VIN let your imagination run wild.  Virtually zero chance it is being used elsewhere.  And simple enough to make things happen from there.

Of course I would never condone such an undertaking. 
1988 Austin Mini
2002 MINI Cooper S
1992 Toyota LiteAce (JDM)
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Funpig

Thanks everyone for their ideas.  I have found a vin set to use to be able to get this thing registered when it is time.  Meanwhile.... I have replaced about 80-85% of all the metal (or what was left of it) and only have about 5-10% more to go.  Hence needing a vin.  THere was not much of anything left of this fine specimen.  I will post images soon on the restoration feed.  It's been 2 months and I am almost ready to get the front and rear suspensions on and it back on its feet!  STOKED.
MikeB

Jimini II

I know of someone that used his wedding anniversary date for the sequential production number.