Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum

intofx · 09-22-2002, 06:10 PM

Where are the VIN numbers located on the car? The windshield is obvious but I also found a couple in the engine bay. How many are there and where else on the car? Thanks.

Matt

Chetah · 09-22-2002, 08:33 PM

I think I was told 5 when I did the Assembly Plant tour. But I could be WRONG

since I had my mind on picking up the Z

I was just a tad bit distracted.

intofx · 09-22-2002, 11:05 PM

Anyone know how many under the hood? I saw two engraved on the frame (one on the passenger side and one across the front) but might have missed one on the drivers side. Anyone know if there should be one there?

Matt

NYCHASM · 09-22-2002, 11:54 PM

VIN's are stamped in many places. Some are referred to as "public VIN's" but many are in areas that are confidential. The confidential one's are there to attempt to deter auto and parts theft. The confidential VIN locations are made available by the manufacturer to law enforcement agencies only.

One might wonder why you want to know the locations. Is there a purpose in mind?

Charlie

intofx · 09-23-2002, 12:56 AM

Good way to know if anything has been replaced. (IE: has the car been damaged). I bought the car used and I'm always a little paranoid that something might not be as it seems. I'm usually a good judge of previous damage but the longer I have the car the more "blemishes" I find. These blemishes, however, are not inconsistent with those reported on new vehicles (orange peel, trash in the paint, etc...) I'm not used to the "fit" of fiberglass body panels so my judgment is not 100%. I figure that if I know where to look for VIN numbers I might be able to rule out damage in certain areas - particularly frame damage. I assure you I have no ulterior motives.

todds3760 · 09-23-2002, 08:36 AM

Go to carfax.com they will be able to give you that info.

intofx · 09-23-2002, 09:36 AM

I think people put too much trust in CARFAX. A $20,000 vehicle could be in five $5,000 accidents (totaling more than the vehicle is worth) and still not show up as a questionable vehicle (And in LA, that is very possible). CARFAX only shows reported, totaled vehicles in their database.

The problem is that any accident (minor paint repair included) effects resale and that is certainly not cataloged by carfax.

I just want to know if my car has had any damage. I know it hasn't been totaled. I hope my eyes are better than that.

Thanks for the response, though.

Matt

intofx · 09-23-2002, 07:00 PM

Could someone look on the inside of the driver's side frame rail under the hood to see if there is an engraved VIN number? Thanks!

Matt

NYCHASM · 09-23-2002, 09:06 PM

I'm assuming you live in the LA area. I'd venture to say that if you made a few phone calls you could find out where the LAPD's Auto Theft Unit works out of. I'd also venture to say that if you went to the PD and asked around, you'd be able to hook up with the Auto Theft (or Auto Crime or whatever they call it) Unit and find a good natured officer that would be willing to check out your car and locate the public VIN's for you. I'm sure he'd appreciate seeing your car up close and personal too.

Hey, if you're really that concerned about the car being all original, what have you got to lose? Try it!

Charlie

intofx · 09-24-2002, 01:39 AM

No offense, but why would I do that? I do live in LA and I'd venture to say that "good natured" has nothing to do with the reaction I would get if I made this request to this city's finest- particularly after they see my tinted windows and lack of a front plate - not to mention the time and effort it takes to get anywhere in this town. I'm sure someone will either have this info or do me the favor and look. Otherwise, I'll wait until I get close to another corvette and look for myself. Who has time for the phone calls and bothering policemen? Are we all in jeopardy now that I've disclosed the location of two (and possibly a third!) of the "top secret" VIN numbers on these cars?