we bought a Super 88 coupe and a Dynamic 88 coupe last fall. After getting both running we went to get the In Lieu of title on the Super 88. The VIN came back as a 1964 F-85. the state patrol took the old plate, it was just glued on.

I found a partial VIN under the door sill on the driver's side. Still looking for a full VIN. I talked to the seller and he is not in the mood for refunds. I have a stolen car detective coming to look at it in the morning.

I may be parting out a '63 394 coupe at fire sale prices. It's pretty original. Little rust but not bad for being 50 years old. The car runs and drives. It may have had the motor replaced but it's still a 394. Who knows it could be Ultra High Compression.

I'll know more tomorrow.

 

Well that sux, let us know what the detective says.

 

You would think it would be common sense to figure these things out - BEFORE you buy any car. Guess not

 

A 1963 Super 88 should have a VIN that starts 635, then a letter (M, A, K, L, C, W, or T, indicating the assembly plant), then a 5-digit unit number, so something like 635M12345.

A 1964 F-85 should have a VIN starting with 6 or 8, then a 0, 1, or 2, then a 4, then a plant letter, then a 5-digit unit number, so, for a V8 F-85, it would be something like: 814M123435, for a 6-cyl F-85 it might be 604M12345.

What's your VIN?

- Eric

 

is the VIN stamped on the frame like the "newer" (68-72) cars ? I think it was located near the drvrs rear wheel or between the door and rr wheel

was it a craigslist deal or ebay?

goodluck and let us know how it works out.

 

Does your state have provisions for a "home built" title for something you did yourself? That might be one option. Not EVERY missing VIN tag is the result of evil plots. Perhaps someone removed it to paint the car and then lost it. Stuff happens.

Your police officer should be able to advise on a course of action. If it was stolen, and the owner is still around and cares, it will probably need to go back to the correct owner.

Might be pretty ugly either way. You may have some recourse against the PO even if they are "not inclined" to help. Small Claims Court. They knew or should have known...

 

We bought two at the same time. It was part of a huge car lot a girl had inherited from her father. She had about 70 cars and crushed 60 of them for scrap. We bought the Dynamic 88 and the Super 88 at the same time.

In Colorado you just have to take the notarized bill of sale to the State Patrol to get a title. We already had a title on the Dynamic 88. At the time of sale we weren't sure if the Super would start or run. It did so went to get a title for it. That's when we found out about the VIN plates being switched.

Three Colorado Springs Detectives showed up this morning to check the car. they looked at then came up with this VIN 635M15XXX a super 88 from Lansing, Michigan. Not stolen. Now we have to apply for a new title through the DMV, then have a new VIN riveted on.

As of now we have about $1,000 into this car. If anyone wants it you can come get it. We'll concentrate on the other one.

nexlevelinc@msn.com

 

sounds like a great project car - post some pics!!

 

Here it is. Off white with silver interior.

 

I would ask him if he is in the mood for some court time and a lawyer for selling stolen property?

 

So, much ado about nothing, then.

- Eric

 

The interesting part was how they got that VIN. It was not stamped on the car but they had it. it was confidential and the wouldn't say how they got it.

The VIN Plates had definitely been switched. Somehow the police have more information than we can access. They were very interested since they sent three plain-clothes detectives.

The main detective looked at the partial VIN under the body by Fisher trim plate. It didn't match the VIN they said was correct for this car. They tried to see the numbers stamped on the fame on the right rear but you can't see it unless you cut a hole in the trunk.

 

yep that was next.

 

So are you saying that they knew the VIN of the car, even though they couldn't find the VIN stamped on the car?

- Eric

 

Yes! first they inspected the car then they gave with a piece of paper that said the right VIN. it said this:

The vehicle was identified through confidential means as being a 1963 Oldsmobile Super 88 VIN635M15xxx

My son asked where they came up with that and they said they could not tell him. They never went back to their car and printed anything. They had this paper the whole time. I didn't see it until the end.

 

Man, these guys are good. Are you sure they work for the police department?

 

Many years ago when I first started the police force (1975) I remember looking at a book which contained the locations for hidden VIN's on all makes and models of North American made cars. It was for DMV/Police use only.

I imagine all the stolen auto units have these for occasions just like this

 

I was watching this last night...kind of relevant


best of luck with the car, it looks nice

 

I liked the price at the gas station he passed: 28.9¢.

- Eric

 

Wow I can't imagine police going to this length on a stolen car today. It was a good how to video though.

The police MUST have had a secret location of the VIN numbers on my car.

 

What condition are the bumpers in?Might be interested in the whole car just for them.