7 replies to this topic

[gingernuke]

The shed I dragged home in a cattle truck is a 1983 Mini Mayfair or City E, its registered with the DVLA as a 998 but after some research its actually a Metro 1275 engine.

The guy I bought it off had quite handily lost the socket for the locking wheel nuts and all the paperwork so I thought I would send off for a replacement registration document. We got the form and filled in the details but when I looked under the bonnet the only VIN number I can find is the one stamped on the scuttle. Twenty minutes later with some wet and dry ( the previous owner thought filler was 'god's gift' ) and I have a VIN number that does not correspond with anything thats documented in

http://www.minimania.../MM/Mini_Chassi ... art_II.htm

Any ideas on how to double check my VIN is correct ( without paying )?

[Silicon Skum]

OK, first off, link no worky.

Second, you shold **never** buy a car without checking for VIN plates / numbers are present and getting a VIN check, *especially* if the "owner" has lost ALL the documents and locking nut tool.

I'm concerned by the fact that there was filler thick enough that the scuttle VIN stamp was hidden from view, and that you couldn't see a VIN / paint code plate in the engine bay area. Between that and the car registered as a 998 and having a 1275 metro engine, and you say the VIN is not a match for something (build / reg year, I'm guessing), I'm a bit worried about the history of this car.

I think you will need to do some serious checks on this car, try http://www.twoc.co.uk/ they offer a free search (never tried it, so....), also the DVLA operates a premium rate telephone service which gives vehicle information. Calls are 49 pence per minute and operates Monday to Friday between 8.00 am and 8:30 pm, and Saturday between 8.00 am to 5.30 pm. And it's cheaper than an HPI check.

* DVLA’s vehicle check service - telephone number 0906 185 8585

There is also HPI type checks, and https://www.mycarcheck.com/ is cheapest at £9.95, and the police can check the car too (PNC check shows if stolen), but if it IS stolen or questionable, you WILL loose it to the crusher! :'(

There is a possibility that the car may have been reshelled using another donor vehicle, which is illegal or it's a ringer / stolen.

Have you checked the reg plate with the DVLA website? :

http://www.vehicleli...Vehicle Enquiry

I REALLY hope the car is cosher and I'm not trying to worry you, but I have a nasty feeling that the V5 / log book has been hanging around Swansea long enough to have a welsh accent.

SS

Edited by Silicon Skum, 04 October 2006 - 05:48 AM.

[minislapper]

I thought it was the earlier cars which had the VIN stamped in the channel? In other words, it might not be an '83. As already been said, it could have been re-shelled with another shell. I hope you didn't hand over any cash for it? Very worried for you too.

[minimanclive]

I think the scuttle VIN number stamp started in 1980. But there should be a plate rivetted to the inner wing as well which would have the VIN and paint/trim codes.

You can look up number plates on the DVLA and RAC web sites which will tell you make, model and colour and the current status of the road tax/SORN.

[minislapper]

I'm sure it's the other way round. Earlier cars with VIN in the channel.

[Silicon Skum]

I'm sure it's the other way round. Earlier cars with VIN in the channel.

my 1991 cooper had the VIN in the scuttle pannel, but the new shell's scuttle is blank - if that makes any difference.

SS

[Jammy]

The boot lock mechanism should have the date stamped on to it, and I believe the glass may have the date on it as well? It the glass or the boot is original it might give you an idea of date of manufature.

[gingernuke]

Right - enough is enough, The HPI check comes back clear so after thinking about it rationally its up to the DVLA so I have sent every scrap of info, phone numbers, DVLA forms to Swansea in a big envelope.

I will wait and see if they phone, mail or email me questions.

Thanks for the help!