15 replies to this topic

[Stjohns78]

So a bit embarrassing to admit but after our last house move it seems that I have lost my V5 for my Mini - a 1976 Mini Clubman.

To order a new one I need to include my VIN number…….however I can’t find it any where on the Mini.

A few years ago (before I bought it) the front end was replaced with a fibreglass one (wings, bonnet, the whole hog) so I’m a bit worried that during that modification the VIN was maybe cut out.

Has anyone got a 1976 Mini that could point me in the direction of where your VIN number is located?

I’ve had a cursory look round and nothing obvious shows up.

Thanks

[Alex_B]

You should have a metal plate riveted to the bulkhead which has your chassis number stamped on it. (This is an MOT requirement so would be surprised if its missing on your car). Alternatively later minis had the chassis number stamped into the scuttle panel lip where the bonnet closes on it ( although i'm not sure what year this was introduced, my 1984 mini definitely had it stamped there). 

[sonscar]

1976 car would not need a vin for mot,might be post 1984.Be wary how you proceed.Apparenty there are ways to recover the vin from the registration number,try google,Steve..

[Gilles1000]

My 1979 (belgian built) has the number stamped on the RHD floor in front of the cross member in the foot well. I knew it but only discovered it once the car had been acid dipped...

Common place for rust in there...

I think this is the same location for the english built cars.

[Alex_B]

1976 car would not need a vin for mot,might be post 1984.Be wary how you proceed.Apparenty there are ways to recover the vin from the registration number,try google,Steve..

Oh really? I didn't realise that! Every day is a school day, my mistake!

[Stjohns78]

Cheers for the fast responses.

Just to clarify - I need the VIN for a replacement V5 (I’m probably going to sell the car soon so naturally need that).

I’ve had a Google search but the services basically say for a fee they will tell me the last 5 numbers but I’m not sure if my VIN is longer than that and I need to quote the full VIN on the DVLA form.

Nothing obvious on the bulkhead but I’ll try the drivers floor in the morning.

[beardylondon]

It was much easier to do a look up of VIN from reg number before GDPR (or perhaps tightening of rules) on certain websites for free, these have since disappeared. I’m told it’s now only available with certain commercial software, ie traders or dealers, or for a fee. Someone on here might have access and will be able to do you a favour.

Ps. Your VIN will be longer than 5 characters.

Edited by beardylondon, 10 May 2022 - 10:00 PM.

[weef]

If you have any of the old MOT certificates the VIN will be on them. 

Most motor factors use a DVLA based system that works from the vehicle registration number and this system usually gives them sight of the VIN for cross referencing spare parts to the manufacturers OE, though they might not admit this. It might be worth a try asking one of these outlets if they can help you. 

I do not know how far back this type of system goes but I would imagine if the vehicle is registered with the DVLA the information will be there.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

[mab01uk]

You need a friendly car dealer or someone in the motor trade who has access to the Full version of Experian AutoCheck or similar.......there are usually some TMF members in the trade who can help or on Mk1 Forum.

https://www.autocheck.co.uk/

 

Minis from about 1980 have the VIN stamped under the bonnet in the rain gutter just above the master cylinders (RHD), you may have to lift a rubber/foam weatherseal strip to see it. Before that date there was only the riveted on plate on UK built Minis, often lost after body repairs....

Edited by mab01uk, 10 May 2022 - 10:35 PM.

[Stjohns78]

I’ve had a look at a few of the car check sites and you have to put the VIN in and they will confirm if it is correct (I understand why from a data protection / law perspective).

Unfortunately the file with the V5 also had old MOT certificates etc so I’ve snookered myself there.

One of the Dads on the school run is linked into the motor trade so I’ll have a word with him and see if he knows a friendly dealer who can help.

[Ethel]

When was the last MoT? The tester might have a record.

 

Also begs the question what would happen if you took it for an MoT without the VIN.

[Tones61]

a local motor factors can do in off the reg

[Gaz66]

As said above a friendly mot testing station can get it easy from the reg plate.

[imack]

When was the last MoT? The tester might have a record.
 
Also begs the question what would happen if you took it for an MoT without the VIN.

Pre August 1st 1980 and you don't need a VIN number for the mot.

[Ethel]

The VIN gets printed on the certificate though. I presume that info comes from VOSA/DVSA so the tester can check it matches, if applicable.