VIN Number

[Davidbolam]

Do you need to have a vin number AND a chassis plate or is this optional?

David

[chrisponter]

Off the top of my head this what I think the man from vosa told me. The vin number goes on a plate in the bulkhead under the bonnet, along with the manufacturer name, which is you and the max axle weights I think. Then the vin number also has to be marked on the chassis itself in some sort of non removable way in a place that won't be removed or replaced in normal service. I'll dig up the emails tomorrow and put them on here, in the mean time if someone whose car has already passed knows?

[nilocp]

Following on from what people are saying about a VIN, I contacted Leeds DVLA office to get a VIN, so I could weld on the plate before powder coating.

They said I couldnt have one until it was ready for inspection!!! In fact they said they would have to inspect it to give me a VIN before the IVA inspection.

What's that all about then?????

I explained about powder coating and welding etc, but the numpty said that wasnt his problem!

He did say the chassis manufacturers were issuing chassis numbers now.

So does that mean if I 'make' a chassis I can allocate my own 17? digit number??

Any ideas anyone?

Colin

[Davidbolam]

send arequest to newcastle office. i got mine return of post

David

[chrisponter]

You can make up your own VIN number if you want to provided it fits within the format, but it's 'not recommended', in their words

[rapidtornado]

Well I'm at the point where I need a VIN so I copied the letter in the announcments section that I think ASHG compiled or at least used... I just filled in the blanks sent it off to my local office (Bristol) 2 days later had a letter from them with VIN number starting with SABT.....

Happy days! thanks Ash or whoever wrote the original... worked for me

Rapid

[mgglep]

Just thinking outload but do you think it would be ok to letter stamp the number on the ally floor

[rapidtornado]

prob not as it's riveted to the chassis not part of the fabric of the chassis

[alga]

IVA manual section 18 requirement 7:

The Stamped in VIN must be marked on the chassis, frame or other
similar structure which is not easily removable, on the right hand side
of the vehicle when viewed from the rear.

I wouldn't say that the riveted floor is easily removable... Any other structural member bearing the identification might be cut out and rewelded with about as much effort.

[rapidtornado]

Then I guess you make your choice and take your chances... I can see your perspective and you could probably argue it with the tester and be sucessful..... question is... what does he/she typically see when people present their vehicles and would it be easier just to conform to what he/she is used to seeing?

Not saying it is wrong but personally I would opt for the path of least resistance