VIN search on a '75 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Whiskeydan · #1 04-07-2007, 10:35 PM

Can anyone search a VIN number for a 1975 auto? Texas reissued the plates in '06.

#2 04-08-2007, 12:54 AM

You won't get much out of it. Anything older than 1981 is sketchy on VIN information.

Jim B. · #3 04-08-2007, 04:15 PM

^^^^That's in regards to CARFAX reports. Some states retain registered owner information, but likely not many for more than ten years. Accessing it is another story too.

For 1967-73 U.S. Ford Motor Company vehicles, there is the "Marti Report", which car collectors can buy. It's much like the Mercedes VMI, giving production date, dealer where delivered, original equipment, options, date of build, and other information. I believe Kevin Marti purchased the database just when Ford was about to destroy it, and built it into a business for himself.

There is also such a service that Pontiac provides, though the name escapes me.

PaulC · #4 04-08-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

^^^^That's in regards to CARFAX reports. Some states retain registered owner information, but likely not many for more than ten years. Accessing it is another story too.

For 1967-73 U.S. Ford Motor Company vehicles, there is the "Marti Report", which car collectors can buy. It's much like the Mercedes VMI, giving production date, dealer where delivered, original equipment, options, date of build, and other information. I believe Kevin Marti purchased the database just when Ford was about to destroy it, and built it into a business for himself.

There is also such a service that Pontiac provides, though the name escapes me.

Pontiac Historical Society?

Whiskeydan · #5 04-08-2007, 08:49 PM

Plates expired on the 75 Porsche in 1990. They now come back to a 2006 Honda.
Carfax in NG on anything pre 1981. I'm hoping the local DMV will help me out otherwise, don't know what to do.
Its a parts car that I bought with a bill of sale. PO did the same many yrs ago and had since lost the original owners info.
I think its rebuildable if I can get a title. Ther's a little rust to repair and I have a spare engine transmission from another V8 conversion project.
Tabby's been eying it and is already picking out paint colors. Like I need another project...
Hmm... maybe I'd better say the title is unavailable.

Jim B. · #6 04-08-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulC

Pontiac Historical Society?

Yes, that's the name, and they have information back through the 1960's I believe, and for the Canadian Pontiacs (Parisiennes, Laurentians, etc.)

Jim B. · #7 04-08-2007, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiskeydan

Plates expired on the 75 Porsche in 1990. They now come back to a 2006 Honda.
Carfax in NG on anything pre 1981. I'm hoping the local DMV will help me out otherwise, don't know what to do.
Its a parts car that I bought with a bill of sale. PO did the same many yrs ago and had since lost the original owners info.
I think its rebuildable if I can get a title. Ther's a little rust to repair and I have a spare engine transmission from another V8 conversion project.
Tabby's been eying it and is already picking out paint colors. Like I need another project...
Hmm... maybe I'd better say the title is unavailable.

If the alphanumeric sequence of the license plates on your '75 Porsche are identical to those on a 2006 Honda, then I think it's safe to assume your Porsche license plates, and their attendant ownership information have been purged
from the DMV system, as the DMV won't issue the same license number to two different vehicles.

Probably you can go to the DMV with your bill of sale and apply for a new title
anyway. Just explain everything that happened. Trips to the DMV can be like a Kafka-esque journey, but things like this have happened before, so there ought to be precedent the DMV can apply to smooth things out.
Best to sort this issue out BEFORE restoring it with the idea to making it street legal.

Whiskeydan · #8 04-08-2007, 09:22 PM

I believe Texas re-issues plates after eight yrs. This one could have been on two other vehicles by now. 17 yrs. We'll see what they say.

Whiskeydan · #9 04-09-2007, 11:13 PM

A visit to the tax office reveals the VIN is no longer in the system. They made a call and had it re-instated. In 48 hrs I should be able to submit my $2 and they will funish me the PO info.
Or, I can apply for a bonded title. I'll have to get the car appraised by two appraisers, purchase a bond for the amount. If no one claims it within three yrs I can apply for a 'normal' title.
Bond qoute was around $15 per $1000 value with a $100 min premium.
Not nearly as difficult as I was expecting.

Zeus · #10 04-10-2007, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiskeydan

Can anyone search a VIN number for a 1975 auto? Texas reissued the plates in '06.

Hey Whiskeydan,

Sorry, but I'll have to close this thread. Please see the Shop Rules -

6. Do not post links or requests for stolen vehicles, parts or software. In addition no requests for VIN lookups or Carfax requests are allowed. These threads will be locked or edited/deleted.

Good luck with your search though! If you want to make a new post that doesn't ask for a VIN search, but just for info/help on getting your particulaqr problem solved, that is fine. I think there are legal issues related to VIN searches and Carfax that prevent this site from having such requests posted.

Thanks,
C.