I was wondering if it would be possible to get a sort of proof of date based on the VIN number for a AMC Eagle I have seen? Problem is a wrong date on the current registration papers and of course that AMC doesn't exist anymore. Any tips or advise on how to handle this? Thanks!
There are likely codes around on the car, especially the engine, that will give dates. Of course, we have to assume the engine is original. Go to AMC sites with your question or wait for cadipacer here. Or PM cadipacer. Eagle Freek may be another source for info.
Thanks Silverfox, but as far as I know, it was already verified that the car has another build date. The issue is this. Cars in holland don't pay roadtax if they are older then 25 years (this is a considerable amount). Actually, heavy oldtimers like ours are only affordable here because of this arrangement. But this special oldtimer arrangment will stop in 2011, so 1986 will be the cut-off date. The AMC Eagle in question here has a VIN from 1986, but somehow has 1989 on the registration papers. There has been some communication with the RDW (DMV?) to change this and I don't know the details, but it is very likely that the want some official proof of the original build date. I would imagine that a history sheet, don't they have them from GM?, could do the trick. It would make the car affordable as a daily driver. It is in immaculate state, has been in storage for more then 15 years, but started every month and driven a bit, only 50k on the odo and even improved with anti-rust protection etc. It is relative cheap as a result of the current build date, so I am just trying to find out if I make a chance changing it.
The actual build sheet may exist in the car...usually under the carpet under a seat or somewhere hidden. I would contact an AMC site with your problem and I feel pretty sure they will either know where there is proof on the car or will be able to send you to a site, like compnine for the GM cars, that tell you everything about the car from the VIN. I can't believe this is an insurmountable problem. The car sounds great and if you can get it cheap because of this problem....don't tell anyone you solved the problem, if you do,....until AFTER you buy it!
I did find this.... http://www.planethoustonamx.com/main/amc_build_sheets.htm EDIT: and this.... http://street2mud.com/webfiles/AMC%20Engine%20codes.pdf
I have asked for Çadipacer's input on the subject, let's just wait and see! In the mean time a picture I took of it (yes, it is horrible quality):
Since AMC did not even exist in 1989, it can not possibly BE a 1989 AMC. Chrysler bought AMC in March 1988, and promptly ceased production of that car at that time. There are at least two locations to verify the build year, assuming the car has not had crash damage or a complete repaint: The driver's door jamb will have a build sticker indicating the day.month.year of build. Also, the US Federal Emission Sticker under the hood will say something like "This car meets all US EPA emissions standards for 1986 cars" Both stickers are good verification. Plus, since the VIN is a 17-digit number, the build year is part of that number. That is undeniable proof right there what the model year is. Go here and this tells you EXACTLY what the VIN will read. The TENTH character should read "G" for a 1986 AMC, "H" for 1987, and "J" for 1988: http://www.shopkeysupport.com/sk5com/VIN/VIN.pdf
Thanks for all the help guys! Going a bit deeper into the matter, I found the possible reason why it is not as simple as it seems. The date that is mentioned on the registration papers AND is used as the build date when it concerns the roadtax arrangments actually reads "date of first registration". Often, this is the same year it was build, but you can imagine that there are some exeptions. For instance a car that was build in the second half of december (according to VIN) is likely registered to the first owner in January the year after. The same goes for showroom models that can even be there for up to several years! In the case of this Eagle, according to the registration papers it was first registered in 1989 in Holland. This might be because it was a showroom model that has been at a dealer in Holland or even the States up to 1989, or because the original first registration from the States was lost and so they took the first registration in Holland as the first registration ever. Is it possible to check with the DMV in the States by VIN number when the car was first registered?
OK, some news. I just checked the VIN and it is a 1983 vehicle. I tried to find some info by DMV.org, but I just saw that it is Canadian vehicle so nothing there. Is there a comparible organisation in Canada that possibly can profide me the info on the history (by VIN)?
HandyAndy might know of one, but I don't. Since we have a mix of Public Insurance in 3 or 4 provinces and Private insurance gougers in other provinces, they really haven't found a way to keep a national system working. The Police and Departments of transport only track where the car was last registered, the owner, and the plate number.
OK, senri....you originally asked for the build date but what you really need is the date that it was first registered and on the road. Correct?
Totally correct. I never knew it changed. Before, "date of build" was written on the registration papers, now it is "first date of registration". I am not sure why they changed.... I saw that Carproof seems to have very comprehensive reports including registration history, especially for Canadian cars. Any experience with that (it does cost $35..)?
