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rah253
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2018
Posts: 66
Location: wa
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 Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 8:52 pm Post subject: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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Hello everyone,
I am new to this site and i am looking for some help. I only ever deal with water-cooled so far but always wanted an air-cooled and my girlfriend is a big air-cooled fan. she unfortunately was forced to sell hers back in 2004 (divorce) and has been bummed ever since because of it.
I am trying to locate the car for her and see if there would be a possibility that the current owner would want to sell it. Long shot but worth trying.
I have tried many search on google/internet but i'm sure i'm not doing things right. I have looked at the chart on this site that told me the production month/year but i already have that information.
Here is the info i have on the car from the original sale receipt i have in hand from VW of America:
Model 117
year 1961
serial number 3609032
engine number 5481738
Originally distributed from Illinois and sold in Mason City Iowa
The car was last sold (that we know of) in 2004 in Washington state to a WA state resident.
Does anyone knows a way to trace the location of the car? Any help would be greatly appreciated!  |
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glutamodo 
The Android
Joined: July 13, 2004
Posts: 26320
Location: Douglas, WY
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| Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 9:03 pm Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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117? that would be a Deluxe Sunroof model. Surprised to see an engine number, VW stopped giving out those a long time ago unless you first supplied your current number, then they would confirm or deny it matched. (and they usually do not)
I've never seen any means for consumers to search for VIN numbers beyond say, "Carfax". Some State Motor Vehicle Departments may or may not work with you to do specific searches, but I think you'd have to do that in person, not online.
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Andy T.
IMAGE NOTE: It has been noted that Chrome based browsers may have issues in displaying my vast image library, which use non-secure links and are on an FTP server. Images should still be viewable if the link is clicked though.
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cbeck
Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2014
Posts: 2495
Location: high ridge, mo
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| Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 9:10 pm Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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Not legal. I was involved in a hit@run. Called a bounty hunter friend with a plate #. By the time I got home I had a copy of the title and drivers license of the registered owner waiting for me. Again not legal, but that is what friends do for each other.
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www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=647779 |
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Joe 20
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2005
Posts: 655
Location: Ohio
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| Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 7:52 pm Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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Information is available either for a price or through a friend. It would not be hard for a LEO to find the car. A license plate # is easy...even a civilian can pay for that information and get it. A VIN check is different but like I said, you'd need a friend. Generally cops won't/can't give out this info.
Just a thought, could your state BMV be any help? A search starting with your old title number? I was "on the job" for 27 years before I retired 16 years ago.Things are way different now, but I got a list of every 59 blue Chrysler once from BMV on a case I was working (it was the 70's though). Solved the SOB too.
Good Luck to ya!! |
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rah253
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2018
Posts: 66
Location: wa
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 12:16 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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| glutamodo wrote: |
117? that would be a Deluxe Sunroof model. Surprised to see an engine number, VW stopped giving out those a long time ago unless you first supplied your current number, then they would confirm or deny it matched. (and they usually do not)
I've never seen any means for consumers to search for VIN numbers beyond say, "Carfax". Some State Motor Vehicle Departments may or may not work with you to do specific searches, but I think you'd have to do that in person, not online. |
That is correct, the sale certificate from VW shows DE LUXE SUN SEDAN on top of the 117. It does have the engine number on it, no. of cyl and the HP (40). Suggested retail price without accessories at port of entry $1655, leathrette $30, white wall tires $30!
I will try carfax i guess and see. I can go to a DMV and ask but i have a feeling they wont give me that information, worth the try! |
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rah253
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2018
Posts: 66
Location: wa
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 12:20 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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| cbeck wrote: |
| Not legal. I was involved in a hit@run. Called a bounty hunter friend with a plate #. By the time I got home I had a copy of the title and drivers license of the registered owner waiting for me. Again not legal, but that is what friends do for each other. |
Gotcha, that's cool to have friends like that that's for sure. i do not have a license plate, just the old bill of sale and a maintenance receipt. I will ask her if she has a old registration, the title transfer when she sold it or something and go from there. |
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rah253
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2018
Posts: 66
Location: wa
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 12:25 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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| Joe 20 wrote: |
Information is available either for a price or through a friend. It would not be hard for a LEO to find the car. A license plate # is easy...even a civilian can pay for that information and get it. A VIN check is different but like I said, you'd need a friend. Generally cops won't/can't give out this info.
Just a thought, could your state BMV be any help? A search starting with your old title number? I was "on the job" for 27 years before I retired 16 years ago.Things are way different now, but I got a list of every 59 blue Chrysler once from BMV on a case I was working (it was the 70's though). Solved the SOB too.
Good Luck to ya!! |
Thank you for all the input on that, i'm not sure i'm catching on to the LEO (PD?). the VIN would be the serial number on this car correct, 7 digits? I will try with the DMV but like i said earlier, i'm going to assume they wont give me that information over the counter since i do not have any relation to this car. That's a pretty cool story with the 59 blue Chrysler so, that's definetly one way to solve a case, deduction for sure! |
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TDCTDI
Samba Advocatus Diaboli
Joined: August 31, 2013
Posts: 12856
Location: North Carolina
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 2:50 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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Another downside is that there’s the possibility that the car has been sitting somewhere unused & could have been sold a few times without the title being transferred. This search may come back with your sister being the last registered owner.
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Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.
GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!
An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.
Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it. |
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[email protected]
Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2003
Posts: 4863
Location: Harmony, PA
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 6:03 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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Google the VIN every day. A lot of sellers post VIN info in a classified that Google would catch.
You could also place a wanted ad here in the classifieds with a finders fee. Someone within a social group, or car club associated with The Samba may know of its whereabouts. A finders fee of a certain percent of the purchase price, or $500-$1000 usually greases the wheels to get things in motion. |
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rah253
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2018
Posts: 66
Location: wa
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 2:25 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Another downside is that there’s the possibility that the car has been sitting somewhere unused & could have been sold a few times without the title being transferred. This search may come back with your sister being the last registered owner. |
That would definitely be a downside that's for sure. Hopefully that didn't happen! |
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rah253
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2018
Posts: 66
Location: wa
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 2:26 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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| [email protected] wrote: |
Google the VIN every day. A lot of sellers post VIN info in a classified that Google would catch.
You could also place a wanted ad here in the classifieds with a finders fee. Someone within a social group, or car club associated with The Samba may know of its whereabouts. A finders fee of a certain percent of the purchase price, or $500-$1000 usually greases the wheels to get things in motion. |
I did not even think of doing both of those options! I will try the google search first then go to the wanted ad option. you are right, a finder fee always gets more motivation, thanks for that! |
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pondoras box
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2004
Posts: 1226
Location: Eerie PA
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 5:15 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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Just for information, for law enforcement to look up information on a vehicle or a person for reasons other than official duty and need to know situations is a violation of policy and law.
Don't put a friend on the spot by making these kinds of requests. He / she could get anything from official reprimand to termination.
Not trying to start any arguments or political rants, just a friendly PSA to avoid anyone straining a friendship.
We now return to your normally scheduled program.
_________________
Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.
1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda)
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion
Plus a lot of other rusty junk |
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VOLKSWAGNUT
Fastest VW Belt Changer
Joined: October 14, 2007
Posts: 11056
Location: Flippin' a Belt........ .... Off-n-On ... NC USA
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 6:20 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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Yeah.. go ahead. ... Google the VIN.. and/or then ask a "friend" to do an illegal inquiry..... When you do find the last owner/location.. go out to the place its last registered knock on the door.. when you find that no ones home.... feel free to creep around the entire place .. don't forget to peer in the garage and basement windows looking for your long lost car..
Leave 2 business cards with contact information and then after you've nosed around and waited long enough .. head up to the neighbors house asking for a phone number or contact information.. .. Call the parents of the owner and leave messages.. because that's the only number the neighbors had..
Yeah.. that all happened to me.. thanks to some previous owner VW creeper wanting to buy his old car back..
Got the CCTV camera footage to prove it too..
I won't ever post a full VIN ever again of my cars on TheSamba.. or any interweb site..
I have great respect for law enforcement..but those of you in law enforcement on in a position that can search .. and give out information should be really think about this stuff.. before you do..
Next fucktard VW creeper that pops in unsolicited .. will be escorted off property.
For the majority.. old VW people are pretty laid back and while cheap .. are easy to deal with.. Even that stated.. I have reservations of even selling parts from home.. ya just can't trust no damn body..
.
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aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
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cbeck
Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2014
Posts: 2495
Location: high ridge, mo
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 6:53 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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Again not legal, but the truck hit me and left the scene. All in the interest of justice being served. Convicted, probation violated, on the lamb. Still waiting for justice from the legal system. Not holding my breath. Don't want to get political here, but even the local judges you vote for matters.
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My cut in half and rebuild thread
www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=647779 |
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VOLKSWAGNUT
Fastest VW Belt Changer
Joined: October 14, 2007
Posts: 11056
Location: Flippin' a Belt........ .... Off-n-On ... NC USA
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 7:46 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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A crime vs someone wanting to track down a prior owned vehicle and location is different situation entirely..
I don't understand why a bounty hunter friend was needed for a crime committed?
Someone commited a crime by hitting and running from the scene .. you had a plate #. .. why not just use and report through proper channels of law enforcement and process? That's their job..
.
_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited |
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cbeck
Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2014
Posts: 2495
Location: high ridge, mo
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sjbartnik
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2011
Posts: 5998
Location: Brooklyn
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 11:13 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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Don't bother with CarFax, it can't handle anything before 1981 when the standardized 17-digit VINs went into effect across the industry.
If you do have a LEO friend who will run a VIN for you, please report them to Internal Affairs. If they're willing to do shady/illegal shit for you, who else are they doing shady/illegal shit for?
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pondoras box
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2004
Posts: 1226
Location: Eerie PA
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 12:55 pm Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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| cbeck wrote: |
| Again not legal, but the truck hit me and left the scene. All in the interest of justice being served. Convicted, probation violated, on the lamb. Still waiting for justice from the legal system. Not holding my breath. Don't want to get political here, but even the local judges you vote for matters. |
In this case it is very legal for a law enforcement officer to do a search using what ever information you have. It meets all of the criteria. Is it in the performance of his / her duty? yes. Is there a need to know the information? Yes Should they do the investigation? Yes. Should they give you the information? Not until they have determined that there was indeed a crime committed against you, and inform you how to proceed legally to protect your interests.
To Volkswagnut: That is why it is illegal for someone with access to these types of data bases to search for personal reasons. Sorry it happened to you.
_________________
Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.
1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda)
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion
Plus a lot of other rusty junk |
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rah253
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2018
Posts: 66
Location: wa
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| Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 2:55 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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| sjbartnik wrote: |
Don't bother with CarFax, it can't handle anything before 1981 when the standardized 17-digit VINs went into effect across the industry.
If you do have a LEO friend who will run a VIN for you, please report them to Internal Affairs. If they're willing to do shady/illegal shit for you, who else are they doing shady/illegal shit for? |
The whole goal of this post originally was to get suggestions from you guys about possibly finding a car, because the VW community in general are good people and easy going.
I try to run it on carfax and other couple of website, nothing gives, you are right about that.
I don't have any friends like that so that's not going to happen. The only due process i was going to do as far as legal search was the DMV in person. i tried and they are of course not aloud to give any such information which is completely normal, i wouldn't want to have my info out like that either, but if i didn't try i wouldn't know. I would also never approach someone property like mentioned above in a previous post, thats crazy.
Also, the only reason i was thinking about maybe putting some cash in reward if someone could have information would have been if someone here on this site possibly knew the owner and to let him know that someone could be interested in buying the car. if that was the case to please contact me. I would not put a "bounty" per say on it and its not like i am made of money either.
It was just a try to see if that car was somewhere and possibly with a for sale sign on it, not that critical. It is never worth getting in trouble or creeping around peoples properties as someone mentioned above, that is never not a goal of mine nor would i do anything like that. Sorry that it happened to some of you, that's crazy.
I think it's time to look for a pre 62 bug that is for sale, just going to be a different one is all! |
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Digger89L
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2013
Posts: 1130
Location: Western Canada (SK)
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| Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:05 am Post subject: Re: trying to find a vehicle with vin? |
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Another long-shot option is to check with shops in Washington State that service or sell parts for A/C Beetles. Might have to make a few dozen phone calls, but ...you never know. Someone might know someone .......
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