4 replies to this topic

[Wizzalong]

Hi, Can anyone advise after replacing scuttle panel, Is it legal to re-stamp Vin (if finding correct stamps) back into panel or best leaving blank?

Thanks, Mike.

[nicklouse]

it is up to you. some people weld the old number bit into the new panel. others dont do anything. but use an old style VIN plate just take pictures and also maybe have a chat with your MOT station as they will be wanting to see the VIN for the test and what would they see as acceptable.

[Boycie]

The law states that the car needs to have a VIN that is easily read, and the riveted plate is sufficient in this respect. Legally speaking, there is actually no need for a stamped number in the actual body of the car and weirdly, I don't think it's actually permissible to stamp one yourself.

So, if you try to do the right thing and punch your VIN/ chassis number into the scuttle, you could, technically, get in trouble with the DVSA. However, I've never heard of anyone getting into bother when doing this for legitimate reasons. It's your car after all.

I recommend you do something different though. Get a set of punches and put your postcode (or any other number/ letter sequence personal to you) somewhere on the body. I would advise a position not immediately noticeable, but easily accessible without dismantling anything.
That way, in the event of your car being stolen and the need for you to positively identify it, that would be sufficient proof that the car is your property. A thief can easily remove the scuttle number to try and hide the vehicle's identity but he won't know where your personal 'ID marking' is and that could be enough for you to get your rightful property back.

[Cooperman]

When it is necessary to replace the front scuttle panel on the later cars which have a VIN stamped into the scuttle panel flange, there are 3 options:

 

1. Cut the old VIN number out of the rusty panel, cut the new panel and weld the old number in, then linish back the welds and paint.

2. Stamp a new number into the scuttle using a stamp set.

3. leave the new panel with no VIN number stamped and just retain the stamped plate VIN.

 

Nowhere is it determined which is correct. I asked a Mini-enthusiast ex-police Inspector and he said that any of the above will be acceptable. Even the DVLA can't give a definitive answer. The idea of a VIN plate being to define the origin of a body-shell, and then having the VIN number 'grafted' in from who-knows-where seems a bit incongruous.

 

Personally I wouldn't bother with the stamped-in number. In this scenario it is pretty meaningless. No MoT tester will be interested anyway so long as the stamped plate is rivetted on.

[jamesquintin]

I'm in the same position. I've had a look at the VIN stamping tool from eBay, but none inlude the odd star shapped stamp at the front/end of the vin

(This is from Ben_O's thread)

http://www.theminifo...mini/?p=3489865

 

Q