Where the hell is my VIN?! Missing Windshield VIN

[0ne]

The inspector’s name is N. Pigga? It read differently when I first glanced at it…sorry just trying to add some levity.

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[FatsWaller]

The inspector’s name is N. Pigga? It read differently when I first glanced at it…sorry just trying to add some levity.

Haha so did I, I thought I was being Punk'ed, It was a young kid too, so Im pretty sure he does that on purpose.

 

[BazilBlue]

This may have been posted already, but it appears that there is a sticker with the “FoMoCo” repeat logo over the VIN plate. Seems like it was pasted over the existing logo. I’ve tried to outline it in your original photo.

 

[FatsWaller]

This may have been posted already, but it appears that there is a sticker with the “FoMoCo” repeat logo over the VIN plate. Seems like it was pasted over the existing logo. I’ve tried to outline it in your original photo.

I saw this as well, but noticed the two others that posted images of their VINs on this thread also have what appears to be these 'adhesive marks'.

 

[Imaginary Friend]

I would say maybe 2% of buyers would ever look at the windshield vin tag.

I actually photograph them and the door tags when I get a vehicle. Then I have them for reference down the road, whatever the case may be.

 

[BigHoof]

Why not contact the seller and ask him what happened to the VIN. Very odd and certainly seems shady. Can almost guarantee it was never delivered without the VIN and if he is the original owner then should know what happened. I can't believe the cops didn't seem to bat an eye about it. Most places it's illegal to cover your VIN let alone remove it entirely.

As to how a scam would work, you steal a vehicle and then can't register it due to it being stolen. You then find a wrecked vehicle and use the title and VIN from it to get yours registered. The shady wrecker crushes the wreck and removes the evidence (highly illegal but goes on all the time). Not saying this is what's going on but one of the reasons for the VIN to be missing. Doesn't matter if it's been in guys the driveway for a long time. He may have bought it that way too, knowingly or unknowingly. Easiest way to find out is to ask him where it went.

Kinda has hints of the stolen Raptor story from a year or so ago.

Was this vehicle included in the windshield recall? I guess the tech could have destroyed it and never said anything. Again, back to the original owner would know.

 

[Quick]

If it's printed on, perhaps some aggressive chemicals while cleaning the windshield dripped down into that area and washed it off?

 

[FatsWaller]

So a little update for everyone invested, I was able to get ahold of the previous owner. He confirmed that the VIN was in place when he bought the car. He seems genuine and is looking for the paperwork from the recall. Sounds like I am going to have to get the window removed to look (probably on my dime). Sigh.

 

[BigHoof]

I'd make the dealer fix their FU. It is illegal and sounds like they caused the issue. Start there.

 

[FatsWaller]

I

I'd make the dealer fix their FU. It is illegal and sounds like they caused the issue. Start there.

I agree, Issue is that I am in California and the dealer that did the recall repair was in South Carolina.

 

[BigHoof]

I agree, Issue is that I am in California and the dealer that did the recall repair was in South Carolina.

Got yourself a real mess.

 

[Lowcountry Bronco]

I

I agree, Issue is that I am in California and the dealer that did the recall repair was in South Carolina.

Palmetto Ford is in Charleston, they'd have record but your local Ford dealer should as well. Since Ford did the official recall I'd talk with your local dealer to ask how they can remedy this if all else checks out. Good luck!

 

[Ultraswip]

I'm still unclear how the VIN is even applied here. Is the FoMoCo thing the sticker which has the VIN printed onto it? Or is the VIN just another transparent backed sticker that goes on top of the FoMoCo piece? Either way seems like a crappy way for Ford to apply the VIN. All my current vehicles the VIN appears to be etched directly into the surface.

If it's just a sticker I could definitely see how it might come loose especially if the area was being worked on.

 

[FatsWaller]

I'm still unclear how the VIN is even applied here. Is the FoMoCo thing the sticker which has the VIN printed onto it? Or is the VIN just another transparent backed sticker that goes on top of the FoMoCo piece? Either way seems like a crappy way for Ford to apply the VIN. All my current vehicles the VIN appears to be etched directly into the surface.

If it's just a sticker I could definitely see how it might come loose especially if the area was being worked on.

I'm confused as well. It looks like a sticker from what I can tell in others photos but I agree, I'm not sure why for such an important number its not stamped, riveted or etched into the actual vehicle like all my past cars.

 

[Dialtone]

I worked in manufacturing for quite a few years. Some of it for the auto industry. Some of that time was in Quality Control. I am of the firm belief that if it can be screwed someone will screw it up. You would think the VIN dash location being correct would be a 100% inspection detail. Emphasis on "you would think". Statistical probably is the basis for all QC checks. Operational defrost and fail to defrost must be 100%. The line operators are responsible for this. I've spent too many hours checking pallets of components and cars parked in a rail yard to believe "There's no way somebody would miss this". It's a stunning and depressing reality how much too many people don't give a shit about their job. Union or non Union. I've worked them both. I'm leaning heavily on "human error" based on experience and the supporting VIN locations the OP has validated.

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