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General Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: VXH on June 11, 2021, 03:11:27 AM

Title: Tips for finding a VIN history
Post by: VXH on June 11, 2021, 03:11:27 AM

Hello All,

The first Mustang my Mom had was a 66 San Jose coupe. I stumbled across the VIN and searched around but the sites I found complained about the VIN being too short. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Title: Re: Tips for finding a VIN history
Post by: Coralsnake on June 11, 2021, 06:55:11 AM

A little more information might be in order

The 1966 VIN should be eleven characters long.

A lot of the online sites do not recognize the older, shorter VINs. (VINs are now 17 characters) There is no short cut to finding information on older cars. You will have to hit the books or find someone to help you decode the VIN

Title: Re: Tips for finding a VIN history
Post by: J_Speegle on June 11, 2021, 05:03:28 PM

Some have shared they hired a private investigator

Unfortunately or fortunately many states will not share past owners or other information due to laws and restrictions.

Not sure if your trying to find where it currently might be or who has owned it since - either way it can be a long and frustrating task

Title: Re: Tips for finding a VIN history
Post by: Mike_B_SVT on June 12, 2021, 01:10:48 AM

Here are some good tips...

https://cartreatments.com/find-a-car-you-previously-owned/

Title: Re: Tips for finding a VIN history
Post by: VXH on June 12, 2021, 01:33:16 AM

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies. It appears online VIN access is limited to 1981 and newer vehicles with 17 or more characters.

If I find a solution I?ll post it here.

Thanks again.

Title: Re: Tips for finding a VIN history
Post by: RoyceP on June 12, 2021, 09:23:50 AM

In the pre - internet days of 1993 I had the same problem except I had an owner card with the name and address of the original owner. Which you also have.


I went to the local library and asked how I might find that person. The librarian gave me a whole list of options to try including the Social Security death rolls, City of Dallas directories, reverse lookup phone books, and several others including Dallas Morning News subject listings and Delta Airlines retirement rosters.


I found a whole litany of results on that person and her previous addresses and employers which eventually, after many phone calls, led to me finding her and meeting her.


If your mother can remember who she sold the car to you can probably find out where it went. I highly recommend using a librarian they know plenty!

Title: Re: Tips for finding a VIN history
Post by: VXH on June 12, 2021, 04:08:34 PM

Thanks Royce,

The 66 Coupe was a 6 cyl and my Mom traded up in late 68 for a 69 302 Grande. We sold the Grande last year. My brother had a 69 Mach 1 and then a 70 Mach 1. We also had 3 LM  station wagons. A 65, 69 and a 76. Fortunately, I kept my 68 GT fastback.

If I find out anything about the 66 I'll post it here.

Thanks again