Lost VIN Plate - How do I get another?

[Andyknight]

I removed my VIN plate from the chassis of my midget before I had it blasted some months ago.

Despite rigourous searching I cannot find it.

Is it possible to get a replacement if I have lost it? I have the Log book V5 document is this enough?


Anyone had a similar problem?

[TerryG]

You can buy VPN plates on-line pretty easily eg: http://chassis-plates.com/MG.html
I have a set of stamps I purchased from Machine Mart YEARS ago I use for stamping. They are fairly cheap on ebay if you fancy doing it yourself.
If you want it stamped then I would send an email to the MGOC and see if they will do a stamped one for you.

[megadethmaniac]

Do you actually need one? I think that pre 1977? cars are exempt, so it may not necessarily that much of an issue.

[harvey]

Do you actually need one? I think that pre 1977? cars are exempt, so it may not necessarily that much of an issue.

I think it's a bit later than that. Up to and including "V" plates as far as the MOT is concerned IIRC.

[JPB]

Do you actually need one? I think that pre 1977? cars are exempt, so it may not necessarily that much of an issue.

I think it's a bit later than that. Up to and including "V" plates as far as the MOT is concerned IIRC.

Correct, here's a copy from the current tester's manual:

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN or chassis number) is required on all vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. except those which are
. kit cars
. amateur built vehicles

[OneCarefulOwner]

That would make them W plates, then

[JPB]

W was from 01/08/80 to 31/07/81 so Harvey was correct to state that

anything up to and including V plate

vehicles would in fact not require a VIN plate.

I should advise the O/P that sadly, not all testers are aware of this (or any other specifically age-related) rule so it pays to be a cantankerous b*stard like me and take your own copy of the current manual with you when presenting a car for test.

Buy the plate - if in any doubt about your fondness for standing and arguing the toss - and take it, along with your V5C, to any bodyshop or testing station where the appropriate set of punches is held so that someone can stamp it for you. Or find someone with a set of vaguely period-specific punches and DIY. It's not a VIN as such, since standardisation and the term "VIN" only came along after 1978, so the font isn't critical, though maybe avoid Comic Sans.

[megadethmaniac]

Wingdings!

[JPB]

Yep, that should please the MOT tester.

[CologneV6]

I had to get a VIN tag made up for a re-shell - brand new, unregistered shell, no ID - got a blank tag from ebay and got it engraved at Timpsons with the chassis number allocated to me by those nice people at the DVLA.