Vintage Car Connection Serial Number Decoding Service
Frequently Asked Questions
My car was built before 1950, can you decode it's serial number?
I have a very rare car built between 1950 and 1980. How do I know you can decode it's serial?
Do you charge extra to decode the body tag, cowl tag, warranty plate or fender tag?
Will you be able to tell me all of the information that was on my build sheet?
I am missing my body tag. If I give you my serial number can you tell me what was on it?
I cannot find my serial plate and/or body code plate. What do I do?
Q: My car was built before 1950, can you decode it's serial number?
A: Quite simply, there may be nothing to decode. Most early serial numbers were just that - a sequential serial number with no embedded meanings or codes. In some cases you could identify make, model year and perhaps engine but it is pretty inconsistent across brands. Send me what you have (allan@vintagecarconnection.com) and I'll let you know if its worthwhile purchasing a report.
A: The V.I.N. system standardized vehicle serial numbers worldwide. There is no need to pay someone to decode one of these numbers for you as you can do it yourself for free at many web sites. A simple and useful one can be found here.
Q: I have a very rare car built between 1950 and 1980. How do I know you can decode its serial number.
A: If it is a real oddball, E-mail me at allan@vintagecarconnection.com. I'll let you know if I have any info on it. Most common cars are not a problem. Just submit the form and payment. If for any reason I cannot decode the serial number I will refund 100% of your money.
Q: Do you charge extra to decode the body tag, cowl tag, warranty plate or fender tag?
A: No, the cost to decode this tag is included in the price. However, there is no money back guarantee on decoding these numbers. While it is not a problem for most cars, there are a few cars where the information about these codes is a little sketchy. At worst, this usually means only one or two numbers may not be decodable.
Q: Will you be able to tell me all of the information that was on my build sheet?
A: No. Without the build sheet itself, this type of information requires direct access to the manufacturers archives. This service is offered at other marque specific web sites. It is a great service but is much more expensive than what I am offering here.
Q: I am missing my body tag. If I give you my serial number can you tell me what was on it?
A: No. This type of information requires direct access to the manufacturers archives. This service is also offered at other marque specific web sites. It is a great service but is much more expensive than what I am offering here.
Q: I cannot find my serial plate and/or body code plate. What do I do?
A: E-mail me at allan@vintagecarconnection.com and let me know what kind of car you have. I will tell you where to look. You may end up only finding mounting holes where the tag once was. This is not uncommon. Two of my own car's are missing tags.
Q: Is there anything else I should look for?
A: Yes, two things. First check that the serial number on the car matches what you have on your ownership or title documents. As an appraiser, I'm amazed at the number of cars that have mistakes on their paperwork. Secondly, check to see how the tags are attached to the car. Most manufacturers used special rivets or mounting hardware. If a tag is held on with screws or standard rivets chances are it has been separated from the car at some point. Keep two things in mind. This does not necessarily mean it does not belong to the car, but is cause for concern. Secondly the original hardware is being reproduced. Proper hardware does not guarantee authenticity, but does help.
A: This is very common on Mustangs. With the warranty plate being mounted on the door it is very prone to being separated from the car it was originally mounted to. That is why the tag reads "Not for Title or Registration Purposes". Look for the serial number in the following locations; 64 1/2 to 1967 - stamped on the top upper flange of the left front fender apron (under the hood), 1968 - Stamped on an aluminum tab riveted to the passenger side dash, 1969 and later - The tab was moved to the driver's side. If this serial number doesn't match what is on the warranty plate, the option codes will have no relationship to your car.
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