Hide yer VIN# What works!

[David Morton]

Hide yer VIN#

I got the word here that the newest methodology of the thieves is to look through your windshield to get your VIN#, then go to a dealership and order a new key!(?) So, I took and old 3.5" floppy and cut the bottom part, from the circle down, off and it flopped right into the little cutout in the dash pad.
And then, just to check, I looked through my windshield to see how it covers the VIN# plate...

...and if you look real closely, you can see stamped into the black floppy disc plastic, the words,

Made in Canada. :D

[RoyLPita]

Buy a dash cover. They are usually longer so the VIN get covered when you install it.

Just my .02 and then some.

[DEFYANT]

I see the desire in doing this. But be prepeared to explain this if your ever stopped by the police. I have seen blocked or obscured VINs before. Sometimes there is a problem... sometimes not. There will be questions. Answers like theft deterance are OK, but I would be checking other areas of the car for the proper VIN.

Check your local law as this may be illegal.

(As a car guy, I would understand ;) )

[MaLo03]

[QUOTE=David Morton]Hide yer VIN#

I got the word here that the newest methodology of the thieves is to look through your windshield to get your VIN#, then go to a dealership and order a new key!(?) So, I took and old 3.5" floppy and cut the bottom part, from the circle down, off and it flopped right into the little cutout in the dash pad.
And then, just to check, I looked through my windshield to see how it covers the VIN# plate...

...and if you look real closely, you can see stamped into the black floppy disc plastic, the words,

Made in Canada. :D[/QUOTE


David: That was going on may years ago. I can date it as far back as the late 80's. From what I can remember, dealers are not allowed to give out any info in regards to the VIN #'s. Try going to the dealership and request that info and see what they do...

[bigjon]

with the pats system, you have nothing to worry about.

[wchain]

HOAAAAX!!!!

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/vin.asp

[DEFYANT]

Ok, I hope to put this myth to rest.

I called my dealer and asked if they would make a key from just the VIN. they replied NO. They would only make a key with the vehicle ( and owner ) there.

[Shaft333]

Even if they got one key that was cut right, they would still have to know how to match the immobilizer if they intend to drive the car away.

[David Morton]

HOAAAAX!!!!

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/vin.asp

Have you read this article? This article admits the possibility of exactly what I've said, that thieves can (and already have) used VIN#'s to steal cars. It only says the likelihood is remote.

It also documents a study by a major university that proves the PATS system can be hacked.

After reading this article I am quite satisfied to leave my piece of plastic where it is, thank you very much. I'll try to remember to remove it next time I park the car in New York City. :D

Have a nice day!

[Bigdogjim]

In New Jersey your vin number appears on your inspection sticker:)

[MI2QWK4U]

I see the desire in doing this. But be prepeared to explain this if your ever stopped by the police. I have seen blocked or obscured VINs before. Sometimes there is a problem... sometimes not. There will be questions. Answers like theft deterance are OK, but I would be checking other areas of the car for the proper VIN.
Check your local law as this may be illegal.

(As a car guy, I would understand ;) )

I concure with my colleage in Maryland...
Around here, a hidden VIN is a HUGE red flag to most officers. At the very least your traffic stop will be long and they will think you are concealing the VIN for a reason. I have seen numerous cars impounded untill an Auto Theft Sqaud officer can verify the dash VIN with a hidden VIN.

[hdwrench]

there are many dealers that etch the VIN in all the vehicle glass for "theft deterrent".


so if that is all you need then i guess every car from those dealers is just waiting to get stolen...

hmm my last 2 cars have that... all i can hope for is i catch them in the act

:censor:

gettin arrested will be the least of their worries

[jgc61sr2002]

Covereing the VIN in New York is illegal and the vin is also posted on the registration sticker. :(