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| | | Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 Post Junkie | OP Post Junkie Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 | Hey guys I need help with getting a vin number " before " I go check out this van. The seller is not volunteering any info.
My buddy's that could do it before have there hands tied. No can do now. I have a plate number only and want to get vin.
You can PM me for details.
Thanks | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 494 Likes: 21 addict | addict Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 494 Likes: 21 | | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 282 Likes: 18 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 282 Likes: 18 | Maybe I am missing something but why do you need a VIN before going to look at a vehicle?
I know I would not provide you my VIN, hell I wouldnt even show you the title until you show me the scratch. | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 Post Junkie | OP Post Junkie Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 | I hear you. The owner seems a bit sketchy and I've requested info like mileage; history; title; etc and he never addresses what I believe are reasonable questions from a serious buyer.
Also he responds only to email and always a few days down road . I've forwarded the emails to a few guys and it is always the same response: "seems sketchy; pass on it" etc.
Won't give a contact number and I told him; I get his side and that I would like to meet and check out the van on his schedule; his time and choice of location. The response three days after the request:
"you can see it downtown with everyone else this Saturday"
Getting a bad vibe; and just want to make sure van is legit. After talking with someone back and forth for awhile ; almost always contact info exchanged and all is good.
Last edited by SDMickey; June 03rd 2020 1:22 pm.
| | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 4,805 Likes: 123 Uncle Rust N Dents | Uncle Rust N Dents Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 4,805 Likes: 123 | Dude... Just forget about it. You shouldn't have to work to buy anything. This one thing: "you can see it downtown with everyone else this Saturday" is enough to turn me off. I'm not going to an "auction" for an individual's vehicle. I'm surely not willing to wait 3 days for answers to my questions (Hell, I've probably already bought something else by then anyway. LOL).
I buy a lot of cars compared to normal people (3 in the past 6 months, and 61 overall). I don't play any games or go out of my comfort zone. As soon as there's any reason to stop pursuing a vehicle, I do. There's another one tomorrow anyhow, and it's probably nicer.
If you play the seller's games you just encourage that type of behavior. There are enough nuts out there without us coddling them. LOL
I consider myself a cordial buyer... I'm not very aggressive with haggling, I show up when I say I will, and I'm ready to buy on the spot. Believe it or not, those things give me a good advantage and I get some really good deals.
Just forget that dude. If he wanted to sell the van, he could have had it gone already. He's just trying to make a big deal out of it.
| | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 Post Junkie | OP Post Junkie Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 | Thank you Rusty for the support. I haven't been a "True" Vanner since 1982 when my 1974 was hit head on the freeway back in 1982. Drunk Driver.
I hear you; I've been looking so long for the last year and a half and they are almost always a Cali Reg Nightmare or the 1st buyer goes out and beats me too it.
I actually had a buddy turn me on to a sweet 1976 and I'm in process of getting the engine number; already have vin= owner is super cool; and once I have engine number I can get estimate on emissions control so I can smog legal.
Bro it's super nice with 350/350 combo; G10 Shorty and the dash is clean and untouched and cargo area a clean slate with a solid roof: no sunroof and no rear cargo area roof vent with pop out windows I wanted.; AND Factory Air !
I'm keeping my fingers crossed and if it looks cool on smog gear; I'm ready to hope a plane and drive back. I'm so stoked right now.
I always appreciate your posts; you make me laugh Bro, Your Funny; not like a clown though ( I don't want you to go Crazy on me like Joe Pesci in "Good Fellas" . One of many Stellar moments in that flick. One of my all time favorites.
Thanks Bro. | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 4,805 Likes: 123 Uncle Rust N Dents | Uncle Rust N Dents Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 4,805 Likes: 123 | Cool. Good luck on the '76. You're not going to believe this, but... When I read that you said I was funny, I literally thought, "Funny how? Like I'm a clown?" LOL | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 Post Junkie | OP Post Junkie Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 | Like " Do I amuse you ? Funny How ? Come on you said it; Funny How ? " | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 558 | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 558 | Mickey you want a van so bad your workin it too hard at it …. slow down you move too fast (you should be) sittin around feeling groovy ….. the van for you will fall into your lap.
SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS '93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB '92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,266 Likes: 43 old hand | old hand Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,266 Likes: 43 | Mickey you want a van so bad your workin it too hard at it …. slow down you move too fast (you should be) sittin around feeling groovy ….. the van for you will fall into your lap. +This
1987 B250 - Painkiller
| | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 6,256 Likes: 164 Master Metal Sculptor | Master Metal Sculptor Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 6,256 Likes: 164 | Mickey you want a van so bad your workin it too hard at it …. slow down you move too fast (you should be) sittin around feeling groovy ….. the van for you will fall into your lap. He's got the itch......a bad itch! | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 Post Junkie | OP Post Junkie Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 | Thank you frscke1 and Deathor victory. I appreciate your advice and know you guys are right. So many guys have reached out to me and have helped me with some of their personal contacts. I try to stay positive; I'm truly a good guy and miss those days so much. It was the best times of my life when I was vanning. I grew up in a great time. I want to try and recapture that before lights out. This is my first social website and I really dig it. And there is a group of you that I really admire with your talent; advice; experience and talking with me. I need this in my life right now. I had a BIGtime health scare a year and two months ago. I'm good now; knock on wood. I need to have my Dream Van fall into my path soon or I need to get the band back together ! Thanks guys. I really do appreciate your advice. I've always been a live wire all my life. I partied hard.
Last edited by SDMickey; June 03rd 2020 10:31 pm.
| | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 494 Likes: 21 addict | addict Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 494 Likes: 21 | | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 Post Junkie | OP Post Junkie Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 | I hear you. This is the link Lee sent me this morning. The guys name is Matt and he is super cool. He sent me at least 15 more pics than on his post . I have the vin and I was told by a very reputable shop that to send them pics of the engine number that was located front passenger side below the heads.
This of course is for all Factory emissions gear I'll need to register it here in CA. Same old story. It has Zero smog gear. Has been all it's life in New Mexico. Matt bought it from his Bro and he bought from Original owner it has like 83K original miles and I do like the idea of Factory air. It's sweet. The engine looks clean and is the original.
I'm waiting to hear about the emissions/smog challenge and I'm going to hit up my buddy who does smog for Honda; but is a car guy. He is super smart; automotive engineering degree and does all his work like Lee. He always tells me to cool my jets and don't get so emotional and wait for a 350/350 combo Shorty 1971-1975 so we don't deal with smog.
I'm in love with this van and the owner has gone beyond coolness to be helpful. Now it's a wait game to hear back= to register it legit could cost $$$. I'm ready to pay his 13.5K; but hope to get it for 11-12K to help with smog and registration.
What is the worst. Matt told me a guy from Scottsdale wants to drive out tomorrow. If so; I plan on seeing that 1973 G10 in Oceanside ( 4K = 6 cylinder / 3 on tree ) on Sunday if it doesn't sell Saturday. I was going to take personal time off Saturday; but took Rusty's advice not to play his game; but I will see it Sunday if available and I'm hoping this super clean 76' can happen for me pending smog/emissions challenge. I want it to be legit.
I appreciate you looking out and I have to say your van is really nice; I know you worked hard and put your time in. My 1971 was my favorite and was a delivery cargo van and it took me 2 years to build it. If all go's well. I plan to fly out and drive back. Thanks Mickey
Last edited by SDMickey; June 04th 2020 12:35 am.
| | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 494 Likes: 21 addict | addict Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 494 Likes: 21 | Wait...so that green '76 in Phoenix is the same van you were originally talking about? Just buy the damn thing! | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,266 Likes: 43 old hand | old hand Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,266 Likes: 43 | I’d try and get a basic understanding of what your smog level needs to test at in order to pass, test the van as is without any gear and see where you need to get to. I had a 73 Chevy that had all its original smog equipment on it, but all disconnected because at certain points in its life, they all stopped working and mostly would affect the way it ran since it’s all vacuum based. He never bothered replacing the parts because some of it is not even made anymore and he didn’t have to bother since it’s pre smog. 70s smog stuff is so antiquated as it is, I can’t imagine it’s all that helpful for these old motors. Maybe there’s a way to say it passes if it has stock exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, 50 state carb, and nothing crazy. If you can get it legit tested and maybe a little help from your friend on the visual part, you could get by without too much headache. Assume any vehicle that’s out of state is always going to not be smog compliant so you should know what you need at a minimum regardless of what van you look at that’s out of state
Last edited by Deathorvictory; June 04th 2020 1:07 am.
1987 B250 - Painkiller
| | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 Post Junkie | OP Post Junkie Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 | Scrojira: the 1st van I was talking about that has the owner with the bad "vibe" is the white 1973 posted on Craigslist in San Diego. He's about 45 minutes from me in Oceanside, CA ; All 1975 and older is no problem.
I have heard horror stories about people with 1976 + models that have to spend a lot on emissions/smog gear ; have to meet a "State" arbitrator and then you have to go through it "every" year instead of every two years.
The green 1976 G10 in New Mexico I just got turned on to was sent to me yesterday morning and was talking with Matt over a 3 hour period. The guy was unbelievable sharing extra pics; the history and sending the vin metal plate and build sheet; night and day from the 1973 guy.
Deathorvictory; you just brought up a very good point I forgot about: with all the required smog stuff: the motors are never performing at their top potential' stock exhaust manifolds and I almost remember state approved headers back in the day with the smog tubes attached to each exhaust port so it would pass the bi-annual inspection. That with all the other required gear.
I remember on some of my vehicles we would have a whole different set up to pass smog; do the test/inspection; then afterwards take it all off; re-install aftermarket upgrades again; headers etc Re-time . It seems like it might be difficult to get the Factory gear required that would be functional and pass.
If so I would imagine you could do upgrades to the lost power due to the smog gear like balancing; blue printing; intakes etc. Of course moving too quick as I usually do; I hadn't taken that aspect into consideration.
My fear is I get this green van and go down a California State Smog/Registration nightmare that could cost me and I don't have full performance with my motor.
I hate this; it seems every time I find a primo out of state van I deal with this. I lost out on that 1973 G10 in Illinois with 4,233 original miles by 7 days . I was ready to pay 20K + fees for that time capsule. Let's see what info I get back and if not good news; deep down inside my dream 1971-1975 will come across my lap. This quest is very challenging for me.
Thank you guys. I appreciate all the help; guidance and advice I'm getting. | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 Post Junkie | OP Post Junkie Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 | I'm going to put it out there for your guys valued opinion. Please check out the Craigslist post for the 1973 G10 Shorty in San Diego: Oceanside for $4000.
Should I just go for this van even with the challenges of the sketchy owner and not have to deal with smog and move forward with crate motor etc... and make it my clone of my 1971 I had ? And how challenging is adding air and most important; making the dash look Factory vs cost ?
Your advice means a lot to me. Thanks guys; have to go to work; 12 hour day today; it's good to be back. ( I'm selling my beloved 2012 Silverado so I have $$ to do a good amount of upgrades and not have to wait.
I'll check back tonight after work. | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 558 | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 558 | Mic what ever you get there is always the DMV referee to side step the smog process.
SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS '93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB '92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,266 Likes: 43 old hand | old hand Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,266 Likes: 43 | I'm going to put it out there for your guys valued opinion. Please check out the Craigslist post for the 1973 G10 Shorty in San Diego: Oceanside for $4000.
Should I just go for this van even with the challenges of the sketchy owner and not have to deal with smog and move forward with crate motor etc... and make it my clone of my 1971 I had ? And how challenging is adding air and most important; making the dash look Factory vs cost ?
Your advice means a lot to me. Thanks guys; have to go to work; 12 hour day today; it's good to be back. ( I'm selling my beloved 2012 Silverado so I have $$ to do a good amount of upgrades and not have to wait.
I'll check back tonight after work.
You’ve already got good opinions from people on this forum about that van. It’s not worth your time if a seller is playing games. You are this worked up about it and haven’t seen it in person yet! That pre smog shorty in theory sounds great but you should not have to work this hard to buy something. Don’t even bother until you see it. All these “what should I do about this or, how much does AC cost†are pointless questions until you buy a van. It’s not 1982 anymore, way less vans are available in good shape. Find what you want exactly or just roll with the punches and know you will have some sacrifices. You know you can’t see that van till Saturday, no use blowing up the forum with anxious energy until then.
1987 B250 - Painkiller
| | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 282 Likes: 18 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 282 Likes: 18 | I'm with Scrojira on the green shorty, go get it and worry about the smog crap later. That thing looks very nice. Shorty with original paint, a/c, that's about as good as you will find.
And I'm with Deathorvictory, this may sound bad and you may not want to hear it but I also think you are over-thinking this. It seems like you need to know every possible answer to every possible question. It ain't a perfect world, we can't answer every question for you. You have to be the decider in chief but I can say adding factory air to a non-a/c van will be a pain in the ass.
And I'm with frscke1, there are ways to "solve" the sniff test process. You just have to "know a guy".
And remember the unobtainable triangle "quality, price, service - you can have 2 of the 3". The $4k van doesn't have everything you want and the owner is not as cooperative as you want but the van is nearby and cheap. There is almost 2 of the 3. The green one is nice and has a very cooperative owner but the van is expensive. There is 2 of the 3. Comparing those two vans is a no-brainer in my world. Pick and choose or wait forever and try to get all 3. Good luck on that rabbit hunt!
Unfortunately, I'm just not ready to get on an airplane otherwise I'd be on a 1,700 mile one way roadtrip in my new van! | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 4,805 Likes: 123 Uncle Rust N Dents | Uncle Rust N Dents Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 4,805 Likes: 123 | I'm with Scrojira...
And I'm with Deathorvictory...
And I'm with frscke1...
And I'm with 1959. LOL | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 Post Junkie | OP Post Junkie Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 | Your right Deathorvictory. Sorry. I want to work Saturday and I'm off Sunday. The guy said he will show I believe Sunday as well.
frscke1. I've never had to deal with a DMV referee. That scares me.
Last edited by SDMickey; June 04th 2020 6:17 pm.
| | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 Post Junkie | OP Post Junkie Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 11,241 Likes: 411 | I need a Hot Tub Time Machine.
P.S. 1959 . I hear you. I've been through so much this last 10 years and don't want to make a bad "finincial" mistake = $ 13K for van + 250.00 vehicle inspection with compression check included. I'm actually leaning towards that 1976 in New Mexico. It's like you said. It's so primo !
I feel like one of those teenagers in that "Scared Straight" ( Don't say the EZ joke Rusty; that goes for Dusty too. ) T.V. series where juvenile delinquents went into prisons and the seasoned inmates told it like it is !
Or I'm waiting for Jack Nicholson to call me and tell me ; ": YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH" !
The Worst ! I need a Hot Tub Time machine.
Last edited by SDMickey; June 04th 2020 6:16 pm.
| | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 4,805 Likes: 123 Uncle Rust N Dents | Uncle Rust N Dents Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 4,805 Likes: 123 | LOL | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 494 Likes: 21 addict | addict Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 494 Likes: 21 | I don't know why you're preemptively freaking out about smog so much. When I was living in San Diego, my '78 passed without any trouble - even with a disconnected evap canister and small exhaust leak.
At any rate, you'd better s**t or get off the pot if you want that green shorty because I'm about to make arrangements to have a good friend of mine in Phoenix go buy it for me and drive it up to Portland. | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 282 Likes: 18 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 282 Likes: 18 | Good move Scrojira but not what I want to hear! Have him drive up to me instead. | | | Re: Help with Vin Number | Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,266 Likes: 43 old hand | old hand Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,266 Likes: 43 |
1987 B250 - Painkiller
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