2002 VIN's, and so much more.

[GetOuttaMyWay]

I'm looking to buy my first 2002 with plans of eventually doing a megasquirt m20 (yes, I've been lurking on here for some time now).

I checked one out today that I think I'm going to buy tomorrow morning. Its only $750, its a 1974 and the body is pretty straight. Paint is oxidized pretty bad (Its like a powder blue), but it definitely fits the bill. I didn't see much surface rust at all, and the front shock towers looked OK (I didn't peep the rears). It runs... which is more than I can ask for at this price.

The VIN is riveted to the top of the steering column. Is there where its supposed to be? I've only seen VIN's on the dash near the windshield. Its riveted, not screwed on. The VIN# is 4230004 if that means anything to anyone.

Also, any tips on removing the oxidation would be helpful. I usually wax with "Liquid Glass Pre-Cleaner" and then do a wax over it. Is there something folks would recommend for older paint? If you rub your thumb on it and get some finger oil into it, it shines a bit.

[Guest Anonymous]

vin is also on a plate on pass side under hood and stamped into pass front fender

[Mike Self]

1. stamped on the body structure, pax side just in front of the windshield--must raise the hood to see.

2. Atop the steering column (1968 models and later)

3. On the engine block--stamped on a boss just above where the starter motor bolts to the block. The OEM engine number matches the chassis VIN. If they don't, it's not th original engine.

1974 VINs ran from 4220001 to 4230601, so you have one of the last 600 or so 74s produced.

Hope you get it--the price is right if there's no structural rust....

cheers

mike

[GetOuttaMyWay]

That's good to know. I really need to make sure its not a 1976 because then I'll be stuck in California Smog Pergutory forever. Who knows if The Governator will roll that back to 1975 next year, so I feel safer with a 1974.

Thanks!

[ingraham]

but sometimes it's impossible to read.

The California law providing the smog check rolling exemption was repealed. 1976 cars will never be exempt unless the legislature passes a new law.

Curt

Oakland

[Mike Self]

don't have that sticker, and my '73 doesn't have one because the driver's door was damaged in shipment and replaced before the car was delivered new.

And BTW, that sticker will give you month/year build date; an e-mail to MT will give you the actual day the car was assembled.

cheers

mike