VIN etched windows - Page 2 - GreenHybrid

tbaleno · #11 (**permalink**) 10-01-2005, 10:10 AM

In Chicago it is apparantly not legal to hide the VIN number on the dash. I had masking tape over mine to prevent someone from grabing my VIN and going to the dealer and making a key to my car. I was pulled over and the police officer asked me to remove the tape and told me not to cover it.

BTW: I didn't get a ticket for anything. I just got a warning.

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Harville

In some (many? most?) jurisdictions it is illegal to hide your VIN.

As for stolen VINs, it's not hard to generate a perfectly valid VIN. The meaning behind the letters and numbers in a VIN is not a secret.

bar10dah · #12 (**permalink**) 11-21-2005, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bar10dah

http://www.vinetcher.com/

Anyone use this product before?

I finally ordered this kit. I had forgotten about it for a while! It'll be here soon, and I'll post pics when done.

mg48 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-27-2005, 09:34 PM

My local dealer would not drop the VIN etch charges or the other $1200 of dealer add on like tint, mudguards. He also offered me $3000 less than bluebook trade in value. I'm looking for another dealer. There are several here in Houston.

bar10dah · #14 (**permalink**) 11-27-2005, 09:48 PM

Definitely shop around. Good luck on your hunt! The deals are out there; you just got to be persistent.

bar10dah · #15 (**permalink**) 11-27-2005, 09:49 PM

I received the VINEtcher kit in the mail yesterday. I've been busy this weekend, so I haven't gotten around to it. I'll try to get to it later this week and post the results with pics.

bar10dah · #16 (**permalink**) 11-28-2005, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Harville

As for stolen VINs, it's not hard to generate a perfectly valid VIN. The meaning behind the letters and numbers in a VIN is not a secret.

http://www.auto-theft.info/VINs.htm

bar10dah · #17 (**permalink**) 11-28-2005, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by livvie

if you have a valid VIN, then you can create false papers with a valid VIN, if the VIN matches the car you have, even better. It's a lot easier to sell a car (stolen, damaged or whatever) with a valid VIN than without... hence VIN identity theft.

http://urbanlegends.about.com/librar...hieves_vin.htm

bar10dah · #18 (**permalink**) 11-30-2005, 05:42 PM

These are all the items that came with the $19.95 kit from www.vinetcher.com

1) Etching Stencils Customized For Your Vehicle.
2) Etching Cream.
3) Higly Visible Warning Decal(s).
4) Insurance Discount Application Form.
5) National Vehicle Identification Program Enrollment Form.
6) Complete Instructions.

plus: practice stencils and nitrile gloves

Total cost with $5 shipping: $24.95.

bar10dah · #19 (**permalink**) 11-30-2005, 05:46 PM

The first thing you do is, clean your windows with glass cleaner.

After they're clean, apply the stencil (they're kinda like a sticker and will adhere to the glass and stay in place) to the window. The directions that came with the kit tells you the best place to put the stencils.

Next, you apply the etching cream that comes with the kit. The cream is in a tube with a brush. Just brush it on smoothly across the alphanumerics.

bar10dah · #20 (**permalink**) 11-30-2005, 05:50 PM

Let the cream sit for about 8-10 minutes, then peel off the stencils. Clean the glass once again with glass cleaner to remove the residue from the paste.

Now, clean up your trash.

You're done! Now, call your insurance company and tell them you have VIN etched windows, as most companies offer a discount if you have it.

The pic is kinda blurry because the camera is pretty close, but the VIN is easy to make out.

Overall, I feel the product worked pretty well! I'd recommend it to anyone else that's looking to get their VIN etched onto their glass.