Theft Warning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Huck]

Just saw a news report of items being sold via e-bay that were stolen by a party from Tenn. The first thing they showed was a WHITE 71-2 CHEVY PICKUP up on a trailer. Apparently they steal cars/trucks/computers/appliances then sell them on e-bay. If anyone lost a truck recently, you might want to check with the Tenn state police. Huck

[junkyardjohn]

I HATE THEIVES. UNFORTUNATELY ARE OLD TRUCKS JUST SCREAM "STEAL ME!!!" & IT'S AWFUL EASY TO JUST UNPLUG THE IGNITION FROM THE HARNESS, PLUG IN A NEW IGN. SWITCH & DRIVE AWAY. EVERYONE OUT THERE NEEDS TO INCORPERATE SOME KIND OF KILL SWITCH, OR OTHER ANTI THEFT DEVICE TO SLOW THESE B@STURDS DOWN.

[chevy2racr]

that really blows, hope no one here is out a truck...

[dtlilly]

I live in TN, and have not heard of the thefts yet. That really must be a bummer. What I don't understand is how they are getting a title for the stolen truck? Buyers of any used vehicle need to spend the extra time and money doing a title search to prevent problems in the future. A buddy of mine here bought a 2000 Monte Carlo SS, the title matched the VIN. What must have happened is he filed for a lost title (thus having two titles). One of the titles was taken to a title loan company. Now my buddy lost his car he paid cash for, when it was picked up by the repo company for the title loan company. BUYER BEWARE!!!!

[68 Suburban]

Originally posted by dtlilly
What I don't understand is how they are getting a title for the stolen truck

They can do it because the change the title and VIN plate, which is illegal. I see these for sale on here all the time. We had a discussion on here about a year ago and a lot of people came out of the wood work with "but I needed to do this because". Weel that might be true, but it sure makes it easy for someone to try to make a stolen truck legal. That is why it is illegal to do so.

[Truckstr]

I haven't heard of this either. Right now, my '67 is in the garage up on ramps, so... it would be a little more difficult to steal.

I agree that our trucks are really too easy to steal without some sort of theft deterent installed. Getting or making one that works is the key.

Maybe I'll post a thread with ideas for theft deterents.

[my new 72]

Mine has power locks with the pops turned upside down, the lock cylinders are just there for show untill I weld the holes, a Viper alarm with kill switch, and now a one piece side window kit and power windows. If they want in my truck they will have to break a window and the alarm will go off and I am a really good shot, so, let them try.

[Tynee]

They can do it because the change the title and VIN plate, which is illegal.

I've checked into taking the vin plate from my truck and putting it on a cab from a donor truck. Accoring to my County Clerk, you can mail away to D.O.T. in Frankfort, and do this legally.

May not be the same state to state. Definitely would investigate before doing it.

[Huck]

Tynee, cost me like $6. and a 20 minute trip to Frankfort to do the deal. Bought my Jimmy with good title but Vin plate missing. The frame # matched the Title. I got a new vin plate issued by the state to match the original Vin #s. so yep you can do it.
If you were a thief, you could buy a junker and take the title and vin plate and use in against a fully restored truck you stole. Eventually you will get caught and then get to play who dropped the soap with some big ugly dude in jail!!!

[jku72]

Maine does not even require titles at all for anything older than 1980 somthing. I have tried to transfer title in Maine on my old rigs from out west, they just say "we dont do that". So, titles are not foolproof.
The only thing I could think of would be some sort of satillite tracking, I think some newer cars have it? Just some sort of chip or box or whatever that allows you to locate the vehicle. Since it could use cell phone technology, it should be doable and cheap. I dont know if anyone makes them, but they should.

[dtlilly]

I may have a problem...I purchased a GMC 4x4 shortbed truck in July 2002 that is of 1967-1972 design. It was sold to me as a 1971. After reading this board, I decided to investigate my own truck since I live in Tennessee (GO Titans!!). My title matches the tag in the door pillar VIN. But heres the problem. It has a 12 digit VIN starting with KE134S------. After a decode from the 67-72 web site here, this is not the correct number for the truck.

The truck is a piece together. I have a half ton truck. 350 engine and tranny, with a np205 T-case. There is 3/4 or 1 ton 8 lug suspension under it. The glove box door is off a chevy and void of a tag. The front bumper is of 71-72 chevy design, and has a chevy embossed tailgate with chevy tailgate band.

I was told by the seller that originally the truck came with a 402 engine, but he purchased the truck with no drive line. He built a 4 bolt main 350 very well (runs strong with good cam lope), built 350 tranny with shift kit, custom built race quality drive shafts. The np 205 was worn and leaking. The body is very straight with the exception of previously steel repaired rockers and cab corners (now rust holes again) and a fiberglassed floor.

I have the T-case out and all gears/berring look good. My oil leak is from a severely cracked adaptor (see my previous thread post in 67-72 truck and engine drivetrain post).

Does anyone have any idea why there might be a discreptancy with the model year? Also, As a responce from one of my previous thread posts noted, a new adaptor can be located at a GM dealer. I tried Chuck Hutton Chevrolet here in Memphis, and was told that they are a discontinued item. My transmission man located one available from NATIONAL DRIVETRAIN, but the cost to me will be $385.00!! I ordered it, but may cancel on Monday before they ship if anyone has any ideas.