Hectic Day at the Factory?

[markeb01]

That certainly is interesting. I've never seen anything like it before. I just don't think VIN numbers were considered all that critical until the last 20 years or so. From the factory standpoint it was likely most important to make sure the right body ended up on the correct chassis.

In my youth VIN numbers and body tags didn't seem all that important to anyone. It was like the time before zip codes. When zip codes first came on the scene, nobody cared and many people didn't use them. Now mail delivery depends on them. Many of my early cars were identified by the engine number. I swapped motors all the time and never had anyone at the DMV or insurance people care at all. Once the car was registered in your name that was it.

It seems to me VIN numbers started taking center stage when 60's and 70's vehicles became collectable, and having the right numbers could add an extra zero or two to their value. And stolen cars and parts are such big business, the importance of VIN identification has become a primary tool in theft recovery today.