Question about titles and VIN

[ozy6205]

I inherited my argosy from my father, who used it as a hunting camp for decades. I do not know if he was the original owner, or bought it used. It has an Airstream aluminum emblem on the front street side with stats including the VIN number. The title matches that VIN.

I am restoring it, and after having the frame sandblasted, I see a VIN number on the top/front of the frame. This VIN is NOT the same.

Has anyone else heard of something like this happening?

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Go with the number that matches your title ....VIN numbers before the 1980's were really weird and not as disciplined / formal as what we have today.

Bob

[ozy6205]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Go with the number that matches your title ....VIN numbers before the 1980's were really weird and not as disciplined / formal as what we have today.

Bob

Yeah, it is a '73. Format of VIN is the same, just last 4 digits vary. Do you think they mis-matched frame and body at the factory? Ever hear of that happening? (Worried it was stolen and then sold to my father)

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I suppose that there could be something weird about it. Even with "solid" numbers that still could be true. Tracing anything like this back 40+ years through multiple owners with certainty is probably impossible. Trailers are not like cars or trucks. Numbers and paperwork are often a bit strange.

Bob

[guskmg]

Motorhome chassis VINs usually don't match the coach VINs because the manufacturers are not the same. The dates of manufacture of each are no where near the same either. Sometimes a year or two apart. Go with the Argosy's VIN. That is what Airstream used when they generated the MSO to the dealer and hence from the dealer to the DMV, to the owner. If the VIN is not reported stolen ask the DMV what paper work is required to put it in your name. If it was purchased by your father have it signed and submit it to DMV. If he is deceased just present a copy of his death certificate to DMV and see what they say. If he had any heirs before you, then you will have to deal with them first.
guskmg

[iaqstuff]

AZ took my out-of-state title, which had one VIN for the MB and one for the AI. They went with the newer date (the AI) and registered it as one VIN.

[ozy6205]

I appreciate the replies. My mind is more at ease now...

Btw, this is a trailer, not motorhome... And I have already dealt with getting the title transferred - it used the body VIN instead of frame VIN.

I was just surprised when the 2 VINs did not match, and could easily imagine someone stealing the Argosy TT and switching body VIN plates with a junked-out body, then selling to my father.

Thanks again!