Too many numbers? Help with VIN

[TheNormaAnn]

I tried to find answers before asking here, I promise!

Please help me sort out this VIN. It seems to have way too many numbers.

We just discovered it upon first cleaning and I'm so excited it exists. We were thinking the title transfer was going to be much more difficult that it will be now that we have a VIN.

[overlander63]

That's the model number for your Marvel coupler assembly.
What year Airstream do you have?

[wkerfoot]

If you don't know, post some pictures and we can probably figure it out.

Bill

Originally Posted by overlander63

That's the model number for your Marvel coupler assembly.
What year Airstream do you have?

[reinergirl]

So there's no plate by the door of your airstream?

[TheNormaAnn]

Dang it. I was afraid of that. Our interior screen door panel is missing. I'm convinced we have a 1958 30' SOR. It was manufactured in California, seriel number 5194.

[reinergirl]

You have the serial number ....it's 5164. Which would I believe corresponds to a late 50’s model. How long is the trailer?

Ps. That is a very nice trailer!

[TheNormaAnn]

Ok, but I don't have the VIN, which was most likely on the screen door, right? She got a good bath today. Did wonders!

[wkerfoot]

The VIN is on the Airstream plate under the window in front of the door. Look at this: 1958 "Sovereign of the Road" 30' - Vintage Airstream

Bill

Originally Posted by TheNormaAnn

Ok, but I don't have the VIN, which was most likely on the screen door, right? She got a good bath today. Did wonders!

[reinergirl]

No sorry for the terminology. That number IS your vin. There's nothing on the screen door. You have a very early Airstream, probably a 57 or 58.... Measure the length and that might help. I'm a little perplexed why you don't have a "Sovereign of the Road" plate....

[TheNormaAnn]

Seriously? The VIN is #length-#serial number?

[TheNormaAnn]

I know- the lack of the second plate is baffling. Maybe it's a custom?!

[rumrunner]

I think you are confusing yourself unnecessarily. The 4 digit number on the plate by the door is both serial number and VIN number. They are the same. The fun part sometimes is convincing the clerk at the motor vehicles office of this. The police officer who came to my house for the verification was very skeptical until I showed him the previous title.
Good Luck
tim

[TheNormaAnn]

It's a 30' for sure.

[overlander63]

There is no VIN on any vehicle prior to 1981. Before that, it was manufacturer's serial number only. That four digit number is the one and only identification for your trailer.

[66Overlander]

The serial number 5164 of your 30' Sovereign makes it a 1957 model built in California and it is currently the lowest serial numbered unit that I am aware of with 7-panel endcaps.

In contrast, the highest serial number California 30' Sovereign that I am aware of with 13-panel endcaps is 5155, which is known to be a 1956 model.

Both the 1956 to 1957 model year breakpoint and the change from 13-panels to 7-panels occurred between SNs 5156 and your 5164.