missing # in VIN

[BakedTaters]

We have looked at this plate with 5 sets of eyes and we all got the same number, but it doesn't match format: I31D9J618 <-should be 4#s at the end right? Can you use a 0 as a placeholder and where would it go, end or after the j? We're very confused and greatly appreciate any help.
Thanks,
Brenden&Stephanie
(Brenanie)

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by BakedTaters

We have looked at this plate with 5 sets of eyes and we all got the same number, but it doesn't match format: I31D9J618 <-should be 4#s at the end right? Can you use a 0 as a placeholder and where would it go, end or after the j? We're very confused and greatly appreciate any help.
Thanks,
Brenden&Stephanie
(Brenanie)

I think your vin is fine. This info is from the vintage archive site:

Ohio | O(I) 31 T(D) 9 J NNN
California | O(I) 31 T(D) 9 S NNN
("O" prefix for standard Landyacht options, "I" for Int'l options)

Based on your numbers, you have:
I - International trim
31 - Sovereign (31 foot long)
D - Double bed
9 - 1969
J - Jackson Center
618 - production sequence number.

[CanoeStream]

Hi Brenanie -- That's a good name!

Go to Airstream's FAQ page. Check out the VIN section for pre-1980 VINS.

Your VIN is complete and checks out as:
I = International
31 = length
D = rear bath, double bed
9 = year
J = Jackson Center production
618 = sequential production number. This was usually a 3 digit number in those days.

Another source is the individual model pages at Vintage Airstream Photo Archives. Representative VINs and sometimes even the range of sequential production numbers are shown at the top left of most model pages.

[BakedTaters]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

I think your vin is fine. This info is from the vintage archive site:
Based on your numbers, you have:
I - International trim
31 - Sovereign (31 foot long)
D - Double bed
9 - 1969
J - Jackson Center
618 - production sequence number.

It makes sense, we were just so sure it was a 1979. It's in REALLY good condition for a '69 then, with no remodeling. The seller swears it's from the 80's! Thank you so much for help!

[CanoeStream]

Looking at the Vintage Archive site, does it match pictures and layouts of a 1969 or 1979?

[azflycaster]

Does the trailer have a grey water tank? A 69 would not, a 79 would.

[wahoonc]

Post a picture of the curved front window. They were different in 69. IIRC they had a square corner on the bottom rather than a curved corner like the 70 and up models.

Aaron

[BakedTaters]

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Looking at the Vintage Archive site, does it match pictures and layouts of a 1969 or 1979?

I think it must be a 1969, they are almost identical. Thanks so much for your help, and the pics on that site are really fantastic!

[BakedTaters]

Originally Posted by wahoonc

Post a picture of the curved front window. They were different in 69. IIRC they had a square corner on the bottom rather than a curved corner like the 70 and up models.

Aaron

Haven't figured out how to post pics except for profile pic. The electric pole kind of blocks that view though. Looks kind of blocky...

And no idea about the grey water tank, Brenden says it might go straight back to black... ?

Thanks for help!

[CanoeStream]

See: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f138...eds-31829.html

Gray tanks weren't added until 1974. Without a gray tank you would need to use a blue tote tank (search using words: blue tote). Otherwise your wash water would just drain on the ground. If there is a grey tank there should be a second waste gate pull handle in the area of the sewer connection -- it is unlikely most previous owners would have added a gray tank to a 1969.

A manual would explain a lot of this but it sounds like you don't have one. If you are looking for a manual you can get reproductions from Helen Davis at Secretarial Services, PO Box 484, Sidney, OH 45365 (937) 492-8885. High Quality reprinted Service and Owners' Manuals are also available from the Airstream Store at Airstream, Inc. :: Travel in Style look under books. If you don't see the year(s) you need contact Airstream.

[BakedTaters]

According to the tax office, we still don't have the number they need to transfer the title! What number are they looking for, why wouldn't our VIN# work? So confusing!

[CanoeStream]

Go the the Airstream FAQ page. They're probably looking at the industry-wide standard VINs of the post 1980 period (after all, they see no SOBs this old!). I'd probably print off the pre-1980 and post-1980 page to show them that the older VINs were really so much simpler!