VIn number and NCT

[richieg]

Had my NCT and was pulled for not having VIM number visible. I pointed out that the plate is perfectly visible on the inner wing but they said the chassis must be stamped.

I got home and checked online and to the best of my knowledge it is only ever stamped on the scuttle panel. My car is an 86 and I am guessing th scuttle panel was replaced as there is no stamp.

I am wondering what options do I have to fix this. Can I simply get it stamped and where would I go to do this or are the NCT guys wrong?
Is there somewhere that states the chassis number must be stamped on the chassis to pass the test?

[oel159]

Where did you get it tested?

[richieg]

Galway, why?

[The Marcos Graveyard]

The VIN is stamped in the rain channel between the wipers. You may have to lift the rubber seal to see it properly.

[oel159]

Galway, why?

I know from experience that when it comes to the NCT, they'll fail you on what ever they feel like at times. I put a car through an NCT and the only thing he could find was a 1mm peel on my rear licence plate. Brought it back an hour later and spoke to the manager, and he laughed saying that the technican should have passed it.

[zakgt]

I had the same problem with my NCT, one of several fails was the lack of the VIM. As I knew I hadn't replaced any panels, I got him to check again and we found it on the scuttle panel. We discussed the fact that a lot of minis are getting the scuttle panel replaced. His view point was once there was a number stamped, it won't be a problem. Fonthill NCT centre.

[richieg]

I looked at the nct manual this morning and it states that the vin must be visible but there is no mention of it having to be stamped.

[keith]

i'd be shocked to think they may be looking for things to fail you on... shocked. . truly.








oh wait......

they get paid a second time then, don't they?

[gareth-n]

richieg - My 2 cents...

I had the same problem, failed me twice. Spoke to a few guards and finally got pointed in the right direction. Rang the Dublin Carriage Office in Dublin Castle and got through to the stolen car dept. Explained the problem, next morning a detective called out to my house, rubbed a bit of acetone over the VIN and said ok, this hasnt been tampered with..... so gave me a certificate to give to the NCT center. Gave it to them and all sorted straight away. I know you are in Galway but Im sure there should be an equivalent in Galway....

[gareth]

oh wait......

they get paid a second time then, don't they?

no it's a free visual re test. I had an old peugoet that failed the nct a few weeks ago as the rear panel had been replaced after a bit of rear damage. Stamped it up and passed no prob. It is part of the test but you'll find it rare for them to look. But if it is missing it not a big deal to stamp up.

[zakgt]

Woody told me that the later minis have the VIM on the front and rear windows, checked my 1998 and they are there.

[Billy]

Devil's Advocate: "But you could have changed the windscreens from another Mini"

[zakgt]

Billy, the information being posted here, is to help people get through the NCT by sharing experiences, if your about to fail the NCT because you replaced your scuttle panel, the VIMs on the windows should increase your side of the agruement, in the end it would depend on how suspicious the tester is about the car.

[Billy]

It sounds like, from recent reports, that quite a few people are having the VINs (Vehicle Indentification Number) checked by NCTs. It's probably due to the amount of imported Audis, BMWs, Mercs etc with dubious history. Mind you, we are all aware of post-80 Minis being passed off as pre-80 cars to avoid VRT, road tax, etc. As has been stated before, the IMOC does not condone such practice.

Billy